7 Reasons You Should NOT Become A Firefighter

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Күн бұрын

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Firefighting isn't for everyone. While there are a lot of great aspects to the job there are also a lot of drawbacks. In this video I go over 7 different reasons becoming a firefighter may not be for you.
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Пікірлер: 1 700

@robertbell8393 2 жыл бұрын

Reason #8 - Don’t expect to fight fires every shift. Only 10-15% of the calls are fire related. The rest are all medical.

@johnrobs7556 2 жыл бұрын

Not nyc bro the rest of the country are wannabes come to Apple u kids want to fight fires

@hosh6132 2 жыл бұрын

You guys are getting 10-15? were getting 5

@gracierukavina462 2 жыл бұрын

ya my grandpa is chief of a station and usually when i see him, he gets 1-5 calls a night

@radradishradiator 2 жыл бұрын

That is if you live in the US, most if not all countries in Europe separate ambulance services and fire services, and ambulances are instead attached to hospitals and their own stations as opposed to being stationed at fire stations

@nibbax7772 2 жыл бұрын

@@johnrobs7556 nyc is as bad as LA why would anyone wanna go to that shithole

@JamesWilliams-nh8rd 3 жыл бұрын

Little tid-bit on sleep: you don’t ACTUALLY sleep at the station. Even if you don’t get calls, your body sleeps differently because you subconsciously are waiting for a call. You never truly reach that good-good REM sleep.

@shaikirksey3208 3 жыл бұрын

this is me for sure. at home I seep fine but most of the time at the station its like I'm laying awake waiting on tones until I pass out.

@TheJeffro451 3 жыл бұрын

Truer words were never spoken.

@travisdavis5182 3 жыл бұрын

So true. Wasn’t until the Fitbits etc came out that we finally realized how bad we sleep on the “good” nights!

@mikenardi9758 3 жыл бұрын

I agree. I find even without any calls whether I’m on the engine or the ambulance I do not sleep that great

@Horseband716 3 жыл бұрын

please tell this to my wife

@marynatodosenko7129 Жыл бұрын

I heard this story about a young man who was going to be a firefighter. He passed fitness tests, psycho tests, was healthy and excited to be a firefighter. The last step he had to take to fulfill his dream was to sign the contract. Some time before signing the contract, he had time with friends. During the interview, one of his friends mentioned: Do you realize that you will be taking dead bodies out of crashed cars? The young man was stunned, it was as if he realized for the first time that he would have to deal with a tragedy. Turns out that was the reason he didn't sign the contract.

@robertwilliams5015 10 ай бұрын

When I was a teenager, I met a new guy on my job who said he used to be a firefighter. He told us that he quit after taking his first highway wreck. There was an injured kid whose foot was severed during the crash. He said he knew it wasn't for him when he heard the kid ask his mother (who was critically injured) *"Mommy where's my shoes?"*

@tylermorales8607 8 ай бұрын

@@robertwilliams5015do these people not go on ridealongs? As a explorer I’ll go on ridealongs to see if I like it.

@AnimalAlmighty 8 ай бұрын

@@robertwilliams5015wow

@jaredbrun6333 3 жыл бұрын

Just passed my physical and written exams then have my polygraph and I’ll be starting academy in March! Super stoked.

@jakeroberts8124 3 жыл бұрын

Well done! Good luck at your new job

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations! Good luck going forward!

@jaredbrun6333 3 жыл бұрын

I have my interview on the 8th!

@joelpollardjkd 3 жыл бұрын

Nice bro!!!

@STABBRClan 3 жыл бұрын

@@jaredbrun6333 wish you luck dude!!

@brianwilson8119 3 жыл бұрын

You hit the nail on the head sir. Especially the tragedy issue. Thinking of the family is what gets me too. We had an 8 year old male drown while on vacation in our city. The hardest part was knowing his family would travel back home with an empty seat and going back to their house with his bicycle in the driveway, his socks still hanging out of his dresser drawers, his toys still scattered throughout his room, etc. Thank you for posting this video.

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

ya, that sounds like a terrible call!

@kenbrown2808 3 жыл бұрын

my community lost 300 homes to a wildfire this year. and yet, what I really feel affected by was the child with a brittle bone disorder, who couldn't play without the risk of breaking bones.

@the_hero_inside 3 жыл бұрын

This job is definitely for the strongest of heart. How many times will you see this happen over the lifetime of a career as a firefighter...

