hello has anyone heard

[obadiah007]

Hi guys. I have been reading all of your postings here. It sounds discouraging. I am finishing up my EMT School out here in San Diego and Will be moving to Nashville in Feb. 09 with my wife. My main goal was to be a firefighter out here, but she is dead set on being a Nurse at Vanderbilt. I support here in all she does so we will be moving. Any suggestions, tips, advice on what I should do to help better my odds of landing a job sooner than later around the Nashville area FD. Will my EMT certification out here be basically no good and I will have to start fresh out there? Should I go to Paramedic school out there and if so where? Do you think I would have a better chance of landing a job FF in California than Nashville? Any information that you guys could provide me would be greatly appreciated. Also, I can't wait to move out there as I have been in San Diego my whole life. I am ready for the slowed down pace that you guys seem to have. Thanks again and I hope to hear a lot of information.

[firebicho]

it`s all about insurance lability, f you work for a FD you will inhale smoke wich may lead you to lung cancer and other problems, an if this where to happen you are covered, but if you smoke and get lung cancer or something else "you" would go after the dept. for benefits, then they will decline you b/c tobacco use, then you file a law suit and so on, at least thats how it worked in FL, but its all politics at the end.

[Titaniac]

Send me a PM when you get a chance, I can at least give you some insight on Vanderbilt- what area of nursing is your gf interested in?

[SgtScott31]

Hi guys. I have been reading all of your postings here. It sounds discouraging. I am finishing up my EMT School out here in San Diego and Will be moving to Nashville in Feb. 09 with my wife. My main goal was to be a firefighter out here, but she is dead set on being a Nurse at Vanderbilt. I support here in all she does so we will be moving. Any suggestions, tips, advice on what I should do to help better my odds of landing a job sooner than later around the Nashville area FD. Will my EMT certification out here be basically no good and I will have to start fresh out there? Should I go to Paramedic school out there and if so where? Do you think I would have a better chance of landing a job FF in California than Nashville? Any information that you guys could provide me would be greatly appreciated. Also, I can't wait to move out there as I have been in San Diego my whole life. I am ready for the slowed down pace that you guys seem to have. Thanks again and I hope to hear a lot of information.

Don't expect too much of a slow down if you want on with Metro NFD. A good buddy of mine that works downtown is on an Engine Co. that runs 250+ runs per month easy. If your EMT is through the national registry, you might just have to go through a reciprocity class to get your TN license. Columbia State and Vol State Community College have paramedic programs.

Vanderbilt is a great hospital. NFD's and my agency's medical director is an ED there. Their flight program is awesome.

There are several other good paid FD's in the area. Consider Smyrna FD, Murfreesboro FD, Franklin FD, and Brentwood FD to name a few.

[obadiah007]

Thanks SGT. That is very encouraging. When you said don't expect too much of a slowdown do you mean that they won't be cutting back but should be hiring more? I was reading on here that you are waiting for a Federal grant to be able to spend some more money on the FD's. Did you get it yet? Also, Do you guys hire EMT's or would you rather have Medics? I am just trying to find out which road would be the best to get me on with the fire dept. I am 29 and started to feel that I was becoming too old, but then I am hearing that a lot of people are finding out this is what they want to do in their 30's and are getting hired on so that was assuring. I am about a year out before I move there, but is there anything that you could suggest that would help me prepare myself before I get there so I don't waste a lot of time while I am out here? I will be Nationally Registered as an EMT when I am done with my program here. Do you guys require EMT's to have been on an ambulance for a period of time before you will accept them. Any information all of you guys could provide would be so helpful. I had my goals all mapped out for here in San Diego, but now it seems as if I will need to start all over as far as gaining resources so I can attack this as prepared as possible.
You guys are all so helpful and willing to help a brother out and that is one more reason I cannot wait to become a FF. The brotherhood is like no other. Thanks again and I hope to hear froim you guys soon.

