A couple of volunteer departments around me have exterior only people on their department. Why would they do that and are they looked down on by career guys and or other volunteer people?

Hoping for advice on improving my firefighter rescues during SAR. I've done it a few times so far blindfolded and I'm gassed every single time. I'm the smallest person and the lightest in my class by a good 60-80 lbs even as a guy, but haven't had any issues keeping up for any drill or ladder throw except for firefighter rescues. I'm in good shape but I do have to do some throws/drags my own way since I don't have the size/strength of the rest of my class.

I've figured out my technique for going down stairs and regular rescues, but yesterday had to drag out the heaviest guys by their legs. It was a miserable and pathetic time dragging them inch by inch out of the building. I was specifically made to pull on the leg end for the scenario so I couldn't grab their SCBA. I tried using my weight to fall back but couldn't get the leverage or force since I had to be on my knees. I tried to use my legs to push forward but either I was too tired or weak because that barely worked. I somehow managed to complete the drill but probably only because I had multiple instructors screaming at me the entire time.

I know the academy is designed to push you to your limits, but between the burnout and the constant pressure by the instructors to be faster and be perfect, it's really hard to feel like I'm not cut out for this. We move on to hoses soon, but the instructors have only promised things to get harder.

For anyone who is interested in becoming a firefighter, what YouTube videos would you recommend watching as a beginner? I’m interested in learning more about firefighting, the fire academy, and what firefighters do on a daily basis.

I’ve been a full time firefighter for 10 years. Fairly busy department, have gotten some years at a busy house, I feel I have proven myself as a fireman, and I am good at my job.
I have cancer and have had some medical problems. I’ve gone to the hospital more than a few times. The other day we were doing some basic shit at work, nothing strenuous just walking around a block, and my BP shot up, they sent me to the hospital.
I’m so tired of the hospital, I hate that fucking place.
I’ve fallen out at a fire or two. It’s like when everyone wakes up in the morning, their body starts at a “1” but due to cancer mine starts at a “zero” it’s like I’m playing catch-up.
I work out. Im in better shape than 90% of my department I would say is a fair estimate. But they don’t fall out and I do. It’s very frustrating.
I don’t know what else I would do if I wasn’t a firefighter. I’m half way to being vested.
I’m unsure about what to do or where the line is when I say “my body can’t do this anymore, and I need to do something else”. I definitely don’t have the qualifications to do much else so I would have to go back to school.

There’s not a lot of jobs where everyone watches you do your job. Does it make you self conscious or more confident?

What do you put on your axe belt and scabbard to protect the leather?
Also looking for tips for the axe handle for stain or protective coating

Im looking for some advice. I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for a few years now but over the years I’ve noticed that I just can’t keep up with everyone else. I get winded my heart races and I feel very out of breath and like I have no energy even doing very moderate work such as a car fire. I have a fast heart rate to begin with which I take medication for however it’s not enough. I don’t want to quit because I love it but it’s hard to accept. I want to say something so they are aware so that I don’t have to be first due or if I am that that they at least know not to give me the toughest job but I don’t know how to bring this up without them losing faith in me. I went through all the classes with no issues, I pass my yearly physical with no issues but no matter what I do it just doesn’t seem like I am cut out for this work. Does anyone have any advice for me? Is it time to throw in the towel and call quits? Quite honestly am I really a firefighter if I can’t go up a flight up steps in full gear and be a nozzle man and then work for 15-20 minutes or am I just fooling myself.

I'm 34 with almost 4 years at my current department. I genuinely love where I work, the culture, my crew, and the opportunities I've had. I'm a HazMat/TRT Tech and eventually want to promote. The current department I work for is relatively slow and non-transport. Good pay and good benefits.

The problem is my commute is 3.5 hours each way on a 24/48 schedule with a 3 week kelly.

I'm considering moving fire departments, one in which is much closer to home (20 mins) and potentially offers better long-term retirement benefits. However, I'd essentially be starting over with seniority, pension service, and promotions. The department is bigger/busy. A lot of opportunities...

But...they transport and are crazy busy.

I'm trying to think about what this decision means 10–20 years down the road, not just right now.

**Has anyone left a department they loved for better work-life balance or retirement benefits? Did you regret it?**

Would you sacrifice a department you love for a shorter commute and potentially better financial future?

Hey wildland folks! I have some questions in regards to your gig.

To start, I'm a 25 y/o volunteer firefighter from lower NY, Currently have my state level stuff as well as my NREMT and pro-board FF1.