@mrfancypants29 2 жыл бұрын

My dad was a volunteer firefighter from before I was born. It got into my bloodstream. As a result of a TBI when I was 21 and resulting seizures I haven’t been able to take part in it. He told me some stories about such things. But what really got me was a friend of mine I work with who told me that being from as super small community as he is that the chance of having to respond to a call concerning a close friend or family member is fairly high. He has an aged father who is not in good health. He was saying that if he had to respond to his own father’s call and it ended badly would’ve been the last call he thought he could’ve made. Another friend of mine who was on another neighboring towns department told me about responding to his best friend who had a fatal MVA. It affected him so badly that was the last call he ever made. Even being from a small department, you still will see bad things happen fairly often. That’s just a part of the business. PTSD will affect members of Public Safety. I know it wasn’t spoken about in the fire service especially until lately. It’s a risk you HAVE TO know could happen being in public safety line of work.

@conorsmyth9963 2 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry to hear that man. Have you reached out for help or talked to someone? It helps a lot.

@_o99 3 жыл бұрын

I unfortunately don't have what it takes to be a firefighter myself but I found the next best thing i can do. I work in cleaning and repairing firefighter uniforms and gear to make sure they have what they need to do their job. It's like my boss put it "we help heroes be heroes" Support your local fire fighters Edit: i appreciate the love and support y'all have shown towards me but i regret to inform that i no longer work at that job anymore. The company was bought out and i do not agree with the direction they are taking things. Oh well, but keep supporting your local firefighters

@papercitypauper8746 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for what you do!

@kaushalpatel8610 3 жыл бұрын

Why can't u be a firemen

@_o99 3 жыл бұрын

@@kaushalpatel8610 I've talked to firefighters so I know the commitment it is. Unfortunately it's too much for me to handle

@_o99 3 жыл бұрын

@@kaushalpatel8610 the time commitment should not be understated. You will spend a large portion of your life living at the fire station having to be ready for any emergency. I know of fire fighters who have been immediately fired because of being intoxicated when they needed to be ready. I know it sounds like a small thing (don't drink) but the stress does get to you. Constant lack of sleep, constant exposure to tragedy, constantly having to sacrifice time with loved ones to be ready to serve your community. Honestly, I have huge respect for anyone who can carry that load. Not to mention the health risk. Sure not every fire is a huge burnout but on the occasions where it is, you are risking your life and safety to protect others. And the smoke takes it toll. Many career fire fighters end up having to fight cancer. The company I work for was founded by a man who made it his life mission to make it safer for fire fighters to do their work. That's why our company makes a strong effort to clean and repair their uniforms and gear so they have what they need to do their job. Sadly the man who started it died last year after fighting cancer himself. Support your local fire fighters, they give so much of themselves for our communities.

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Thank YOU for what YOU do. Cleaning and repair of gear is so important. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

@jiujitsujourneyandflow6202 3 жыл бұрын

Been a first responder for 21 years. This guy speaks the truth. Everything he said was right on the money!

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@xoxowendy60 3 жыл бұрын

Never do it for the money always for the people

@boialkleptopod9165 2 жыл бұрын

@@xoxowendy60 well obviously you want to be paid but yeah I agree with what you are saying lol

@whythissucks829 Жыл бұрын

i want to do it for the schedule!

@drewshoot 3 жыл бұрын

Have a strong chin. Be able to take criticism without falling appart

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

true!

@jordanproffitt8401 3 жыл бұрын

@Jerry Gallo lmao i just see "true!" then "bullshit". cracked me up ngl

@lonelycorpro1 3 жыл бұрын

Jerry clearly doesn't have experience in fire then, because it's absolutely true. You can't take things personally, but you have to be willing to take criticism

@richardtaylor9798 2 жыл бұрын

And grow some thick skin. Harassing can become pretty brutal especially for probies.

@muscleman125 2 жыл бұрын

@@richardtaylor9798 Do you realize how terrible the logic in that is? Telling new people to grow thick skin because their surperiors are expected to harass them? Maybe the superiors should stop harassing people. And if you are talking about teasing, that's very different than harassment.

@TheHondarider35924 2 жыл бұрын

The fact that you shouted out for dispatches was honestly amazing. Been dispatcher for 7 years and it's been hard lately. No weekends for 2 months, the shift work. The stressful calls and then going straight home and trying to wind down and sleep. The shoutout was much appreciated. Dispatching for me can be more difficult at times than volunteer fire or ems. I've done all three and dispatching pays the most but also takes a tole on your health.

