Is there too small to join?

[marcok224]

I was wondering...do y'all believe there is a certain weight minimum that a person should be. I am 5'10 but I weigh about 110 lbs. I don't have any medical issues, I just have a high metabolism. Doctor's have done test and everything comes back fine, they say I have nothing to worry about. Should I think again about being a (volunteer) firefighter? I know the air packs do have some weight on them. So what do y'all think?

Thanks

[clark918]

Size shouldn't matter if you can perform the job well. I'm 5'7" and about 155 pounds. I'm in decent shape because I have always been in sports and I weight lift. Being my size, I made it through Firefighter 1 last Fall and just started my POC job a few weeks ago. So if I can do it, I'm sure you can. Just try to stay in shape and you'll be fine. When you want something bad enough, you'll get it. You also might want to go to a station and try on the gear. See how you feel.

[TeayotaSoupra]

I agree with the size doesn't matter thing. Just try to stay in shape. Heck we could probably use some more in shape thin ones on our department ;) lol and look at it this way, at least when you're told to squeeze yourself between wall studs you'll be a pro at it in no time! lol

[WaterbryVTfire]

I know of two women both 5 feet tall (4'11" and 5") while they're not the strongest or fastest or what have you. They are both very good at what they do. If their body was as big as their heart, they be 6'5" 300lbs!!!

[thomas15]

I'm a volunteer FF. I'm also 5'5" and under 140 lbs.

As others have said, If I can do it, anyone can do it. It really comes down to your desire. Yes I'm in fairly decient shape but I have had to learn a few techniques to make things easier for me. I try to limit the amount of personal gear I carry to the bare essentials. Beyond that, training and a positive attitude is all that is needed.


Actually, while I try to learn as much as I can about everything, there are a few areas that I will defer to others such as water rescue. I think most volunteers regardless of their physical stature have their things that they rather not do. But, you want to be as prepared as possible because you never know when you will turn out to be the best qualified person at that particular scene. Pulling ceilings and lugging charged hoses is hard work no matter how big you are. On the other hand, smaller fire fighters do have some advantages in areas such as confined space rescue.

When I took the state/national FF1 challange exam, I saw at least one "line backer" type freeze on the unconscious victim rescue (3rd floor ground ladder rescue with 150 lb rescue dummy) followed next by a "wee little" female canidate who ran up the ladder and brought the victim down with the grace and composure of a veteran jake.

So it comes down to desire if you axe me.

Tom

[dday05]

I have a buddy who is about 5'4 and he's good for shoving him in small areas or what not. He does a good job. However he did get the name "peanut" out of the deal though.

[randsc]

I guess I'll be the politically-incorrect one and say that "heart", "desire" and similar characteristics don't matter a bit if you can't physically do the job. Which includes wearing heavy clothing and equipment (my turnouts and pack together weigh 50+ lbs), and doing so while performing physically demanding tasks.

So yes, it is possible to be too small. Whether you are or not, I don't know.

[polecat]

The general rule of thumb for hiring lightweight candidates is that if you need to jump around in the shower to get wet, you're most likely too thin.
Unlike most folks who are forever trying to shed a few lbs., you need to beef up by at least 20lbs. Good luck and don't forget to "Supersize it!"

[OlieCan]

If you want it, you'll get it.

Im 6'0" and weighed 160, and wanted to put on some pounds (muscle) and in a few weeks I was up to 171 by eating more and working out.

Just keep eating (healthy) and throw on some pounds.

Keep in mind with all the buner gear, airpack, and a tool or two, you could be carrying your body weight since you're so light.

Its definatly possible, and if you want it, its up to you, but I would suggest trying to eat more if possible, and try and build some muscle.

Good luck

[jerry4184]

I'm gonna agree with the last few posters, you seem very thin for your height. Not saying you couldn't do the job, just that you probably need to pack on some weight. There physically can't be a whole lot of muscle there, if you are only 110 lbs, and 5'10". However, don't let that stop you. You don't need to be benching 300 lbs or anything. Just get a little bit bigger, and learn some techniques to get around some of the bigger weight issues.

