Vermillion...

[rescueme141]

Hey everyone,

Just wondering about a couple things in Vermillion. They have all the courses I need to get a job in Saskatoon. But i'm unsure if the college offers technical rescue practices NFPA 1006. (A requirement for SAskatoon) Any one taken that class at Lakeland college? Also I'm unsure if getting your EMR means you have the Primary care paramedic certification or not. (Also a requirement) Can anyone help me out here? Yup....strongly leaning toward redneck country, instead of Brandon. Just need to get these two questions cleared up.

[Scuba]

EMT-A is your PCP equivalent if the school is approved to provide the course...

Don't know about your other question - im sure someone that does will be along shortly.

[iamvff]

When I took Recue Practices at MESC, there were several people in the course that were being, or trying to be, hired to Saskatoon. I would research very carefully, I have always been lead to believe that saskatoon hires primarily MESC graduates. But, you never know...just what I have heard. Also, MESC teaches PCP.

iamvff

[LFD_FF17]

I went to ESA in Sherwood Park AB, you should look into it, we used Vermillion and get a couple more certs then they do other then thats its identical, so im pretty sure you do NOT get 1006. Could be wrong though, but im pretty sure you dont.

[BigAxe]

If you're trying to get into Saskatoon, don't do anything other than MESC. Pretty much they only take graduates from there. For internal politics reasons, they don't like fire etc. This is not just their unofficial position, this is actually the official stance of the Saskatoon Fire Department at this time. I'm not an advocate of MESC by any means. I think fire etc. and ESA are great schools. Just thought you should know before you invest everything into fire etc. when Saskatoon doesn't give their graduates a second look.

[rescueme141]

Wow.... thanx everyone, for helping me out with that question. I talked to Assistant Chief Dan Paulsen in Saskatoon and he told me that both colleges were acceptable as long as you got all the requirments. But what you are all saying makes sense and I definately don't want to make any mistakes that could cost me money or restrict my chances of becoming a Fire Fighter in Saskatoon. I will do whatever it takes in my power to become a Fire Fighter, even if it takes till 2008 to get into MESC...

[iamvff]

Wow.... thanx everyone, for helping me out with that question. I talked to Assistant Chief Dan Paulsen in Saskatoon and he told me that both colleges were acceptable as long as you got all the requirments. But what you are all saying makes sense and I definately don't want to make any mistakes that could cost me money or restrict my chances of becoming a Fire Fighter in Saskatoon. I will do whatever it takes in my power to become a Fire Fighter, even if it takes till 2008 to get into MESC...
If your down this way give me a call...I'll show you around....the bar!!!:D

iamvff

[ABFF37]

If your down this way give me a call...I'll show you around....the bar!!!:D

iamvff

I might have to take you up on that bar tour myself there at some point iamvff...
I've told the future Mrs.ABFF37 that if we ever drive out to Winnipeg to visit her grandparents, the route we take will definately go through Melita!

AB:)

[mattcurry]

Fire Etc. now offers the 1006 certification. They didn't offer it in previous years, but are now set up to offer the whole shebang. Check out the new 2007 Training Schedule at www.fire-etc.ca for more info on the course dates, etc... i was doing my 1001's there this past summer, and saw them setting up the props, and running the pilot course for the program. I'm pretty sure Dez Schubert is one of the lead instructors for that... he's a great guy... i would recommend any course from there in a heartbeat.... hope that helps

my two cents.

[firelymie]

Wow.... thanx everyone, for helping me out with that question. I talked to Assistant Chief Dan Paulsen in Saskatoon and he told me that both colleges were acceptable as long as you got all the requirments

Be very wary of what the Brass says, specially to aspiring FF's. They may say one thing because that is what they have to say to so they don't cross any lines, but in reality they will do something else because that is what they really want in a candidate. If the majority of the last guys on are MESC trained and not Fire etc than that is your answer.

Got my ass burnt by doing the same thing once Rescueme141. I did what the high ranking officer told me just to learn after the fact that he was being PC. Honesty is free but that BS he fed me cost me alot!

[S2Steeda]

..........