I'm comparing options on where to start "professionally" and I think I'd like to take a crack at wildland, even for just one or two seasons, before moving to a city/county gig somewhere on a full-time basis. Mainly to see the country a bit and build my resume.

Whats the best direction to go for this? Where do I search for jobs/openings, and how does an entrance-level person get into wildland?

Any and all help is appreciated!

Could a Tiller Truck, technically get a tower bucket attached to it for a custom order? Or is there a reason this doesn’t happen

I know we every tiller that’s out there (atleast that I’ve scene) is a stick or some of them have a nozzle attached to them, but I was wondering why a tower bucket isn’t attached, wouldn’t it be more practical?

Am I the only one constantly losing their gloves? What do yall do to keep em close, my buddies use the straps but I’m not a fan.

Hey guys I'm ultimately deciding to leave the fire service eventually and go back to school for CAA or possibly med school. I know it's a long journey ahead of me to even get to that point but to those that have done I need help and advice on navigating this move.

For those of you that made the transition into the medical field how were you guys able to get in-person lab requirements while working a schedule that doesn't have regular days off?

Thank you!

Hello fellow firefighters! We are approaching that time of year when significant others, family members, and coworkers start asking what you want for Christmas. I’m looking for ideas on what to ask for and would love to hear what you want or recommend.

Hi, I should know this but I havent used them before. I see quite a bit of firefighters carry pliers or wire cutters on their gear. Is this something I should add to my gear and what is the purpose?

Hello, everyone!
To all my medics who have transitioned from Fire based EMS to working in an ER or hospital, how has the experience been?
Do you feel satisfied with your new role, or do you sometimes feel like just another body filling a position? Do you feel like you’re utilizing your skills and experience on a daily basis, or does the job sometimes feel more like being a “do boy” than a medic?
The hospital schedule is definitely appealing. Working three 13-hour shifts a week seems like it could offer a much better work-life balance than the traditional 24/48 schedule. However, I’ve heard mixed reviews about making the transition.
I’m looking for honest, unfiltered feedback from those who have actually made the switch. What do you love about it? What do you miss about 911? Do you feel professionally fulfilled, or do you ever regret leaving the field? Is it going to be the same feelings but just in a different place?
I’m not looking for someone to convince me one way or the other. I just want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly before making a decision.
Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

Senior FF’s, FTO’s and Officers:
1. What are some common mistakes you see a lot of rookies make in their first 6 months?

1. What are some mistakes that you consider “okay to make once, MAYBE twice” as a rookie?

2. How do you handle your rookies when they make mistakes? Both critical and non?

3. What is your honest mindset when training a rookie?

Figured I’d share this in case anyone else has been fighting mashed AV-3000 seals after the mask sits in the bag for too long. Simple piece that sits across the inside of the Scott facepiece while it’s stored. Holds the rubber seal in shape so it doesn’t get folded or pressed flat.

I know there are other solutions out there, but this one is basically free if you have access to a 3d printer.
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/scott-av3000-seal-saver

Hi Im hopefully becoming a Junior firefighter within the next few months in the state of PA I’ve been a cadet at a station for a few months now where we just train and i love it i would love to know what skills i should learn prior to joining and what i can do in general to be a good member and actually contribute something to the older guys instead of being deadweight and slowing everyone down.

Sitting in our morning meeting at the beginning of shift this morning and we got into a discussion on how our department checks our chainsaws. For reference, we have Stihl MS362C saws.

Obviously fill your bar oil and fuel prior to any of this, that’s not what this is about.

Also, for reference a cold start to me consists of setting it to full choke, pull the cord until it turns over, setting it to half choke, and then pulling the cord until it is running.

A warm start is putting it to half choke and pulling the cord.

I have always done a cold start (with the obligatory drop start, come at me OSHA), set it on the bar guard, let it idle until it warms up (I was taught you want it to warm up because it has a carburetor), then rev it up to speed once or twice and shut it down.

Apparently one of our Engineers contacted Stihl to see what they recommend and was told to perform a cold start, rev it immediately, and then shut it down without letting it warm up at all.

When we looked on Stihl’s website for the manufacturer recommendations, they appear to recommend a cold start, shut it down immediately, do a warm start, and then rev and shut down which seems like overkill.

Anyone have any knowledge or advice on this? Looking for serious replies, we’re a small dept with a small budget and we want to take care of our stuff. Thanks!

Edit: Apparently we also have a Stihl MS311 on our reserve, if that’s different or someone has info on that, I would appreciate that as well.