[doughesson]

I know a 5' paramedic that packs 8ga needles in her personal kit that would love to hear you say that.She really carries them as a joke "to deal with her daughter's dates".I'd rather not find out otherwise.
The driver for my engine isn't much taller and had been a tunnel rat during Viet Nam.He doesn't do much interior work obviously because he's needed at the pump panel but if the call requires someone squirming around under a house,he'll grab me(5'8 190+) and go take a look.
But that's on a volunteer department.We don't have the lixury of setting height/weight standards to avoid buying different sized turnouts if someone smaller or taller than the "ideal"gets on the department.
We'd rather care if someone can do the job and deal with it that if they fit a suit.


So yes, it is possible to be too small. Whether you are or not, I don't know.

[CaptOldTimer]

You sound like maybe you are anemic. Firefighting is a tough job. It takes more than being a strong person to do the job. You have to be in good physical shape and have enough meat on the bones to keep you going. I weight twice of what you weigh and stand a few inches taller than you. You need to beef up some. Gain some weight.

Dressing out in full turnouts, boots, helmet and gloves can put about an extra 25 to 40 pounds on you. Now putting a SCBA, about 25 more pounds to what you just added will now have you about 50 extra pounds.

If you are fit and able, you are going to have a hard time carry that extra weight around.

Trying to shoulder and carry a 24 foot pumper extension ladder to a building and correctly placing it may cause you some problems as well. This ladder weights about 75 pounds.

Hose line has weight with them. Folks say why can’t the fire department get light weigh equipment? It will not hold up the work and stress that it is put up too each and every day.

[clark918]

Hose line has weight with them. Folks say why can’t the fire department get light weigh equipment? It will not hold up the work and stress that it is put up too each and every day.

I agree with that. I would definitely rather carry these ladders that may be a little bit heavier than others if it means keeping me safe. It's not a job where you can take the day off if it's windy.

Also, some of the guys are right. It is possible to be too small I guess. However, like I said before, if you want it to happen, it will. You may be just a tad bit weak now, but that's why you train. Lift weights, eat carbs, just get it done. It's all about the attitude in my opinion.

[randsc]

I know a 5' paramedic that packs 8ga needles in her personal kit that would love to hear you say that.She really carries them as a joke "to deal with her daughter's dates".I'd rather not find out otherwise.
The driver for my engine isn't much taller and had been a tunnel rat during Viet Nam.He doesn't do much interior work obviously because he's needed at the pump panel but if the call requires someone squirming around under a house,he'll grab me(5'8 190+) and go take a look.
But that's on a volunteer department.We don't have the lixury of setting height/weight standards to avoid buying different sized turnouts if someone smaller or taller than the "ideal"gets on the department.
We'd rather care if someone can do the job and deal with it that if they fit a suit.

With all due respect to your medic friend, there is a significant difference between the physical requirements for EMS and Fire. And I don't see what she could find objectionable about my post.

I notice this person doesn't state their gender, but either way, they are VERY skinny. And yes, it is possible to be to be too small.

25 lb turnouts + 30 lb BA + advancing a charged 2 1/2 = likely need for someone stronger than most people the size of the original poster.

[IowaFFandEMT]

with all the new bunker gear and scba they are making, they aren't near as heavy as they used to be. Bunker gear is being made with different fabric than in the past and isn't heavy at all as what it used to be. With the new SCBA bottles being fiber wrapped instead of steel you can barely tell they are there. That is of course if your dept has the new style of bottles.

If you have a dream of being a ff and helping people out then by all means do everything possible to achieve your dream. I know some pretty small people that can kick my rear all day long (i am 6'1" 250 lbs).

[Mihlrad]

Odds are noone is going to care what i say but what all of your are not realizing about wearing 50 pounds of gear, is that it is very distributed weight. We arent talking holding it all in your one hand, its distributed equally for the most part on your entire body. A helmet should not restrain you weight wise in any way unless you have neck problems. Right there you knock off maybe 10 lbs. A pair of boots, again should not restrain you all that much because it is on your feet, you wear sneakers everyday so its not a huge change for your body.