@mike_pertz 2 жыл бұрын

Great dispatchers are so underrated. I actually just posted another video today giving props to the dispatcher who was doing a great job. I wish more people recognized how hard that job is.

@brandongarrard9675 11 ай бұрын

As a firefighter, thank you for everything you do for your community. We couldn't do our jobs without you. You're the one that takes the call and tells us where we're needed. We may know a house is on fire, but if we don't know where to go we can drive around and look for it but that would take way too much precious time. You may be behind the phone and radio, but you're the Frontline in getting us where we need to be, so thank you.

@gote406 9 ай бұрын

I know it isn't much, but I hope you know one more person out there appreciates what you and other dispatchers do. Thank you.

@TheHondarider35924 9 ай бұрын

@@gote406 they have a hard job. I recently transitioned into a law enforcement officer and I’ve been able to advocate for dispatchers at city council meetings. It’s a hard job and very under appreciated. It’s interesting moving into a position as an officer. You get a handshake and a thank you everywhere you turn. That was definitely not the case as a dispatcher. I’ll definitely take up that role and show the dispatchers that work with me appreciation.

@imjeremy51 3 жыл бұрын

#8: If you're a slob and don't clean up after yourself, this may not be the job for you.

@flextefitness4954 3 жыл бұрын

Tell that to the members at my house. You definitely aren't supposed to snitch your housemates out but a lot of mine don't keep it clean.

@quillmorningstar8713 2 жыл бұрын

Ouch. That hits too close to home. I am trying to get better about picking up after myself though.

@quillmorningstar8713 2 жыл бұрын

Ouch. That hits too close to home. I am trying to get better about picking up after myself though.

@pc6400 3 жыл бұрын

#7 Is why I gave it up after 15 years. Especially after being on the other side as one of those family members. No matter how much you think you do you never understand the grief until experiencing it for yourself. After that I just couldn't handle seeing distraught family members and holding it together until I got back sometimes hours later to the station and go into my room and cry and cry.

@wakerobin9215 2 жыл бұрын

Thank for your service and giving it all you could. I hope you've found some peace these days.

@marvin2678 Ай бұрын

like car crashes ?

@HOONIQUAD Жыл бұрын

20 year fire service member here. For those of you who want to get back to sleep faster when up at that early morning call and be more rested, get a weighted blanket for your bunk. I fall back asleep faster than ever before especially after a call that has your adrenaline pumping.

@GrippyGoth 9 ай бұрын

That's a really cool tip, my boyfriend is going to be a firefighter, I'll make a mental note to get him one

@johnadams7250 3 жыл бұрын

I am a retired Firefighter from the UK , and can relate to a lot you are saying , it’s so true, Respect to you all from over the Pond ....

@bensaunders7469 2 жыл бұрын

Hello mate I’m 17, what’s the best thing I can do to give me the edge over other applicants?

@user-ir7ng5pv4w 6 ай бұрын

H hi Mike how do you be fire from

@marvin2678 Ай бұрын

@@bensaunders7469 hows it going ?

@jkw5374 Ай бұрын

I have 2 sons in the service and one on the way. I know they experience all you say. Thanks for putting it out there

@kevinscanlonsr1593 3 жыл бұрын

Best job in the world. It ain't for everybody

@deandre8432 3 жыл бұрын

Naw, mane. Police is the best job.

@ejomatic 3 жыл бұрын

Nah man LARPING as a Marine now that's the best.

@jeffbaumann244 3 жыл бұрын

Police is the best

@kevinscanlonsr1593 3 жыл бұрын

@@jeffbaumann244 - Where I woeked, a shitload more cops became firemen than the other way around. Much respect for your trade, I do not have the temperament for your job.

@TheAbrantino 3 жыл бұрын

@@deandre8432 nooo we don't like to fuck people's life just because

@mikeschwab1943 3 жыл бұрын

#7 is exactly right.. we all process some of the gruesome things that we see in different ways, but to see and hear family members drop to their knees screaming for their loved ones lost, that's so much worse..

@hellinahalo 2 жыл бұрын

This is the one that gets me. I want to be the person to help make those tragic situations as manageable as possible & do the work to help the situation. I don't know how seeing those tragedies will effect me though.

