Becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic

[ReaperN]

1) I've looked around here and found some people mentioning it'd be a better idea to become a paramedic first, and then transition into firefighting. Good idea?

2) In order to make this plan happen, what mandatory certifications/qualifications would I need to gain under my belt? In addition, what certifications would make me stand out more?

3) How would I go about getting the certifications/qualifications (college? test? etc.)

Currently I'm in Ontario, but once I apply for the jobs, I'd be willing to relocate.

I truly want to become a firefighter and paramedic. These careers actually help and save other people, rather than the "fake" careers who are all money and show.

[1Hoser]

Well I can help in the becoming a Paramedic area at least. I am a Paramedic in ON and I am going down to the OFC to be trained as a Firefighter this spring. First of all you will need your first aid which I will assume you have. Then you need to start looking at PCP schools. There are basically 2 options here 1) The College 2yr program route which I recommend or 2) CTS Canadian Career College which is a 1 yr straight condensed course. You will have to look up each of their individual educational requirements such as Biology, math etc... I had to take some online courses to fullfill these requirements but easily done. After you do your course and get your Provincial Cert. (AEMCA) Then you can apply to write Albertas/BC etc... provincial exam and be certified there.
Good Luck as Both FireFighting and Paramedicine are very rewarding careers. And if you have any other ?'s I'd be happy to if I can.

[Flatlander]

"I truly want to become a firefighter and paramedic. These careers actually help and save other people, rather than the "fake" careers who are all money and show."

Well you certainly have the right attitude to be a paramedic!

[firefighter2690]

Just wondering what the difference was between an EMT and an AEMCA? Is one higher than the other? And do you receive both after finishing a paramedic program at a college?

[lowrider_62]

Originally Posted by firefighter2690

Just wondering what the difference was between an EMT and an AEMCA? Is one higher than the other? And do you receive both after finishing a paramedic program at a college?

EMT is short for Emergency Medical Technician. In Ontario, the Emergency Health Services Branch doesn't use the word EMT, instead they use paramedic instead. There are 3 levels of land ambulance paramedics in Ontario - Primary care paramedic (PCP), Advanced care paramedic (ACP) and Critical care paramedic (CCP). Other provinces, such as Alberta, use EMT.

AEMCA is short for Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant. This is the provincial licence you need in order to work as a paramedic in Ontario. You receive your AEMCA once you pass a paramedic program in Ontario and pass the AEMCA test through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC).

You receive your AEMCA once you pass a paramedic program and passing the AEMCA test in Ontario. However, you wouldn't be considered a paramedic if you only have your AEMCA. You would be considered a paramedic in Ontario if you work for am ambulance service and being able to perform controlled acts.

Hope this helps and you can also PM me.

[lowrider_62]

Originally Posted by ReaperN

1) I've looked around here and found some people mentioning it'd be a better idea to become a paramedic first, and then transition into firefighting. Good idea?

2) In order to make this plan happen, what mandatory certifications/qualifications would I need to gain under my belt? In addition, what certifications would make me stand out more?

3) How would I go about getting the certifications/qualifications (college? test? etc.)

4) Currently I'm in Ontario, but once I apply for the jobs, I'd be willing to relocate.

I truly want to become a firefighter and paramedic. These careers actually help and save other people, rather than the "fake" careers who are all money and show.

I've looked around here and found some people mentioning it'd be a better idea to become a paramedic first, and then transition into firefighting. Good idea?

That's true. If you prefer to be a firefighter over a paramedic, it would be better to do Pre-service first. Do pre-service while applying to fire departments for employment at the same time. After graduating from pre-service, study paramedics (assuming you don't become employed as a firefighter while doing pre-service). While studying paramedics, apply to fire departments for employment at the same time again.

The reason why it's better to do pre-service first then paramedics is because it's easier to find a paramedic job rather than a firefighter job.

Just my 2 cents.

2) In order to make this plan happen, what mandatory certifications/qualifications would I need to gain under my belt? In addition, what certifications would make me stand out more?

Well pre-service and paramedic both require English, math, chemistry and biology. I'm studying paramedics at Humber now and for their requirements, you only have to write a grade 10 level math, chemistry, bio test and an essay. You still need high school English, math, chem and bio but the way to determine if you get into the program is only from the results of your test.

It's mandatory that you have you first aid and CPR level HCP to get into the program.

3) How would I go about getting the certifications/qualifications (college? test? etc.)

For the first aid and CPR level HCP, you can get it at Canadian Red Cross or St. John Ambulance.

4) Currently I'm in Ontario, but once I apply for the jobs, I'd be willing to relocate.

That's good.

In the meantime, do your drivers licence test. Do your CZ or BZ. The reason is because you can drive a fire truck and an ambulance with either licence (do the CZ, it's easier).

Also it's a very good idea to volunteer.
Volunteering for St. John Ambulance's brigade is very helpful since you do volunteer work (important for fire), learning patient care skills (important for fire and paramedic) and volunteering in a para military enivironment (fire departments operate this way). I currently volunteer for them.

Hopefully this helps.

[firefighter2690]

Thanks lowrider 62 that answered my question exactly

[ReaperN]

Wow all great information and advice. Thank you. I'm very excited on my journey I'm about to take. I just want to finish gr12 and get that boring stuff over with

[KMan510]

If it's available to you I would try and do a co-op placement in firefighting next semester. I did this when I graduated 2 years ago and it really helped send me in the right direction. I'm unsure if the OFM allows it anymore but it's worth a shot.

If not, you could even do a placement with your local EMS service. Again, it would be a great experience and something to add to your resume.

[lowrider_62]

Also, find out that you have at least 20/30 uncorrected vision in each eye. Almost all, if not, all fire departments require this. If you don't have at least 20/30 in each eye, consider getting laser eye surgery or any other method that will increase your vision.

That's good that your finding out your career choices now at an early age. By you posting on this site and doing your research, that tells me that you are very interested in pursing to become and firefighter and/or paramedic.