And then theres the jacket and pants. The pants are supported not only by your waist, but by your shoulders assuming you have suspenders. There you are knocking off a good portion of the weight by distributing it over your body. Then theres the jacket, really not THAT heavy. It is also distributed over your arms but your shoulders and neck area as well. The only real thing i can see as adding significant weight to your person is an SCBA and tools. BUT an SCBA as well is designed for firefighter comfort and ease. The SCBA waist straps can support the scba easily without putting any weight on your upper body. Your waist area is very strong unless you have a muscle problem or something. So if you really put this in perspective, it all comes down to willingness and determination.

For the record im 5' 6" 140 pounds. Recently started the gym in the firehouse 2 months ago so im working on it... i have no problems regardless.

[callaway75]

Yes, the weight is distributed fairly well, but it is still weight that the individual must move in addition to their own. It is easier to cary 50 lbs distributed over your body than slung over your shoulder, but your body is still carrying an additional 50 lbs, which will fatigue the person quickly. Throw in the highrise hosepack, and a watercan, which is normal on my job, and at 110 lbs, you will have problems. Hump all that weight up five floors, and then you have to go to work. At 110 lbs, that's an awful lot of weight to be carrying and still being able to perform. I would say, hit the gym and eat to gain some more weight and muscle mass.

[OlieCan]

I agree with Callaway. Yes the weight is distributed, but so what? The weight is still there, and you will get tired from it. Going from being 110 pound person to being a 200 pound person after gear and tools changes a lot and you will get tired quicky.

[polecat]

How about checking back in on this lively thread you began? Show some interest and you're likely to get the info you need. After you finish checking in, put the feed bag on dude. Good luck.

[hoosierdaddy]

No, I don't think size matters. There's a guy on the fire department in my city who's probably about your size. In my uneducated opinion, I would think it would be easier for smaller guys to do rescue work because they could fit into tight spaces easier than the big guys. I don't know if this is entirely true though.

I would think strength and heart are more important than size.

I have the opposite problem. I have to lose weight. I'll send you some of mine.

[marcok224]

Thanks to everyone who has responded and will respond. I have been keeping an eye on the thread but hadn't replyed yet. To answer a couple of questions. I am male. I would be volunteering very part time (a few weekends a month) with a rescue squad. The rescue squad provides mostly marine incident response, marine fire response, flood rescues, and some land fire emergencies (assisting other fire departments). But I still would be required to complete the OSHA Interior firefighting course. But, I am also considering joining a "Fire Department" that does full fledge Firefighting work plus the usual accidents, etc. I am attending one of the smaller rescue squad's meetings this afternoon to find out more information about the squad and can update everyone on the squad more at a later date. Thanks for the information related to my question. When I do volunteer I would definetly put some of the tips to practice, for example only carrying the gear that I know I will absolutely need. Volunteering is something I've wanted to do for awhile and I'm tired of sitting around saying "I'll do it another day". I'm just not sure if weight wise I would be the best at it. If I do decide to join, it wouldn't be for another month that I joined (because of my school schedule) and then I would have to wait for I dont know how long before the OSHA class began and then when I finished the OSHA class. So I have a little time to build my muscles and try to gain more weight before I would be certified to help out. Anyone know a good food that will help me gain weight but won't fill me up fast??? :) Something I can just eat and eat and eat and not feel full yet it will stack the pounds on?

Thanks again for everyone's suggestions. The posts were an ego booster. I'll probably give it a try and if I can't do it, I can't do it. I'll be a little embarassed but at least I can say I tried.

[jerry4184]

No offense meant here, but your opinion IS a very uneducated one. Small can be good for confined spaces, however, that small person still needs to be able to lift, drag, or move that person that is stuck in said confined space. A 5'10" 110 lb person, simply does not possess the mass to do so. They couldn't be muscled enough, and weigh that little.

