AboutGustavo E. Flores Expertise I am a volunteer Firefighter Paramedic, Swiftwater Rescue Technician Instructor, Basic Life Support Instructor, Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor and Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor, as well as a PADI Open Water Diver instructor, lifeguard, search and rescue specialist. I regularly teach for a health and safety consulting company specializing on industrial emergency response teams development. Feel free to contact me anytime. I am just an e-mail away from you!
Experience Volunteer for Fire Department's Special Operations Division, Team Leader and active member of an all-volunteer water rescue team and instructor for a training company. I am also a rescue specialist for our local Urban Search and Rescue Task Force.
Organizations National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR).
Question I am a medic in the US Air Force. I am also a volunteer firefighter/EMT in Florida. I want to become a full time firefighter at some point when I leave the military but I've heard a lot of horror stories about how difficult it is to accomplish this. I am wondering if military service helps in the application process. Thank you in advance for your help.
Answer Hi Kristopher,
Many fire departments have long waiting lines. In most instances, your odds increase with added qualifications, preparedness and/or prior experience.
How much does military experience is worth in the selection process will vary among fire departments. I infer they must certainly weigh in the fact you worked as a medic and hold a volunteer civilian position.
