Disqualifying?

[Brav989]

Hello. I've done a search on the forum but have been able to find anything related to it. Anyway, I was wondering if having asthma is generally disqualifying? I was diagnosed during USAF bootcamp in may 2004. I have not had an asthma attack since, but have an emergency inhaler I keep with me, just in case. I've applied as a volunteer firefighter for a local department and am due to test soon. Just sort of wondering if having asthma, I would be disqualifying straight away or not? Thanks.

[galebagram2u]

Brav, honestly it will depend on if the department follows the NFPA requirements or not. Some departments forego NFPA requirements so they can maintain a volunteer department.

You should check with the department to see what their physical requirements are for the job and how stringent they are with the standards..

Chief Gale

[Brav989]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to contact them on monday. The dept has I think only 2 full time firefighters, and about 40 volunteers. As far as the physical portion, the test is the norm (from what i've seen). Hose drag, holding the hose while water is running, walk to top of the ladder and back, push ladder against wall and lay it back down, walk 3 stories with 50lbs hose around shoulders (twice), walk on a balance beam 5 feet.

[doughesson]

The volunteer department that I just left has at least two asthma sufferers that I know about.They are monitored closely and our biggest supporters of packing up for what some would call easy fires.
I do not know if a paid department would be so tolerant but if you can do the drills and not aggravate an attack,more power to you.Find some department that will take you and show what you can do.

Hello. I've done a search on the forum but have been able to find anything related to it. Anyway, I was wondering if having asthma is generally disqualifying? I was diagnosed during USAF bootcamp in may 2004. I have not had an asthma attack since, but have an emergency inhaler I keep with me, just in case. I've applied as a volunteer firefighter for a local department and am due to test soon. Just sort of wondering if having asthma, I would be disqualifying straight away or not? Thanks.