Size is every bit as important as strength and heart. YOu can have all the ehart in the world, but if i go down, and you can't drag my butt out, or haul a line in to cover me, you don't belong on the fireground. YOu are a liability at that point.

[hoosierdaddy]

No offense meant here, but your opinion IS a very uneducated one. Small can be good for confined spaces, however, that small person still needs to be able to lift, drag, or move that person that is stuck in said confined space. A 5'10" 110 lb person, simply does not possess the mass to do so. They couldn't be muscled enough, and weigh that little.

Size is every bit as important as strength and heart. YOu can have all the ehart in the world, but if i go down, and you can't drag my butt out, or haul a line in to cover me, you don't belong on the fireground. YOu are a liability at that point.

Hey, none taken. I didn't consider that the small person still has to carry the injured party out. You're right about that. I have heard though, that strength isn't necessarily dependent on muscle size. Someone can be lean without bulging muscles but still be very strong eg., martial artists.

I agree with your second paragraph too. Heart doesn't matter if someone lacks the strength. But if someone has heart, it's assumed they've obtained the requisite strength to be on the fireground in the first place.

Given the direction of the thread, what is considered the ideal size for a firefighter? Say 6', 200 lbs or so?

[clark918]

Hey, none taken. I didn't consider that the small person still has to carry the injured party out. You're right about that. I have heard though, that strength isn't necessarily dependent on muscle size. Someone can be lean without bulging muscles but still be very strong eg., martial artists.

I agree with your second paragraph too. Heart doesn't matter if someone lacks the strength. But if someone has heart, it's assumed they've obtained the requisite strength to be on the fireground in the first place.

Given the direction of the thread, what is considered the ideal size for a firefighter? Say 6', 200 lbs or so?

Depending how a person lifts, they might not have muscle showing at all. Different lifting shows in different ways.

I guess that might be an ideal size, but I'm sure plenty of people could do the job being smaller. I'm only 5'7" 160 pounds, but I'm still on a department. I haven't had any trouble at all in the training. I've pulled a 200-pound dummy out of a building completely on my own. I haven't had trouble controling hose lines, carrying ladders, or carrying victims down ladders.

Like I said before, I'd recommend trying on the gear and moving stuff around. Maybe if a department has CPAT testing or practices, you could give that a try. It won't help too much to ask strangers about it on here when we don't know you. You have to go out and give it a try yourself.

Also, if you're working for a volunteer dept, then I'm sure you don't have to worry about those high rise packs someone mentioned before. As well as some other equipment.

[Vegasfyrgirl]

I pretty much agree with everything that's been said so far.

I'm on the smaller end of the scale, since I am only 5'4" 125lbs. (I'm a female). For years I was hovering around 120 pounds but I've finally managed to put on some weight. Most of the female Firefighters that I've seen are around 130-135 pounds. Both of my doctors told me that this would be an ideal weight for me and they gave me some tips on how to safely reach that goal.

When I was younger, there were very few female Firefighters where I gew up. They were all bigger that I'd ever be and because of that I didn't know if I could make it in this field. I was fortunate enough to join an explorer group out here and it made me realize that I could do it. Being my size definitely has it's (advantages and) disadvantages and I learned that the hard way. It just means that I have to work harder than most people to get the task done. But, this is my dream job and I'm prepared to work my butt off to get where I want.

For the past few years, I've been hitting the gym 3-4 times a week and I make sure I watch what I eat. Hopefully packing on some weight will help you out. It won't be easy but if this is truly what you want, you'll get it. Good luck.

[jerry4184]

I'm on a volunteer department, and we have high rise packs, as well as a lot of the other heavy equipment mentioned.

[thomas15]

marcok224

As I mentioned in post 5, by firefighter standards I'm on the small size but I know good firefighters that are smaller. I also know bigger guys that I have my doubts about. Like yourself, I had been saying that I wanted to volunteer for years and finally at age 45 I made the commitment. At the time I started, I, like you were not sure if I could handle the physical aspect but I decided that there was only one way to know for sure, join and find out first hand. That is my advice for you. I would though, try to put on a few pounds as you will be lifting and lugging. Climbing ladders with full bunkers and air plus tools in the stress of a working fire or operating jaws when the car is on it's roof in the snow and ice and the passengers screaming and bleeding requires training, endurance, attitude and heart.