Sincerely,
Tommy

[Titaniac]

Seems like there are still a lot of us keeping an eye on this board, just wanted to know if Wilson or others had heard anything. Will number of retirements affect anything number wise? I would think this being a list hiring, they would go back to it-(though I had heard that 42 selected was to make sure they had about 25 in the class), so that if we don't make it this time, it would improve our odds for the next academy, as that would mean that many more getting knocked out of the way-so then there might be a chance for those of us who aren't already more qualified than half the FD. Thanks

[Titaniac]

.............

[wilson247]

All I've heard is that 13 of the original 42 have been rejected for drugs and/or tobacco use, which was never mentioned but that's another argument. My guess is that they expected that and they probably won't bother picking 13 more names off of the list. If they intend on filling those slots, my guess is that they already have, but I'm sure someone here would have heard about it. My source also tells me that they are going to hire more in the fall of this year. I've heard from two different sources that they were going to hire more the second time, like 60 or more. That's what I've heard. Most of the information I've been getting has been fairly accurate so far, so I'm not going to hold my breath, but I will remain hopeful. I'm just going to take this opportunity to put myself in a better position to get hired in the future.

[SgtScott31]

Thanks SGT. That is very encouraging. When you said don't expect too much of a slowdown do you mean that they won't be cutting back but should be hiring more? I was reading on here that you are waiting for a Federal grant to be able to spend some more money on the FD's. Did you get it yet? Also, Do you guys hire EMT's or would you rather have Medics? I am just trying to find out which road would be the best to get me on with the fire dept. I am 29 and started to feel that I was becoming too old, but then I am hearing that a lot of people are finding out this is what they want to do in their 30's and are getting hired on so that was assuring. I am about a year out before I move there, but is there anything that you could suggest that would help me prepare myself before I get there so I don't waste a lot of time while I am out here? I will be Nationally Registered as an EMT when I am done with my program here. Do you guys require EMT's to have been on an ambulance for a period of time before you will accept them. Any information all of you guys could provide would be so helpful. I had my goals all mapped out for here in San Diego, but now it seems as if I will need to start all over as far as gaining resources so I can attack this as prepared as possible.
You guys are all so helpful and willing to help a brother out and that is one more reason I cannot wait to become a FF. The brotherhood is like no other. Thanks again and I hope to hear froim you guys soon.

Sincerely,
Tommy

I am not employed with NFD, but we work closely with them (at the Airport). Having your EMT license is a good start if you want to get on with NFD. I am not sure if you have to put time in on the ambulance first, but it is definitely a possibility. There are quite a few people reaching retirement age so I'm sure they will still hire again within the next 24 months. Just start the process as soon as you get out here and keep an eye on this website.

[dsmns27]

I have a question maybe someone might could help with. I recently got my emt-iv in tn. I am looking to move out of state where they use emt-I 85 standard. The only diference b/w emt-b and emt-i 85 i can find is iv starts and some advanced airways, everything that an emt-iv in tn is certified in. Then why do we take the nremt test for basic. Ive been tring to find a way i can get my emt-i certfication without having to go to another class. Ive tried to explain to the state board that the tn emy-iv cert is basically that of emt-I 1985 standard. They dont seem to understand and only see that i am nremt-b cognitive tested, which is real ticker, b/c it means i may have to shell out more money and time to get my emt-i cert even though in tn emt-iv equals that of emt-I 85. Anybody know why Tn tests on the cognitive test for nremt as basic but train under the 1985 emt-I protocols.

[SgtScott31]

I have sent an email to state EMS to obtain the answer, but I have a feeling we are still testing at the EMT-B level.

It seems that on the surface, a TN EMT-IV can do all the same skills as an EMT-I(85), (at least according to wikipedia :D ) but depending on individual states (and possibly the national registry), an I(85) can do more. I checked the NREMT website and they do give a written test at the I(85) level, but I'm not sure if it consists of more than what the TN EMT-IV learns in the TN curriculum. If it is, that would explain why we are still being tested at the EMT-B level. I believe that our training has to be equal to or greater than the training/objectives set forth in the 1985 USDOT EMT-I(85) curriculum.

I was trained on the EMT-B curriculum in 2001 and upgraded to EMT-IV a couple of years later. I had to pass a practical exam involving IV therapy, but I did not have to take another written exam. This would probably suggest that we are still testing at the NR EMT-B level.