@mikekollross8810 2 жыл бұрын

Being paged out at 0500 to assist with a medical call. Being there, performing CPR, and seeing the wife react when she is told her husband has died. Clearing off the scene and then going home, take a shower and head off to your day job.

@mikeschwab1943 2 жыл бұрын

@@mikekollross8810 same here man, it sucks

@juanvazquez5836 2 жыл бұрын

i generally feel like I'm not an extremely empathetic person, so I'm not sure if I'm the right fit for a firefigther or exactly the opposite

@superpulaski9767 3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad your #1 is so spot on. So many times I’ve heard guys talk about how excited they are to make a ton of money during fire season but that’s not what it’s about. It’s a career you choose because you have a passion for service, camaraderie, and self improvement.

@boysfootballmr.jordanfootball 2 жыл бұрын

Right

@Grriimace 2 жыл бұрын

I honestly don’t think it’s about the money.

@marvin2678 Ай бұрын

money matters too

@co5bass5 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely some valid points. Where things like nutrition, health, etc. is concerned, al lot of that is based on choice. You have a choice to make: A pizza from Pizza Hut or grilled Chicken, rice, and veggies? Soda from the department soda machine or water/ice tea/other? Recliner time or an hour in the gym? We could go on and on, but again, it's about choices.

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

definitely! we're all products of our daily decisions.

@pepper6528 2 жыл бұрын

My husband was a captain with CalFire, he retired last year. It felt like his job was the third part of our marriage. So many days and weeks I felt like a single mom. I'd hear a little about the hellush calls to help him, and would be haunted by them. Please do another video talking about maritial and family stress.

@supra95ful 11 ай бұрын

Women are so selfish...

@mari422 11 ай бұрын

@@supra95ful Feeling alone isn’t selfish.

@aloeleaf 10 ай бұрын

@@supra95fuland men aren’t? Biggest joke of the century

@foxtrot312 8 ай бұрын

Cal-fire = big bucks and the retirement alone$$$

@livier3970 3 ай бұрын

@@supra95fuli agree honestly

@nicholaswetz6653 2 жыл бұрын

Great explanation. I was worried it was going to be like “you have to be macho to be a firefighter!”But what you said is true. Thank you for this realistic post about our career.

@aliciadorrell8671 2 жыл бұрын

😅

@jasminedalisay4098 Жыл бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂

@bobafett6597 3 жыл бұрын

You hit this right on the dot man. Being a volunteer firefighter for 7 years and also exposed to firefighting since being a toddler, ive grown to understand how the fire service really works. Its very hard sometimes, the things you see are sometimes more than what the average person will ever see in their entire lifetime. In fact, just a few weeks ago, we were called to our local landfill for an equipment accident, and when we arrived, we found a 21 yr old male severed in half by a reversing dumptruck that pinned him between a wall. It was one of the worst things ive ever seen in my life. It takes guts to take stuff like that in and not completely break down. But anyways, thanks again for making this vid and completely selling the point perfectly!

@jasperdavis5517 11 ай бұрын

That pun was crazy

@jdfielding4236 2 ай бұрын

Dark sense of humor should be a requirement for sure.

@markmayfield244 Жыл бұрын

You are on point I can’t say it enough. I have been a fireman in the Houston Fire Department for twenty five years and an instructor at the Houston Community College for twenty three years. I use your videos in my lectures for our entry level students to reinforce the pros and cons of our career and the decisions we make in like. Don’t stop you are doing a great job!

@mike_pertz Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark!

@annabarrios3275 10 ай бұрын

I’m thinking about MAYBE joining the Missouri city fire department! Hopefully the Houston area is good

@waynemcclain2364 3 жыл бұрын

You left out two important points claustrophobia and fear of heights (retired FF 31 years of service )

@09764312468 3 жыл бұрын

why claustrophobia?

@firejoe283 3 жыл бұрын

@@09764312468 confined space training. A lot of crawling. A buddy of mine had to work through his while in the academy. You can't panic when you're stuck or have debris on you. It's beneficial to have a calm collected mind. But that doesn't mean your heart won't be racing, no matter who you are it might be.

