Being a firefighter in today’s day and age means having to deal with a variety of emergency scenarios not just relating to fire related emergencies; the role of a firefighter today is drastically different from the job description of a firefighter from even a decade ago. Firefighters today are expected to do more and be specialized in more disciplines than was ever required. This requirement comes about due to the fact that in any emergency situation, the firefighter teams are always the first to be alerted and the first emergency services on scene, hence the term “First Responders”.

However, being the first emergency aid on scene also means that a firefighter will need to be prepared to do more than just douse the flames. More than 80% of all firefighter related calls are of the nature of a medical emergency rather than a fire related one. Therefore, it becomes necessary that all firefighters irrespective of their class should have received at the very least a basic level training in EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) services, with preferably a more advanced level training as a Paramedic.

Firefighting in itself is a very competitive field; most new recruits understand the need for having a better academic portfolio than their contemporaries, with more and more individuals placing higher importance on being trained in EMT services eventually reaching the level of a paramedic. Not only will being a paramedic improve one’s chances of selection into a firefighter academy, owing to the fact that being a certified paramedic means that you do not need to be trained in medical services again during the academy, which results in your being available for duty faster, in addition it also comes with the added incentive of your being eligible for a higher pay grade due to your specialized knowledge.

Indeed a firefighter or an individual who has taken the time to get themselves certified as a Paramedic will find that their pay grade can double or even triple that of a entry-level firefighter EMT without any specialized skills as relating to firefighting, with salaries going as high as around the range of $65,000 – $75,000. It should be noted that the previous figure is a rough approximation with the actual figures fluctuating depending upon the respective fire departments and other qualifications as related to the field.

In closing, it cannot be stressed enough the benefits of having a Paramedic level certification. It can aid any individual whether firefighter or prospective recruit in progressing their level to the highest possible quality of work that can be given to an individual with such specialized skills. After all, if you are a certified paramedic, this means that you are the indispensable part of any team and that you are a life-saver!