***Upated: Read next post...

[SgtScott31]

You need to get in touch with Donna (G)Tidwell with state EMS. I spoke with her today and she is definitely the contact person regarding this issue when TN EMT-IV's are moving out of states that only recognize the I(85).

Her email is donna.g.tidwell@state.tn.us

[dsmns27]

Thanks very much. I will definately send her an email.

[dsmns27]

Do you know the process of challenging the test. Is it up to the state that your going to or up to the nremt board. What is the process.. do i have to just do the skills practical and take the written test, then how do i get proof that i am I-85 equivaent. I am also an RN and was told by several other medics in the state that im moving that all i have to do is challenge the board for the test, but when i ask the state board they tell me i have to have proof of training at the I-85 level, which is bogus b/c first im already an rn and secondly as discussed earlier i have tns emt-iv course. I think they are just wanting money out of me. Anyways has any one heard of someone challenging the boards for certification and if so what state and how.

[SgtScott31]

Do you know the process of challenging the test. Is it up to the state that your going to or up to the nremt board. What is the process.. do i have to just do the skills practical and take the written test, then how do i get proof that i am I-85 equivaent. I am also an RN and was told by several other medics in the state that im moving that all i have to do is challenge the board for the test, but when i ask the state board they tell me i have to have proof of training at the I-85 level, which is bogus b/c first im already an rn and secondly as discussed earlier i have tns emt-iv course. I think they are just wanting money out of me. Anyways has any one heard of someone challenging the boards for certification and if so what state and how.

It will depend on the state. The best answer I can give you is to get with your Program Director (@ the school where you took your EMT) and Donna with state EMS. Together they will be the ones to help get the answer you need about obtaining the I85. It may just require some proof of training from the course you took or you may have to take the NREMT I(85) exam. Talk with Donna first. That's where you find the right answers.

[dsmns27]

Thanks for the advise Sgt., but it looks like i will have to take an intermediate course. Both program director, donna, and region director in GA. told me i would need proof of emt-i 85 training, which means all that skills check off sheets and stuff, which my instructor says they can not fill out on the I-85 level even though we train on the protocols b/c technically the course is only a basic course with "extended skills" thus the cert as emt-iv. Thanks for hooking me up with the right people to talk to.

[SgtScott31]

Thanks for the advise Sgt., but it looks like i will have to take an intermediate course. Both program director, donna, and region director in GA. told me i would need proof of emt-i 85 training, which means all that skills check off sheets and stuff, which my instructor says they can not fill out on the I-85 level even though we train on the protocols b/c technically the course is only a basic course with "extended skills" thus the cert as emt-iv. Thanks for hooking me up with the right people to talk to.

This is also new to me and others I work with. It's good information to know if we ever wanted to practice out of TN. Good luck.

[TnFireCop]

I havent been checking the boards lately but thought I might be able to clarify the tobacco use policy. I was lucky enough to be one of the new fire fighter recruits chosen for metro's class starting on Feb. 19th. During our orientation Metro's medical director explained that the NFPA standards for new firefighters are different than the NFPA standards for existing firefighters. The NFPA standards do not recommend hiring new firefighters who "use tobacco" and the way they explained it, it doesnt specify whether it is chewed, dipped or smoked. Thats why you wouldn't be recommended for hire if you tested positive for tobacco use. The way I understand it, the requirements are higher for firefighter candidates or recruits than for current or existing firefighters. Stay safe.

[firebicho]

how do they test you for tobacco anyways?

[derekm2j]

They test your urine. It is my understanding that they were going to send our urine to a lab for a nicatine screening.

[farkingfireman]

I had never heard of a fire department testing for smoking. I personally don't smoke. I did just have tests done for life insurance, including a urine test. They test for nicotine, which can be detected if someone has smoked (regularly?) within 60 days.

Hey I don't smoke, I'm begging to be on Nashville Fire Department. Maybe one day.

[kybattch]

I had never heard of a fire department testing for smoking. I personally don't smoke. I did just have tests done for life insurance, including a urine test. They test for nicotine, which can be detected if someone has smoked (regularly?) within 60 days.