@marysway5299 3 жыл бұрын

We had a guy on our team we called it the dog maze it was series dog houses put together with all types of barriers we went in a quater of the way through blacked out and our team leader forgot to mention they didnt handle small tight dark places well froze up wouldnt move we were stuck for 25 minutes till they got the houses seperated they dropped out the next day my T.O ran us through hell we started with 33 ppl by the end of our training our gtad class dropped to 13. My T.O was my cousin but honestly i got special treatment he came at me harder than the other recruits i still remember his foot on my bk doing pushups in full gear and pks demanding 15 more pushups ontop of the 35 i had already done tbh i thought about quitting until my uncle and grandfather got ahold of me at the time i didnt like any of them looking bk im glad they pushed me so hard and basically told me i wasnt allowed to quit thats not language that was used i dont think im allowed to repeat what was actually said lol

@dayshonsmith1485 3 жыл бұрын

There’s a guy on my department that’s actually afraid of heights.. He teaches himself to do his best to push through his fear so he can accomplish the job. But if you can avoid not climbing ladders are going up high without getting in trouble he will definitely do it.

@TheRealJRealer 2 жыл бұрын

@@dayshonsmith1485 i’m afraid of heights sort of and I’m interested in becoming a fire fighter what should i do to be less afraid i guess?

@jbargoffprn 3 жыл бұрын

Living at the station sounds like regular military service

@enjoythesiren911 3 жыл бұрын

As someone studying for the fire industry, and fire department this video was very helpful some things here I notice in myself but I am willing to change parts about myself to do my best as a future fire fighter.

@eastcoastfiretrucks1837 2 жыл бұрын

Same dude.

@luciferianjesuslover9453 Жыл бұрын

How’s it going?

@iplay1944 Жыл бұрын

I'll be like this

@trentonbird7647 Жыл бұрын

Can u help me out I got some questions

@enjoythesiren911 Жыл бұрын

@@trentonbird7647 yeah, what questions do you have?

@aliyahorourke1002 3 жыл бұрын

I am a kid and I really want to be a firefighter to help people. We once had our shed catch on fire from something and the firefighter came up to me and said “you know kid you can be a hero too if you just believe” I have looked up to that person ever since that happened and I know the chances where I could die but I wanna look back a see that I had saved someone’s life.

@SteezySteez2011 2 жыл бұрын

The chances of you dying on the job is really rare if you’re not either wildland or working back east where buildings are older

@mrfancypants29 2 жыл бұрын

Follow and have faith in your training. It’s there to keep you and everyone around you alive and properly solve the problem at hand.

@thomasz18 2 жыл бұрын

Be a hero, but always keep calm and think well of your actions.

@coleman4840 2 жыл бұрын

@@mrfancypants29 Have faith in the equipment as well. It’s amazing how much fire fighting technology has advanced.

@NotAPvmer Жыл бұрын

Pretty cringe if he called himself a hero

@axzs9184 Жыл бұрын

I am almost in my senior year. My dream job was to become a firefighter. I was thinking about what I am going to do with my life. I thought getting into firefighting would be easy, but I will still try because I actually want to help and be a hero.

@nickberatta7506 Жыл бұрын

Never try to be a hero that’s how u get urself killed in dangerous jobs

@ncaviationfilms 11 ай бұрын

@@nickberatta7506 Some people are willing to take that risk and they understand the consequences.

@MatthewOlson-gz2xn 11 ай бұрын

Heroes also get their fellow firefighters killed. This job doesn't need Heroes..it need competent team members. Hero crap are for the kids.

@axzs9184 11 ай бұрын

When I chose firefighting as my dream job, I was always fascinated by fire. I would often play around with it, which led to me getting three second-degree burns. However, what truly inspired me to pursue this career was the overwhelming desire to save lives. There is nothing quite like the feeling of seeing someone you rescued run off safely with their family. When you become firefighter, you become a hero the moment you sign up for the job. You understand the risks involved and are willing to put your life on the line to protect others. It's a title that holds great meaning and carries immense responsibility. I will continue to pursue my dream of becoming a firefighter, knowing that my actions and choices can have a profound impact on the lives of others. I know that It's important that I maintain the highest level of commitment, skill, and professionalism, ensuring that I can make a difference in every situation I encounter. Iam bound to make mistakes as I am just like you guys but i will learn from whatever problems life throws at me. (if i can) *srry if i wrote a long one*

@TOMVUTHEPIMP 9 ай бұрын

@@axzs9184 You sound like you should be an arsonist. Not a firefighter.

