(no subject)
I got to actually be a fire fighter yesterday. It wasn't anything really big, just a chimney fire, but it was fun none the less. I got to clamber up the ariel ladder, drop some chimney bombs and other general fire fightery type stuff.
It was a nice break from EMS for a bit.
I have another fire course this weekend (and next weekend). Once that is complete I shall only have 2 more courses and I shall be certified. Not sure what that means really. I suppose I have a piece of paper that states I SHOULD know x, y and z about fire fighting. Unlike EMS there is no provincial standard or certification required. Most fire agencies require you to have or to be interested in getting your 10-01's (the certification). Some of them, such as Calgary Fire Dept. will have you take them again even if you have it, just to be sure everyone is uniformly taught. Most small rural services are staffed by a smattering of volunteer locals who have a varied amount of experience and training. This is how I came about my certification. It has been done on a very casual basis over the last 5 years as classes become available and fit into my schedule. The perk of doing it this way is that it is free! -well, free if you don't count volunteer hours at the halls or at pancake breakfasts. So in the past 5 years I have managed to trade a little of my time for about 19000.00$ of courses. Not a bad trade.
I don't think I would ever go into fire fighting full time. It really doesn't suit my personality. I much perfer doing the delegation rather than being delegated to. However, it is a nice change once and a while. The added perk of a wee bit more job security and employment options are also pleasent.
By next year I should be done. I am kind of excited to have a piece of paper. Mostly I think it is a sense of completion. I love finishing projects.
It was a nice break from EMS for a bit.
I have another fire course this weekend (and next weekend). Once that is complete I shall only have 2 more courses and I shall be certified. Not sure what that means really. I suppose I have a piece of paper that states I SHOULD know x, y and z about fire fighting. Unlike EMS there is no provincial standard or certification required. Most fire agencies require you to have or to be interested in getting your 10-01's (the certification). Some of them, such as Calgary Fire Dept. will have you take them again even if you have it, just to be sure everyone is uniformly taught. Most small rural services are staffed by a smattering of volunteer locals who have a varied amount of experience and training. This is how I came about my certification. It has been done on a very casual basis over the last 5 years as classes become available and fit into my schedule. The perk of doing it this way is that it is free! -well, free if you don't count volunteer hours at the halls or at pancake breakfasts. So in the past 5 years I have managed to trade a little of my time for about 19000.00$ of courses. Not a bad trade.
I don't think I would ever go into fire fighting full time. It really doesn't suit my personality. I much perfer doing the delegation rather than being delegated to. However, it is a nice change once and a while. The added perk of a wee bit more job security and employment options are also pleasent.
By next year I should be done. I am kind of excited to have a piece of paper. Mostly I think it is a sense of completion. I love finishing projects.