Hey I don't smoke, I'm begging to be on Nashville Fire Department. Maybe one day.

It seems to me in nashville and other metro depts. it doesnt matter whether you smoke or not to get hired but rather whose a$% your blowing the smoke up.

[rblad07]

anyone here been through the emt class at columbia state that can give me some info on its schedule or suggest a good school that has emt training thanks

[SgtScott31]

anyone here been through the emt class at columbia state that can give me some info on its schedule or suggest a good school that has emt training thanks

MTSU also has a good EMT-IV program. Their instructors are paramedics from Rutherford County. Normally they tend to hire students from their classes. They are a little more flexible schedule wise, only having classes on Mon & Wed nights (6p - 9p).

Columbia & Vol State hold classes several days a week, but you are not in class as long. Since MTSU is only 2 nights a week, it lasts approximately 9 months.

Vol State:

http://www.volstate.edu/EMT/

MTSU:

The link for MTSU does not seem to work but you can contact them at 615-898-2462.

Columbia State:

http://www.columbiastate.edu/degrees/health/emt.htm

[rblad07]

anyone got any good ideas or reccommendations on some good jobs while trying to get EMT??????

[dsmns27]

Just wondering how things were going so far with those that started on 2/19. How many people are in the class?

[farkingfireman]

Just wondering how things were going so far with those that started on 2/19. How many people are in the class?

I too was wondering what was up with the recent recruits, I was thinking they did not start until April or May. They knocked out @ 12 for nicotine screening but didn't offer the job to more?

Hello?!?!?! I waving my hand over here. I'd be glad to take to job.

[TnFireCop]

Im in the class that started on 2/19. There are 33-34 people in the class and all is going well so far. 1 person didn't show up for class, unsure what there situation was but its a shame that there were over 1400 people out there that would have done anything for that spot and that person didn't even show up. I've been told that the people with EMT or Paramedic will be out in 13 weeks and the ones without will be out on shift in 22 weeks. I haven't heard anything about future hiring but will definately post as soon as I hear anything.

[wolfy5150]

Anyone heard how the new recruit class is doing in Nashville? I know its been a month. Thanks

[Lakerpyro318]

Any news on upcoming class this year. Also could someone in the current class tell how it is going with the current recruit class.

[wolfy5150]

I too was wondering about the latest class. I heard three already have been terminated.

[TnFireCop]

I haven't heard anything else about any upcoming classes this year. The recruit class is going well. Both physically and mentally demanding. Running around 3 miles some days during PT and written tests every Monday. Good instructors and a good academy class. The number of recruits is now at 31.

[wolfy5150]

I haven't heard anything else about any upcoming classes this year. The recruit class is going well. Both physically and mentally demanding. Running around 3 miles some days during PT and written tests every Monday. Good instructors and a good academy class. The number of recruits is now at 31.

So they have lost a few recruits? What got the three or four?

[TnFireCop]

Raising and fully extending a 35 foot ladder alone was one requirement some recruits had trouble with and another was a timed evolution requiring you to go into a smoke-house maze with your facemask blacked out and rescue a dummy in a limited amount of time. If you were unable to complete any of the required evolutions in the alotted time, you were let go. (no 2nd try.) Unfortunately, the ones that were cut would have been great firefighters.

[wolfy5150]

Raising and fully extending a 35 foot ladder alone was one requirement some recruits had trouble with and another was a timed evolution requiring you to go into a smoke-house maze with your facemask blacked out and rescue a dummy in a limited amount of time. If you were unable to complete any of the required evolutions in the alotted time, you were let go. (no 2nd try.) Unfortunately, the ones that were cut would have been great firefighters.

Thanks for the response. Isn't this like throwing the baby out with the bathwater if they would've made great FF'ers? How does this academy rank with the state academy? Courses,classes,instructors... ?

[farkingfireman]

Raising and fully extending a 35 foot ladder alone was one requirement some recruits had trouble with and another was a timed evolution requiring you to go into a smoke-house maze with your facemask blacked out and rescue a dummy in a limited amount of time. If you were unable to complete any of the required evolutions in the alotted time, you were let go. (no 2nd try.) Unfortunately, the ones that were cut would have been great firefighters.

