u/IkarosFa11s

Looking to test for an Engineer/Lieutenant spot that just opened up, two months from now. I have the necessary certifications, however I’ve only acted in minimally and am looking to up my game (not just for the test, it’s an area I’d like to improve in overall). I’m curious what resources/books/manuals/etc you guys would recommend utilizing to study up.

I’m planning on training every shift between now and then on different evolutions with my Engineer and seeing if I can drive every shift as well. I’m also planning on doing 5-10 pump calculations every day until I test, as well as reading through the rig spec manuals to make sure I’m solid on all of those.

My department does not have specialty units such as Heavy Rescue, Hazmat, ladder trucks, etc. except for Wildland rigs (type 6 brush trucks and tenders). We basically just have type 1 engines for structure work and rely on mutual aid for the other stuff.

Being a Paramedic, I feel that I am already comfortable with the leadership aspect of the job, however if there’s anything in that arena you’d recommend as well, I’m open to any and all advice. Thank you!

Hey everybody, I’ve got a chance to promote to Engineer from FF/PM and I’m considering taking it.

I’ve been on a total of about five years now, two as a Paramedic. It’s not a long time, but thankfully I’ve been fortunate to be on several great crews who have really taken training seriously, and work in a city that gets a lot of high-acuity calls, so I feel like I have a decent amount of experience for my tenure.

I love the job, but I’m getting a bit tired of riding the ambulance all the time. Unfortunately, I only get to be on the engine about two days a month, and that’s just started this year. In previous years I was on the ambulance every shift.

I love being a firefighter. In fact, I always said I would never leave the backseat until now.

I love going interior on fires. I love doing patient care. I am in the middle of getting my Critical Care Paramedic certification. I love being at the center of the action… but I also miss having firefighting as my primary responsibility.

I’m pretty torn on this decision. Pay isn’t a factor, but this would afford me a somewhat better work/life balance in terms of not coming home absolutely destroyed from shift.

For the Engineers/Chauffeurs: when did you know it was time to promote? Have you enjoyed it? Do you ever feel you’re missing out on fires/medical calls? I feel like that’s my biggest holdup. Is being an Engineer worth it?