I would recomend that you look into an exercise program involving weight training to increase muscle mass in concert with a diet that has excess calories from what you burn in normal living plus the exercise. Go to the library and get some books or ask your doctor. Your doctor, if he is like mine may not be sympathetic though, I know that every time I ask my Dr for advice on gaining a few pounds he laughs and tells me that I have nothing to worry about. But, after you get a few pounds on, start a cardio exercise program to increase endurance. I assume that you have your medical professional approval to do this. For me, up until very reciently, I have not been able to put on weight either, now at age 48, I can put on a few pounds if I want but the problem is the extra weight goes right to the gut, not where I want it.

The harder you work to overcome your weaknesses, the more you will enjoy your service. I have seen guys with no obvious physical barriers completly tank when asked to do something that will take them outside their comfort zone. I know guys that were terrified with things like heights but struggled to overcome their fear and once they do it not only do they increase their self pride but everyone respects them the more for their perseverance.

Be safe.

[KEEPBACK200FEET]

Don't worry about what they say dude. I'm 5' 10" ,140 pounds and when we come out of a structure and everyone is tired and out of air, I'm still ready to go with air to spare. Keep in mind I follow a strict workout schedule, but I can still do anything that is required such as carry victims, ladders, the jaws of life, hose lines, etc. without problem. It's mostly technique and lean muscle mass. Just develop a workout plan (you can use the search tool on this forum and search for "workout" to get some ideas) and eat 1-2 grams of protein a day for each pound of bodyweight and be sure to take in at least 2,000 calories a day and you should be fine. It'll get easier with experience.

[doughesson]

1.She does both volunteer firefighting and she paramedics for the local ambulance service.Though a great person to be around,she does have an attitude of not liking to be counted out before she's had a chance.Lotta folks do.But,she might not be offended.Like you,I try to avoid offending folks by mistake.
2.When I worked on the river,my "fightin' weight" was 150 lbs on my 5'8 frame.I could tote full sets of rigging(35'wire,5' chain strap and ratchet-110+ lbs)with little effort that I noticed but someone once pointed out that before I'd lift my shirt sleeve would be flapping in the wind but when I started the lift,it was full of upper arm.It just takes a little time to get built up into the needed strength.That's all.

With all due respect to your medic friend, there is a significant difference between the physical requirements for EMS and Fire. And I don't see what she could find objectionable about my post.


25 lb turnouts + 30 lb BA + advancing a charged 2 1/2 = likely need for someone stronger than most people the size of the original poster.

[RESERVEFORNOW]

All of you folks who have offered your encouragement and support are fantastic. There is far too much bashing that goes on in other sections of the forums and it is great to see us "probies" banding together.

I do have to say this though. The camparisons that you guys are making of yourselves at, 5'8" 150lbs, 5'10" 140lbs, 5'7" 160 don't even compare to our friend here and I think jerry is right.

A 5'10" 110 lb person, simply does not possess the mass to do so.

Having said that, I do think it is possible that things could still work. I'm crious how old you are. I graduated high school at 6'2" and a whopping 155lbs. When I made the decision to become a firefighter I completely altered my diet and exercise. I began eating a LOT of protein and carbs and got really serious about working out with heavy weights and low reps to increase my bulk. Once I got near my present weight of 200lbs I cut back on carbs and began changing to lighter weights higher reps to improve my strength endurance. I have kept really good, lean weight on by doing this and I have no problem performing any task on the job.

You know your genes and yourself better than any of us here. If you think that your strength is or can be ample for the job, then by all means go for it with everything you have. A good place to start with your strength is crossfit.com

Good luck to you with whatever you choose.

[jerry4184]

I totally agree, i think it can work out, there just needs to be some serious bulking up. Even for people at 5'10" and 140, have thirty solid pounds on the OP. 30 pounds can be a lot when it's almost certainly going to be muscle and fat. Especially if it's lean muscle.