We had to go through that in our academy. The maze was my dreaded thing. It'd be a hard call to leave a good job and go through those evolutions and get a pink slip. The academy is for learning, and sometimes that takes a couple of trys.

I've all but given up on getting a call from Nashville. However, now I'm renovating my house, which will only jinx us (in a good way), and we'd get a call and move.

[farkingfireman]

Raising and fully extending a 35 foot ladder alone was one requirement some recruits had trouble with and another was a timed evolution requiring you to go into a smoke-house maze with your facemask blacked out and rescue a dummy in a limited amount of time. If you were unable to complete any of the required evolutions in the alotted time, you were let go. (no 2nd try.) Unfortunately, the ones that were cut would have been great firefighters.

Is the maze the Drager trailer or a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) trailer? Did they have a name for it?

[TnFireCop]

The maze is a permenant block building consisting of multiple rooms, one set up filled with chainlink fences (walls) with gates that can be opened and closed at random to change the configuration and layout of the room. There are also sections made up as closets, open-studded walls, and dead ends. Its easy to get turned around, especially when you know that your one screw up away from being let go.

[wolfy5150]

The maze is a permenant block building consisting of multiple rooms, one set up filled with chainlink fences (walls) with gates that can be opened and closed at random to change the configuration and layout of the room. There are also sections made up as closets, open-studded walls, and dead ends. Its easy to get turned around, especially when you know that your one screw up away from being let go.

How does Nashvilles Academy compare to the State Academy? Curriculum,instructors?

[wolfy5150]

The maze is a permenant block building consisting of multiple rooms, one set up filled with chainlink fences (walls) with gates that can be opened and closed at random to change the configuration and layout of the room. There are also sections made up as closets, open-studded walls, and dead ends. Its easy to get turned around, especially when you know that your one screw up away from being let go.

How does this academy compare to the Tenn. State Academy? Courses, instructors? I've done the State and it was tough.

[wolfy5150]

The maze is a permenant block building consisting of multiple rooms, one set up filled with chainlink fences (walls) with gates that can be opened and closed at random to change the configuration and layout of the room. There are also sections made up as closets, open-studded walls, and dead ends. Its easy to get turned around, especially when you know that your one screw up away from being let go.

How does Nashville compare to the State Academy? Courses? Instructors?

[TnFireCop]

I have done the State Academy as well and was discussing it with another in the Metro class that also attended the State Academy. We both agreed that this one is tougher. Its also more strict. I think we are running around 5 miles in the morning PT now.

[Titaniac]

I appreciate the updates, hope it continues to go well for you all in the academy. I hate to hear guys who would have been good ones got cut, after all they put you through to get in, and I'll leave it at that. Thanks again for posting to give us some insight on how things are going, maybe some of us will be able to give it a go in the future.

[dsmns27]

I have done the State Academy as well and was discussing it with another in the Metro class that also attended the State Academy. We both agreed that this one is tougher. Its also more strict. I think we are running around 5 miles in the morning PT now.

5 miles wow. Is everyone able to run five. I know its hard for those like myself tring to work fulltime and then if got chosen had to start an academy and running five miles. What do they do if anyone is not able to run the complete five but has to walk some, do they call them out and punish them or threaten to fire them. Im physically fit but according to what you say i need to up my jogging regimen in the case i do get picked. Any advice on pt training that would be relevent to nfds academy would be appreciated. Like does the pt only consist of running or do u all do other things like combat challenge assessments, etc.

[TnFireCop]

We started out running about 2 miles and have worked up to the 5 miles over the last 6 weeks. The daily PT starts at 6:45am with stretching, push ups, sit ups, etc, then a long run or "running the tower". There is a 6 story tower that we run repeatedly, sometimes in full gear and mask. Each person takes a turn carrying a 40 pound "hotel pack" up and back down. I think I counted 87 stories we did one day, six of which we were carrying the 40 pound pack. When you add in the weight of your gear, its very demanding. We have had days where we did around 200 push ups, but not every day. Not everybody in the group can run the full 5 miles. It's not required, but expected. If I were getting ready for it again, I would want to be able to run 5 miles at a nice pace. Remember, the better shape you are in when you get there, the easier it is on you. A weight lifting routine would be great too. One of the required tests is to raise a 35' ladder alone, which is not easy even for those in good shape. I considered myself in good shape before I began and it is very demanding every day. There are rumors of another class this fall, so goodluck to all.

