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I have questions for firefighter/EMT?
1. Can you tell me about the types of tasks you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis?
2. What do you enjoy most about your career?
3. What is most challenging about your career?
4. What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job?
5. What are some misconceptions about your career?
6. What is the process as soon as you get to work ?
7. How do you handle difficult patients?
8. What makes a great shift?
9. Why did you choose this job ?
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2 answers
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Dr’s Answer
Oh, Nyah, you’ve got some great questions here! Firefighting and EMT work are not just jobs—they’re wild, unpredictable, sometimes exhausting, but always rewarding adventures. So grab a seat, maybe a snack because I can't find mine, and let’s get into it. 😎🧐
So the types of tasks responsible for on a day-to-day basis, now, picture this: you clock in, thinking you might have a slow day, maybe clean the truck, check your gear, and drink some coffee. Wrong. Five minutes later, you’re hauling someone out of a car wreck, putting out a kitchen fire, or helping a grandpa who fell in the bathroom. And that’s before lunch. Every day is a mix of emergency medical calls (because, surprise! Firefighters don’t just fight fires—most calls are medical), fire suppression, equipment checks, training, and some good old-fashioned problem-solving. Also, paperwork. You don’t see that in the movies, but trust me, there’s paperwork.
Knowing the enjoy about this career, well, Easy—knowing that when someone’s having the worst day of their life, you get to be the person who helps. There’s nothing like pulling someone out of a burning building, stopping serious bleeding, or even just comforting a scared kid and realizing: I just made a difference. Also, let’s be real—driving a fire truck with lights and sirens never gets old.
The most challenging parts of the career, oh yea it sure has its own.
The job takes a toll. You see some tough stuff—people in pain, situations that don’t always have happy endings, and some things you wish you could unsee (trust me). You have to learn how to carry that weight without letting it crush you.
And let’s not forget the exhaustion. Sleep? Sometimes it’s a luxury. You might be deep in dreamland when—BAM—the alarm goes off, and suddenly, you’re up, in gear, and responding to an emergency in 30 seconds flat. Good luck getting back to sleep after that!
Skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job!
First, you gotta stay calm. Fires, car crashes, and medical emergencies don’t come with a pause button. If you panic, things get worse fast.
You also need to be physically fit because this job is basically a full-body workout with no gym membership required. Carrying equipment, dragging hoses, lifting patients—you’ll feel it.
Problem-solving skills are a must too, because no two emergencies are the same. You need quick thinking, teamwork, and the ability to make decisions fast. And, of course, a sense of humor—because some days are so ridiculous that all you can do is laugh (after the emergency is handled, of course).
Some misconceptions about this career. First off, it’s not all fires, all the time. Movies make it seem like firefighters spend 100% of their time kicking down doors and running through flames. In reality, most calls are medical emergencies. That means a lot of EMT work, CPR, and, occasionally, helping someone who got their toe stuck in a bathtub drain.
Another big myth? That firefighters just sit around when there are no calls. Nope. There’s constant training, maintenance, reports, and making sure everything is ready for the next emergency.
Oh, and the firehouse is not just a giant hangout with gourmet meals every night. Sometimes you’re eating dinner at 3 AM because you got interrupted eight times before finishing a bite.
Now what's the process as soon as you get to work? Well, you clock in, check your gear, and make sure everything is where it needs to be—because when the alarm goes off, there’s no time to look for missing gloves. The crew goes over any updates from the last shift, maybe does some training or equipment checks, and then… you wait.
But not for long. The thing about this job is that you never know when things will go from zero to chaos. One minute, you’re laughing at a joke, and the next, you’re flying down the road, sirens blaring, ready to handle who-knows-what.
So obviously you wanna know. How do you handle difficult patients?
.. difficult patients—every EMT’s favorite challenge. Some are scared, some are confused, and some just really don’t want your help (even though they absolutely need it).
The trick? Patience, empathy, and sometimes a little humor. You don’t take anything personally. You focus on keeping them safe, calm, and cared for—even if they’re yelling at you the whole time. And if all else fails? Sometimes a little distraction works. (“Hey, wanna hold the siren button?” works surprisingly well on kids).
About a great shift well.
A great shift is when everyone goes home safe. Bonus points if you get a good rescue, teamwork is on point, and maybe—just maybe—you get to finish a meal without getting interrupted by a call.
Oh, and if someone brings snacks to the firehouse? That automatically makes it a top-tier shift.
Why choose this job?
Because it’s one of the few jobs where you know you’re making a difference every single day. It’s tough, it’s unpredictable, but it’s also rewarding beyond words. And let’s be honest—fire trucks, cool gear, and getting to help people? That’s a pretty awesome combo.
So, Nyah, if you’re thinking about joining the fire/EMT world—go for it! It’s a wild ride, but I promise, there’s nothing else like it. All the best out there and know if you need anything just shout out or wait just click a message I won't be hearing you! 😉
So the types of tasks responsible for on a day-to-day basis, now, picture this: you clock in, thinking you might have a slow day, maybe clean the truck, check your gear, and drink some coffee. Wrong. Five minutes later, you’re hauling someone out of a car wreck, putting out a kitchen fire, or helping a grandpa who fell in the bathroom. And that’s before lunch. Every day is a mix of emergency medical calls (because, surprise! Firefighters don’t just fight fires—most calls are medical), fire suppression, equipment checks, training, and some good old-fashioned problem-solving. Also, paperwork. You don’t see that in the movies, but trust me, there’s paperwork.