[marcok224]

Thanks again to everyone who has posted to this thread. To answer to a question someone asked...I am a 21 year old male. I attended the Fire Department's meeting and was accepted into the meeting very nicely. The Chief got me to fill out an application (they need volunteers bad). The Department actually went through their ISO rating this past week and so the weekly meeting was about how that went. They won't find out their score for a couple of months. A few more facts about the department. They had 200 calls last year, 20 being fire related (fires, false alarms, etc.) They cover a 1.5 square mile area (yes- 1.5 square miles). As of right now I'm going to keep working on gaining weight. I'm going to begin a fitness plan to help work on my muscles. I'm also hoping that I will be accepted a few weeks before I begin the Basic Interior Fire course...that way I can work with some of the other members on some things that I might have trouble with (moving charged hoses, extending ladders, etc.)

[ARL2819]

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog" How bad do you want it? you need to realize that the job is obviously very phisically demanding. Just go for it you will soon find out weather or not you do or do not have what it takes.

Be safe

[Mihlrad]

i just realized something everyone seems to be overlooking...

Its a volunteer department, hes not going out of his way to start a career here.

Simply try it... if you cant do it then quit? Theres far less shame in trying your hardest and failing then not trying at all.

Case closed if you ask me.

[callaway75]

Miklrad, you're right, I did overlook that. I still say it would be tough, but I would definitely give it a shot. What is there to lose?

[ChicagoHST]

Must say I am about 6 foot tall and 200 lbs. and I still feel too small to do the job. a 2 1/2 or a 50 foot banger will make you feel small awful quick.

[BKDRAFT]

Try it out and get it done.


I had many tell me my whole childhood I would never be a Firefighter. It gave me the desire to not only accomplish my dream but prove them wrong. I am 5'9" 160 lbs. I can throw ladders indvidually up to 28' and have great cardiovascular fitness. In four years I haven't come across an incident I haven't been able to do because I have been "too small."

A great company has a variety of size, experience, and age all to compliment one another.

[jerry4184]

I too think he can do it, it's just that he seems, from his stats to be lacking in some of the bulk he'll need. But that's something you can fix, and with practice, he'll be able to keep up in relatively no time at all.

[LaFireEducator]

Any volunteer fire department or rescue squad worth it's salt will find a way to utilize you. Everyone has certain strengths and weaknesses based on thier weight, height, prior injuries etc, etc. You may not neccesarilly be the guy they want on the crew pushing that 2.5" line into the warehouse but you might be the perfect guy for scooting that line into the attic space or under the house or in a commercial occupancie's void space.

A good officer will look at the folks he has available to do a job and pick the one(s) that fit that job. So while you may be a bit slight, don't worry about it, there will be tasks that you will fit the bill for.

Like any vollie outfit, we have guys built for certain jobs job, and we have giuys built for other jobs. At 5'10" 230 I'm sure not the guy ya want going into that confined space, but I make a damn good anchor for that haul line.

[allison20]

It's a volly dept. All volley dept need everyone they can get. On my dept we have a dwarf. The dept up the road has a girl thats 19 but the size of 11 yr old. But they show up to calls and are used where they can work.
What is important in our area, is not size or age, it's will they show up. Show up at your volley dept and you will be apreacated now matter what your size.

[marcok224]

Thanks everyone for your help and answering my questions. So far I have attended 2 training sessions. The Chief seems to be pleased with me since I am showing the initiative by attending the training sessions and getting my paperwork back to him quickly. I even stopped in at the station this weekend and a few guys showed me a couple of things- opening the hydrant and hooking it up, and running with the initial attack line off the back of the truck. I've met my first butt hole at the department too. I guess there is one in every crowd. Last week I was issued my turnout gear...so I'd say the group likes me so far. I hope it stays that way. I've only had one comment about my weight...the other firefighter told me that I wasn't very big but he sure could have used me the other day when he had to go under a house. Thanks again for the help everyone. I'm going to keep working on my weight and go at it.