[FFER55]

TNFIRECOP
Does having a medic change your standing on the list?
I now have my medic and want to send it to HR and just want to know how they view that. I know they run their own EMS,but do they run ALS engines?
I wish they would let us know sooner, I have a offer in Vegas but like TN better, but have to go where the jobs are. Do they ever hire laterals?
Thanks for the info.

[TnFireCop]

I'm new myself and don't know everything but I think being a medic would definately be a plus. Metro does run ALS Engines and I am under the impression that they want more ALS Engines. As far as lateral's, I don't think Metro offers any laterals unless it is from there EMS division to the Fire Suppression Division. I have heard that they have already appropriated the money to hire 31 people on the EMS side but they only create a list for the fire suppression side every 3 years. unfortunately if you didn't get on the list this last go around you may have to wait for the next list to test and get on. Alot of people try to get hired on the EMS side then hopefully transfer to Fire Suppression later. Its my understanding that it is much easier to get in on the EMS side. Goodluck!

[FFER55]

Thanks for the info. I tested the last time around. I had a number of 300 of the total. I had a 7 of 10. I didnt agree with the scoring as i had a 78 on the written and a 1:52 on the physical. The physical should have been scaled alittle different as 2:30 was 38 seconds more with the same 5 points. I am a little off by the hiring process as a buddy recieved the # 1 on his score and has not heard back. ?? When I did the interview they said I would be contaced to move forward.? Maybe they were just being nice. The only reason I ask about the medic is because that is the ticket to getting hired now days (at least it is in MI). Do you know who would be the best person to contact with my medic info? Any helpful #'s. Thanks again.

[TnFireCop]

I don't know who would be best to contact. I assume that Nashville Fire only accepts applications while they have the position posted but I don't know for sure. I know that is how it worked with my former dept. Don't be afraid to contact thier HR dept. I know I did when I was trying to navigate my way through the system. Sometimes you can get good information and sometimes it is a wasted call but it never hurts to ask. And why not go straight to the source. I do know that the HR dept. usually has an inside track on positions to be posted, testing dates, etc. I wish I had more info for ya.

[farkingfireman]

It's been a month or more, anything new TnFireCop?

[TnFireCop]

As of this week, 11 of the new recruits that already had there EMT cert. are out on the street. We have been told that we will be doing 2 month rotations until our 6 month probationary period is over then we will get a permanent station assignment. The three paramedic recruits are doing ride alongs this week and are supposed to start next week and the remaining 17 or so recruits are still in the academy getting there EMT cert. and doing clinicals.

[Lakerpyro318]

Any news on when the second class will be going in.

[jeremy25]

anybody know anything about when they may hire more?

[farkingfireman]

anybody know anything about when they may hire more?

I've been watching and waiting myself. I'm hopeing to return home (Nashville) with my family soon.

While I can't recommend the city itself, Memphis Fire Department is continously hiring, especially Paramedics. Otherwise you have to become a paramedic within 3 years. Pay is good, and cost of living is less than alot of places (including Nashville). Though the city is crap.

[Zachary615]

Memphis is hiring a lot of medics. However they compiled a list for fire recruits in 2007 and are working off that list.

[farkingfireman]

Memphis is hiring a lot of medics. However they compiled a list for fire recruits in 2007 and are working off that list.

Hey man, I saw your post name, and a previous post on who your father was. I got hired on in 2004, so I did not know your father. But I work directly with guys that did, I have always heard great things about your father and Kirk. If you every need info or help about the MFD email me.

[Zachary615]

Hey man, I saw your post name, and a previous post on who your father was. I got hired on in 2004, so I did not know your father. But I work directly with guys that did, I have always heard great things about your father and Kirk. If you every need info or help about the MFD email me.


Thanks I appreciate it.