Someone with Medical Condition looking to Join...

[smokeeater29]

To my brothers and sisters out there in Fire/EMS Land...

My name is Jim. I'm a FF in NJ and have been for about 6 years. My younger brother was born with a congenitive heart defect and suffers from many alterior ailments because of that. He's 19 and has been raised, like me, in the fire service. We come from a long line of firefighting tradition. Unfortunately, he cannot complete the fire academy due to his condition and EMT school would probably be out of the question too, mainly because of lifting requirements and overall stress levels.
It breaks my heart to see him go through this. Basically, what I'm looking for is some pearls of wisdom from anyone out there.. What can he do to still stay involved with the fire service? I thought of being an inspector, but in jersey, you need Fire I to start your certs, which he cant go through, unfortunately.. Anything administrative that anyone can think of? Anyone's help on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all for reading, stay safe, and God bless.

Fraternally, Jim

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

He could be a fire alarm operator/dispatcher...

[TL678]

Inspections and Fire Protection Analyst are two i know of. We used to have a deaf guy that worked as an analyst.

[LaFireEducator]

First of all are we taliking volunteer or career?

If we are talking about the volunteer service, there are likely many jobs out there that he can do in the firehouse, as well as some in the field that would not require FFI.

Rehab/Scene Support
Photography
Public Education
Community Relations
Communications
Asminisration/Support Services

[Atlanta802]

Maybe a safety officer? I myself have completed FF1 HazMat Ops and many other certifications and now I have a back injury that restricts me from doing many fireground tasks, so the Chief and myself sat down and had a long talk and I took some written tests and he talked with a large department that I trained with about my profeciency and skills and assets and a decision was made to give me an administrative position as Deputy Chief. I do feel it is unfair to some other members that are on the department that have been their longer than myself, but the Chief states that it had little to do with his or the boards decision. They stated that my experience and know-how, determination, drive, and leadership is what landed me the position. I was lucky enough to get through the training before I got injured. In your brothers case, I think he should prove to the department (if it is volunteer) he knows what he can do and what he cant, and prove to them he would be beneficial to them. Has he mentioned to you what kind of position he would like to have? And what his interests are?

[Atlanta802]

First of all are we taliking volunteer or career?

If we are talking about the volunteer service, there are likely many jobs out there that he can do in the firehouse, as well as some in the field that would not require FFI.

Rehab/Scene Support
Photography
Public Education
Community Relations
Communications
Asminisration/Support Services

Agreed. Well said brother. Just because someone can not do some things doesn't mean a person can't do anything.

[ChiefKN]

Maybe he can be on CERT or work with OEM?

[pasobuff]

I think a LOT of great ideas have been given - not sure I have any additional to add!

[NFD-Firefighter]

Communications?

[fire49]

Fire protection engineer degree

Fire alarm install

Fire sprinkler install

[KHawke]

I am mainly a wildland guy, and I have seen many former firefighters who have been injured or diagnosed with a medical condition be very successful by working in wildland logistics. A few people have bought travel trailers and turned them into mini-stores which they set up in fire camp to sell personal items (shaving cream, toothbrushes, tobacco, insect repellant, sunscreen, etc...). Others have invested in portable shower units and get contracted by the Feds to provide shower services at the big fires. Others have bought screen printing machines and sell personalized shirts pertaining to each wildfire they set up at. Others have worked for companies that make fire pumps, fire hose, etc... These are just a couple ideas off the top of my head, if you want to send me a private message we can do some further brainstorming. I wish your brother the best of luck and let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

[sweetpete]

I agree with pretty much all of the above posts! I'll add: perhaps 911 dispatch. There's a shortage of good, level-headed people out there who know how to listen during an emergency and get the right information we need.

Or, my personal favorite, fire prevention/education. I love talking with the kids at school, so maybe a city or dept would hire a part-time/full-time fire prevention trainee.

I'm not sure, but you're bro should be proud that he's got family that cares. Tell him "thanks" for his desire to serve his community, even if it isn't in the capacity he'd like. He's making the most of the hand he's been dealt. That, in itself, is honorable.

Take care,
pete

[paulLepore]

Greetings Jim,
Has your brother considered becomming a Paramedic? His physical condition may not preclude him from this. I would look into the physical requirements, but he may be ok in a single role paramedic position. He would certainly experience plenty of the excitement and be able to give back his talents to the community. Best of luck to him!

[LFD6551]

dear jim. In my department we have something called Fire/police which preaty much means they direct traffic at the fire scene and they help out the firefighters from outside of the fire. God bless you & stay safe.