I was Honorably discharged from the Marines last year and wanted to persue a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic. I'm currently on a volunteer dept and have grown up around the fire dept my whole life. Im a 3rd generation firefighter. My question to you is since I'm a 40% disabled from the military (for my knees, neck, back, hips) could I still become a professional firefighter/paramedic. I have my Firefighter 1/2 and my EMT-B. I was told that since I had so much disability that I wasnt able to be a professional firefighter due to liability reasons, which I agree 100% with. Safety first. I just didnt know if that was an accurate statement or not. I just find it a little weird how I can still be a volunteer firefighter/emt, but not a professional firefighter/paramedic. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
ANSWER: Volunteer departments normally do not go into ones medical history. Professional departments do. I think it is because the professional departments offer insurance where the volunteers do not.
Does that help?
Mike
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QUESTION: Mike,
My station offers insurance. well it will cover any medical bills if you are injured on a run but thats it. i just want to know if i could have any job that will directly involve the fire or emergency medical services. thanks.
Jeff
Answer Hi Jeff,
Liability reasons will be a huge issue for you, I'm sorry.
I thought I answered this once but maybe I forgot to send it.
Volunteer departments normally do not investigate health problems because they do not cover you with workers comp unless you are on a call. Professional departments have to cover you for your entire shift. They are very pickey about this. I also agree with it 100%.
Try ti work you way into administration where you do not have the physical demands. They may look at you differently for a desk job.
Let me know,
Mike
