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Firefighters protect communities against the loss of life, injury, and destruction of property by fire. Firefighters work as a team with each person assigned to a special job. They respond to various emergency and non-emergency calls such as fire alarms, different types of fires, public service requests, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials situations, and medical aid calls. Some of the duties include locating the source of a fire, connecting hose lines and nozzles, rendering emergency medical care, operating power tools and hand tools, and placing ladders onto buildings to assist with rescue or fire operations. In order to ensure their equipment works properly, firefighters are also responsible for apparatus, fire station, and equipment maintenance.
An EMT brings expert medical care to victims of illness or injury by stabilizing medical problems and transporting patients to the hospital. At the scene of an accident or in the case of an illness at home, emergency medical care may involve control of bleeding, application of bandages or splints, administration of oxygen, resuscitation of victims, treatment of shock, assistance in childbirth, control of mentally disturbed persons, treatment of poisoning or burn victims, or assistance in evacuation of victims trapped by fire or accidents. Other duties include communications, documentation, emergency vehicle driving, and maintenance.
For more information about the EMT program, including requirements, CLICK HERE.
Firefighters work indoors and outdoors. They perform work in physically and mentally challenging situations and for prolonged periods of time under dangerous conditions. They are required to eat, sleep, and work at a fire station while on duty, sometimes for a few days at a time. Hours may vary but often include being on duty for 24 hours straight, and then being off duty for 24 or 48 hours. Typical Municipal or County firefighters average 56 hours per week, while Federal or State firefighters work 72 hours per week. Firefighters may also be exposed to toxic smoke, gases and fumes, flames, hazardous chemicals, heat, stress, and high levels of noise.
EMTs may work for fire departments, hospitals, private ambulance companies, police departments, and in private industry. The majority work on ambulances and within fire departments, but some find seasonal work in forest firefighting, parks and recreation areas, and amusement parks. EMT certification is usually the minimum level of medical care provided by most fire departments.
For more information about the EMT program, including requirements, CLICK HERE.
Earnings can vary depending on the type and size of employer, geographic location, and union memorandum of agreement (MOA). Larger cities usually pay more than midsize and smaller cities, while also offering more chances for promotional opportunities and specialty assignments such as fire inspector or fire investigator. Federal and State firefighting personnel tend to earn less than Municipal or County firefighters. In the Bay Area, the salary of an entry-level firefighter can range anywhere from $2000 to $6000 per month. Firefighters with several years experience can earn between $4000 and $8000 per month with educational incentives or specialty assignment differentials. In addition to pay, firefighters usually receive excellent benefit packages, including a paid retirement plan.
Salaries generally start at minimum wage. Full-time EMTs working for a private ambulance company can expect to earn between $20,000 and $40,000 per year. Firefighter/EMTs tend to make more money and usually have better benefits and working conditions.
For more information about the EMT program, including requirements, CLICK HERE.
Employment prospects in the State of California can vary, since most firefighters tend to stay on the job anywhere from 20 to 40 years. While turnover is not high in most departments, residential and commercial growth can influence the hiring of additional firefighters to staff needed fire stations or apparatus. Also, many fire departments are at a turning point. In the 1970's, many fire departments had large hiring campaigns resulting in the potential for a large amount of retiring personnel over the next few years. This, coupled with a new retirement option being utilized by numerous fire departments, leaves the potential for a higher number of entry-level positions the fire service has seen in many years. Prospects are fairly good for applicants who meet the high health and physical requirements. Those with college education and/or degrees, in addition to EMT certification and a Firefighter 1 academy completion certificate, may have a better chance. Depending on the agency, advancement can be made to Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and Fire Chief.
There will be a continued need for EMTs because of growing public awareness of the importance of pre-hospital care. Most fire departments are now requiring this training and certification as a minimum requirement for either employment or continued employment. Advancement can be made to Paramedic, Nursing, and similar fields.
For more information about the EMT program, including requirements, CLICK HERE.
Firefighters need to have excellent health, physical ability, strength, stamina, manual dexterity, and eye-hand-foot coordination. They need the ability to climb, stoop, and reach; have normal color discrimination; and the ability to lift at least 50 pounds. Firefighters need mechanical abilities to operate equipment. They also need the ability to perform well under stress and have a willingness to risk death or injury. They need to demonstrate emotional stability and self-confidence as well as the ability to work with different types of people under situations of extreme duress. Firefighters also need to have excellent communication skills. High school or college level coursework in math, English, health, geography, chemistry, physical education, computers, and mechanical trades would be very helpful.
EMTs must be able to give and receive verbal and written instructions quickly and clearly, remain calm in emergencies, and maintain a neat, clean, and professional appearance. They must also be able to use good judgment under stress, use common sense, drive an emergency vehicle, avoid endangering themselves or their co-workers, and avoid inflicting further injury on patients.
For more information about the EMT program, including requirements, CLICK HERE.
The A.A. degree means that you also took a minimum amount of General Education units in addition to your coursework required for the Certificate. To be more marketable, an A.A. degree looks better on a resume than just a Certificate of Achievement.
For more information about the requirements for either degree in Fire Technology, CLICK HERE.
The Chabot College Firefighter 1 Academy is accredited by the Office of the State Fire Marshal / State Fire Training, and is offered once in the Spring semester and once in the Fall semester. Unfortunately the Academy is NOT offered during the summer. The Academy consists of six (6) courses: Fire Technology 90A, 90B, 90C, 91A, 91B, and 91C. Fire Technology 90A, 90B, and 90C are each four weeks in length, for a total of 12 weeks. Fire Technology 91A, 91B, and 91C are an additional four weeks in length (total). All six courses are a total of 16 weeks. The Academy meets every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm and every Saturday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. (when you get into Fire Technology 91A, 91B, and 91C, there may be a couple of Sunday sessions from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A student who successfully completes the Academy receives a Firefighter 1 Academy completion certificate.
For more information about the Firefighter 1 Academy, CLICK HERE.
Yes. The following classes must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher to get into the Academy: Fire Technology 50, 51, 52 and 89; Health 61 and Health 81. EMT certification may be taken at another college or private institution. However, for it to be accepted into Chabot College, you must provide copies of your transcripts and EMT certificate to a counselor so that they may enter you into the college registration system. The registration system will not allow you to register if it does not recognize that you have taken all of the required prerequisite classes.
For more information about the Firefighter 1 Academy, CLICK HERE.
1. Apply for admission at the college. Applications may be picked up in person at Admissions and Records (Building 100) or downloaded off of the Chabot College web site at www.chabotcollege.edu
2. Decide whether you want to get a Certificate of Achievement or an A.A. Degree.
3. Begin taking courses in the suggested sequence.
4. At any point, you are encouraged to talk with a counselor and/or the Fire Technology Coordinator to discuss your options and if you have any questions. Counseling appointments can be made by calling the Counseling Department at (510) 723-6718.
Students must pay enrollment fees each semester and buy books, supplies, uniforms, and other necessary items. Enrollment fees for California residents are $26.00 per unit. Uniform costs are approximately $300.00. Financial aid is available to qualified students. Consult the Financial Aid office, (510) 723-6746, Building 100, Room 110.
Home |
Handouts | FAQ |
Two-Year & Four-Year Degree Information |
Class Schedule & Course Descriptions |
Free Fire & EMS Newsletter | Jobs
| Firefighter 1 Certification and Academy Information
| EMT
& Paramedic Information | Links
Volunteer Opportunities |
Firefighter Hiring Process Components |
Free Email Mailing Lists |
Training Opportunities |
Promotional Seminars & Assistance | Promotional Process
Components