[schmidt]

I graduated from Vermilion EST in 2004. The fact that Saskatoon ONLY looks at MESC and doesnt like Fire .etc is all rumor. It IS NOT the official stance of Saskatoon Fire. While attending Fire etc Dep. Chief Paulsen came to Vermilion and talked to our class for about two hours about applying to Saskatoon after graduation. Yes, the numbers show that there are alot more graduates from Brandon going to Stoon, but also look at the geographics. Students from Alberta are going to go to Vermilion over Brandon usually depending on where they want to work. Vermilion suits to Edmonton/Calgary, while MESC suits to Regina/Saskatoon. Also, look into Con-Ed after school. Dont expect to pay your $15 000 and get a job. Take some correspondence courses and give yourself the edge over the 60 other that graduated from MESC.

[rescueme141]

Well, where do I start? Thank you all for being great people and helping me out with my questions. When I become probie, I'm gonna have to take all of you that helped me for some drinks, on me! You truly are amazing individuals, that I have a lot of respect for.

However, I am more than a little frustrated at how this whole system seems to be pretty backasswards!! I mean it seems like there is a lot of hearsay and BS surrounding the education aspect and recruitment. Kind of odd you have to be on your own, and the people that do the hiring really give you no tools to kick start your career. You know I believe this is a job suited to individuals that want to help people. Which many of you have so eloquently demonstrated, helping me on this site. But I have had a lot of turmoil and angst thrust upon me from friends that are volunteers firefighters etc. They all seem so competitive and just want to cut you down and not even give the chance to progress towards your goal. I have had so many people tell me, that everyone wants to be a frefighter, what the hell? Not everyone wants to be a firefighter!!! A friend of mine, that I initially brought forth this idea for a career choice, said I was crazy. Now two years later he is on this site and a volunteer firefighter. He has pumped me up and sold me on the idea I originally had. And the most disturbing part is he doesn't help me. He cuts me down and basically thinks he's a shoe in for a job and a know it all. What kind of a friend is this? I don't think he'd make a good fireman at all! He doesn't posess an essential charicteristic for this field of work. Theability to help others in need. A fireman is selfless, you care about others more than yourself. A fireman in my mind is iconic, a role model.

Maybe i'm crazy, but one thing I know for sureYou all seem to posses those charicteristics. And I applaud you all for it. Sorry bout the rant, it's just been bothering me.

As for me, i think i'm going to work towards getting my PCP in Saskatoon, CPR-C and Scuba certification, and standard first aid, and get some practical EMT work in and some volunteer hours, plus I have my 1A learners. Going to go for the practical test. Any other helpful suggestions, are welcomed and much appreciated.....

Thank you all

Cody

[iamvff]

Cody, you sound like you'll do just fine to me! Sometimes words speak volumes about a person!!

iamvff

[schmidt]

Good idea about taking you PCP and SCUBA. Take courses, and most importantly, USE THEM. There is no such thing as a resume builder. Let them know that you have all the courses AND actively use them. Of course it will be a little hard for you to keep current on Pump Ops and High Angle stuff, but you know what I mean. Another thing, and I see you have already dealt with it, DONT EVER GET DISCOURAGED! Having the best career in the world will not happen over night. People are waiting years and years to get on. Apply and if you get a PFO letter (Please F*ck Off), apply again. Ive had a few of those might I add. LOL. You will get on. Keep the same attitude you have now, and dont stop learning. You will be where you want to be.

[BigAxe]

Schmidt's absolutely right. NEVER let anyone get you down. You know what it means to be a firefighter. That's something that a lot of applicants forget when getting through the process. They forget that the people they're cutting down and giving bad advice to are the ones who will be covering their a$$ in a fire. I personally would be honoured to work beside someone with your drive and desire to help others. You truly know what a firefighter is SUPPOSED to represent. I believe that will be what helps you succeed...regardless of which school you go to.
As for the PCP, it's a great idea. Not only does it allow you to enter the world of Emergency Services, but it will expose you to many situations that others will not have. Experience is a wonderful thing. I just completed my EMT in Alberta, and can't wait to start working full-time on an ambulance. I think EMTs (and Paramedics) and firefighters share a lot of that some desire to help others, and that will be beneficial to you keeping your positive attitute.
Cheers!!