@dustypowers387 2 жыл бұрын

My grandfather was a fireman for 40 plus years and this video matches up with a lotta things he told me about the fire service but that being said I’m so thankful I grew up with a grandfather and uncle that worked at the same station the bond all the firemen/women shared was truly an incredible thing to watch

@trob0914 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, all good points, #7 is spot on, especially in a small community where you know people or are known( from personal experience, it's tough). Thanks again for sharing your insight!

@chrisgriffin3238 3 жыл бұрын

After 30 plus years in both vol. and career your take on the job and the reasons not to become a firefighter is spot on. However, it is the greatest job ever as long as you have a heart to serve others FIRST.

@shenandoahmike3915 2 жыл бұрын

You hit the nail on the head my friend ! I hope your viewers save this post and listen to every word. In my 35+ years as a civilian and military firefighter I could not agree with you more. I believe the best thing the fire service has done is incorporate EMS into their duties, it has brought in a group of people who have the emotional, social and mental capabilities you have touched on here. When I started the old guys did not accept EMS very well ( to put it kindly), but I can see it was a good fit. You are a brave man my friend to take on this page my friend!

@bvnny20 Жыл бұрын

I'm glad I've come across your website. I've gotten interested in fire service based on inspiration I got (still do) from my father figure who is a paramedic and also having this feeling of wanting to help people. I'm learning so much from you. I'm incredibly thankful.

@ffbell505 Жыл бұрын

Spot on! In regards to #7, I tell new recruits that you will have that one call early in your career that will tell you if you can emotionally handle this job or not. Our best day is someone else's worst day of their life. Hopefully, we can be there and turn things around for them. Often times, that doesn't happen. Thanks for the well thought out video.

@ventrac4500z 3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree with the harder part being seeing the family and friends reactions

@wesmckinney4915 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video man! I’m a volunteer trying to go full time and this helped a lot! I’m due for EMT school in March and I’m super pumped

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help! Good luck!

@davidmorin7939 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting this! One of the more honest and direct approaches I have seen. #7 hurts the most.

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@san-g1344 2 жыл бұрын

On my 2nd week of my academy course and so far I absolutely love it. I feel blessed to have discovered my calling.

@pacxpodcast6456 3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate this upload. I've been wanting to join the fire service for years and have watched all of your videos. Several of them more then once. Throughout my journey I have decided that I want to get into wildland firefighting. I think I will use that to get my foot in the door for a forestry career. This video helped me and at the perfect time. Thank you.

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome man, thanks for the kind words..., that sounds great, good luck getting into wildland firefighting...that’s a TOUGH job!

@DangerCloseL7 2 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love your channel. I’m in Ohio myself down in Columbus. Heading to the academy myself after leaving the military and realizing a desk job is not for me in the civilian world. Thank you for all these videos. I watch them all day, every day while at work now. Very insightful and absolutely helpful. Both my grandfathers retired from the CFD so time to carry on the legacy.

@emmanuelwatson6538 Жыл бұрын

i'm 16 currently in columbus, aspiring to be a firefighter. How was the academy?

@jacksonwalsh4243 Жыл бұрын

How’s it going? I’m currrently enlisted almost about to get out.

@juliaward6819 Жыл бұрын

This is so on the mark on so many levels! Thank you for putting this out there, not just for US but for any fire service, any country!

@kevadams1964 3 жыл бұрын

Very good video. I am a 30+ year veteran of the fire service and I have seen people come and go. For the most part the good ones stay. Sometimes the good ones leave and the bad ones stay. I have been blessed to work with mostly great firefighters. If I had to add to this list, it would be those who think they are going to be heroes are going to be very disappointed and most likely a dangerous member of their crew. Everyone from the chief of the department to training to the rank and file firefighters are part of each and every life saved. You will never do anything alone; thus, you will never be a hero.

@scrubz5125 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you man. I’ve been thinking of becoming a volunteer firefighter but don’t know if I should do it full time. I still have a year but thank you this really helped!

@thebatbros1 3 жыл бұрын

wow #5 hit different, i remember on one of my rides during emt the lieutenant was having a conversation in the kitchen and alot of the stuff he was saying had me like wtf? Eventually we went on a call for chest pain before we even got there he said "this guy took some kind of drug." When we arrived he asked the kid if he had taken any drugs and he kept saying no. Once we were on the rescue he asked him again and told him no one was going to arrest him and we need to know to be able to treat him, and i coudnt believe the kid actually admitted to taking something. This really showed me how powerful experience really is.