Knowing the enjoy about this career, well, Easy—knowing that when someone’s having the worst day of their life, you get to be the person who helps. There’s nothing like pulling someone out of a burning building, stopping serious bleeding, or even just comforting a scared kid and realizing: I just made a difference. Also, let’s be real—driving a fire truck with lights and sirens never gets old.
The most challenging parts of the career, oh yea it sure has its own.
The job takes a toll. You see some tough stuff—people in pain, situations that don’t always have happy endings, and some things you wish you could unsee (trust me). You have to learn how to carry that weight without letting it crush you.
And let’s not forget the exhaustion. Sleep? Sometimes it’s a luxury. You might be deep in dreamland when—BAM—the alarm goes off, and suddenly, you’re up, in gear, and responding to an emergency in 30 seconds flat. Good luck getting back to sleep after that!
Skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job!
First, you gotta stay calm. Fires, car crashes, and medical emergencies don’t come with a pause button. If you panic, things get worse fast.
You also need to be physically fit because this job is basically a full-body workout with no gym membership required. Carrying equipment, dragging hoses, lifting patients—you’ll feel it.
Problem-solving skills are a must too, because no two emergencies are the same. You need quick thinking, teamwork, and the ability to make decisions fast. And, of course, a sense of humor—because some days are so ridiculous that all you can do is laugh (after the emergency is handled, of course).
Some misconceptions about this career. First off, it’s not all fires, all the time. Movies make it seem like firefighters spend 100% of their time kicking down doors and running through flames. In reality, most calls are medical emergencies. That means a lot of EMT work, CPR, and, occasionally, helping someone who got their toe stuck in a bathtub drain.
Another big myth? That firefighters just sit around when there are no calls. Nope. There’s constant training, maintenance, reports, and making sure everything is ready for the next emergency.
Oh, and the firehouse is not just a giant hangout with gourmet meals every night. Sometimes you’re eating dinner at 3 AM because you got interrupted eight times before finishing a bite.
Now what's the process as soon as you get to work? Well, you clock in, check your gear, and make sure everything is where it needs to be—because when the alarm goes off, there’s no time to look for missing gloves. The crew goes over any updates from the last shift, maybe does some training or equipment checks, and then… you wait.
But not for long. The thing about this job is that you never know when things will go from zero to chaos. One minute, you’re laughing at a joke, and the next, you’re flying down the road, sirens blaring, ready to handle who-knows-what.
So obviously you wanna know. How do you handle difficult patients?
.. difficult patients—every EMT’s favorite challenge. Some are scared, some are confused, and some just really don’t want your help (even though they absolutely need it).
The trick? Patience, empathy, and sometimes a little humor. You don’t take anything personally. You focus on keeping them safe, calm, and cared for—even if they’re yelling at you the whole time. And if all else fails? Sometimes a little distraction works. (“Hey, wanna hold the siren button?” works surprisingly well on kids).
About a great shift well.
A great shift is when everyone goes home safe. Bonus points if you get a good rescue, teamwork is on point, and maybe—just maybe—you get to finish a meal without getting interrupted by a call.
Oh, and if someone brings snacks to the firehouse? That automatically makes it a top-tier shift.
Why choose this job?
Because it’s one of the few jobs where you know you’re making a difference every single day. It’s tough, it’s unpredictable, but it’s also rewarding beyond words. And let’s be honest—fire trucks, cool gear, and getting to help people? That’s a pretty awesome combo.
So, Nyah, if you’re thinking about joining the fire/EMT world—go for it! It’s a wild ride, but I promise, there’s nothing else like it. All the best out there and know if you need anything just shout out or wait just click a message I won't be hearing you! 😉
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Nyah,
While I’m not a firefighter or EMT, I can share general insights based on what professionals in the field commonly experience. Firefighters and EMTs typically start their shifts by checking equipment, reviewing calls from the previous shift, and preparing for emergencies. They respond to medical emergencies, fires, and accidents, while also conducting fire prevention education and maintaining equipment. Many enjoy the teamwork and the satisfaction of helping others, though the unpredictability and emotional toll can be challenging. Key skills include quick decision-making, physical fitness, empathy, and strong communication. A common misconception is that they only fight fires or transport patients—much of their work involves medical care and community support. Handling difficult patients requires staying calm, showing compassion, and ensuring safety for all involved. A great shift often means effective teamwork, successful outcomes, and everyone returning safely. Most choose this path because of a desire to serve their community and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. If you'd like, I can suggest ways to connect with professionals for firsthand insights.
While I’m not a firefighter or EMT, I can share general insights based on what professionals in the field commonly experience. Firefighters and EMTs typically start their shifts by checking equipment, reviewing calls from the previous shift, and preparing for emergencies. They respond to medical emergencies, fires, and accidents, while also conducting fire prevention education and maintaining equipment. Many enjoy the teamwork and the satisfaction of helping others, though the unpredictability and emotional toll can be challenging. Key skills include quick decision-making, physical fitness, empathy, and strong communication. A common misconception is that they only fight fires or transport patients—much of their work involves medical care and community support. Handling difficult patients requires staying calm, showing compassion, and ensuring safety for all involved. A great shift often means effective teamwork, successful outcomes, and everyone returning safely. Most choose this path because of a desire to serve their community and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. If you'd like, I can suggest ways to connect with professionals for firsthand insights.