@brianwilson8119 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Sometimes all it takes is getting someone into a different atmosphere to get them to answer questions. Also goes for kids answering with their parents around, however, it always isn't practical to separate a child...depends on age and situation of course.

@BigDaddy-tj6sx 2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate this video, all of these things im ready to face. My biggest fear is making a mistake that can effect my crew or community. Finishing my application at the moment for the emt/firefighter school in my area, i recentley have gotten my fire science degree but know i still have a lot to learn. Excited to continue this process

@brainnaepling7853 3 жыл бұрын

The very first question 🤔 im going to a volunteer fire department and no one gets paid so its obviously not for the money😂

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

haha

@nickshoemaker1417 3 жыл бұрын

same lmao

@toadstool1404 3 жыл бұрын

So far, I have 36 years in the volunteer fire service...the beauty is, I can retire at full pay anytime...

@bluegrassman3040 3 жыл бұрын

I was a volunteer for almost ten years. I lost interest in it and stayed on the department longer than I should. Changed jobs and got married during that time, and just wasn’t the same. Then had to deal with some of the negative people and the “super firefighters” that were in my county. It’s just wasn’t worth having to deal with all that and not get paid for it...

@Venisor21 3 жыл бұрын

Who knows, you may be doing it in order to then become a firefighter and get paid.

@the_hero_inside 3 жыл бұрын

I've played around with the thought of trying my hand as a firefighter over the years... You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned the reactions to, and in and of itself, Tragedy... Not sure I could take it.. I found this video very helpful, thanks for taking the time to post. Cheers, you guys are the real life heroes

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

thank you!

@MikearoniGrill Жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting. I'm 39, every career test, my college, said I should be a Fire Fighter... but.... I always worried about the pros and cons. You laid it out

@tomhairston9557 2 жыл бұрын

30 years in and I still love it...all of it!!...your video is on point!!

@sarahjardin 5 ай бұрын

So helpful - thank you and BLESS YOU. ☮️ 💜

@pauldurham3852 2 жыл бұрын

One you missed, as a son of a 21 year veteran I knew what I could expect as a firefighter. I just began training yesterday for the CPAT and am working on getting shape. But what was missed or can be added on to one of the points, not being willing to adapt. Though evolution is slow in department work it does change and training never stops. Over a course of the last 14 years I have seen changes not in gear, and ways of doing things, but also it’s ever changing in commands and crews.

@BanjoZZZ 9 ай бұрын

As long as they don't go to those stupid European style helmets, everything will be okay

@WargamingEdward 2 жыл бұрын

Currently about to start my firefighter apprentice program thanks for this video it made me double down on my decision. I already knew what I was getting into and these things just give me a little bit more of a wider view on standpoints in the job itself

@stevecabbott 7 ай бұрын

This is very helpful! I'm considering becoming a firefighter and these are really good things to think about. Thank you!

@rockstarJDP 2 жыл бұрын

Huge respect for you and your brothers and sisters for what you do - love to you all from across the pond ❤ x

@glennarmstrong6396 3 жыл бұрын

Very good information told in a very thought out and personal way. Retiring this summer after 25 years in the fire service and agree with all that you said. Thanks for sharing.

@ambar_flames 3 жыл бұрын

Do you have any personal advice for someone is trying to become a firefighter? (I am a 19 year old girl and I am applying to my local fire academy.) God bless and thank you for your service!

@the_hero_inside 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service.. even if we're on opposite sides of the country.. you're a human saving humans

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Glenn! Congratulations on your upcoming retirement!

@edwardzubia7472 10 ай бұрын

The first time that I’ve heard an honest take on the occupation. I left the organization primarily due to the overall lack of balance in my life. I loved the physical elements and the people, I hated the overall lack of separation from work. I’ve worked at three different agencies and came to the same conclusion with each of them. It was a tough decision but I never regretted it. I was grateful for the opportunity, but realized it wasn’t the organization; it was me. It was a hard pill to swallow but It gave me a stronger appreciation for everything that I had in my life before donning the uniform.

@michaeldiehl2458 3 жыл бұрын

I lost a long time family friend from a heart attach and then died while driving a car. Took 5 p.os and coroner to come to his house and tell his wife. Bless you guys for what you do everyday

@snoopycat5828 Жыл бұрын

You really explain this in the most perfect way really. Your videos really help me with starting out

@Swifft26 2 жыл бұрын

I really appreciated this video. As prior military the sleep part doesn’t bother me, I’ve done movements where I could sleep for less than an hour at a time before I had to get up and hump 5miles. I can see the nutrition part because plenty of the FF I’ve been around haven’t been in the best shape which I can’t understand. Authority is something that nearly every job has but surprisingly it’s common all over, some people just don’t understand that you have to do your part before you can take the leadership position.

@SansMizu1119 2 жыл бұрын

I'm in the Marine Corps and in the process of getting out, and firefighting does not sound too different from what I do already. I'm excited to get started and join the firefighting force.

@judelachance 2 жыл бұрын

You're right, it's not that different. Show up when you're supposed to, know what you're doing, do what they tell you, then do whatever else needs done and they think you hung the moon. I was also in the Corps ('69-'71, 3/7 1st MARDIV; was an 0341) and having that in your history shows you can work with others, under duress, and you're used to the chain-of-command thing. Veteran's preference points that were added to test scores at the time helped but don't know if that's still common. Did 34 yrs with Ventura County Fire and couldn't have asked for a better career. Been retired 15 and still can't believe they pay me just to keep breathing! Hope you give it a shot, bud.

@swa401 2 жыл бұрын

Love this - hit the nail on the head as a retired firefighter of 20 years. I agree with everything he said . In my time the macho can’t feel was that problem with out mental health some things are changing in that area but still a issue thanks for making this

@Parsel1128 3 жыл бұрын

Love your content! Thanks for the insight.

@nattvandraren8676 Жыл бұрын

my dad works as a part-time firefighter and a lot of what you talked about I recognize those nights when the searcher beeps all night long and you don't get any sleep and only since I was a little girl have I wanted to be a firefighter because I want to help I even want to follow in my father's footsteps and here where I live, there have been a shortage of people at the station. my local fire station is too small for people to live or sleep in but those who are firemen or women usually live near the station and I know that the firemen see a lot of things that can affect a person so I always give my dad a hug every time he comes home and asks how it went to show that I care about him I'm not very good at speaking the words out that I want to say but I can feel compassion for everyone that I meet. You firefighters are the best and you are the Tru heroes love from a small village in Sweden.❤ 🚒

@firemann32 Жыл бұрын

All good points, its been a great career for me, over the years.. The tragedy has by far become the hardest part, after 25+ years I've seen more death and tragedy than I ever care to see. I've always been very sympathetic with the family and friends but the deaths have become as common as filling up gas, just another another thing in life. I became concerned for my own mental health when I realized I was becoming nonemotional about deaths, it weighs on you year after year, don't be afraid to reach out for help.

@anasstas8061 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the video it was really useful ! In the next month February going to have the test then the interview for fire rescue department . Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮

@matthewleighton7532 2 жыл бұрын

On target with this. I too had no family or friends when I got on. This is a very accurate account of what I have learned.

@laurawilson5666 3 жыл бұрын

I respect you guys for this job. I wanna say a big thank you!!!!!

@sofiautting5286 2 жыл бұрын

U r welcome,,,!

@AimForTheBushes908 3 жыл бұрын

I was expecting him to bring up physicality. Was hoping to know how much of it is involved. Kind of surprising it did not make the list but I guess it's one of those things that goes without saying.

@SuperColonel91 2 жыл бұрын

Very Well Done on the Video! It's easy to see why alot of Prior Military goes into the Fire Department. I could always see that there are many Parallels!

@flextefitness4954 3 жыл бұрын

The hardest part for me was dealing with seniority. I came on late in life at 49 years old. The 10 month academy was rough having to deal with younger people yelling like idiots. Once I made it through it got a little easier but young officers can be very trying especially since many of them have little life experience outside of the fire department. I'm still learning to just keep quiet and just listen. The hardest part is I'm not learning as much as I would like because I have yet to meet a firefighter that is a good teacher/instructor/role model. They are great firefighters but not that great at teaching and sharing their knowledge.

@kconation2 2 жыл бұрын

Let' call a spade a spade. 49 is super late to get on. Most established career departments with the call volume to give you the experience you're looking for wouldn't hire you at 49. I know people that are eligible to retire before the age of 49. I'm not necessarily saying it's entirely too late. What I am saying is every fireman with real time on will tell you firefighting is a young man's sport. It's entirely unrealistic for you to get on the job (or I'm assuming maybe volunteer) at almost 50 and expect to relate to a lot of people. Someone at the age of 29 could have 13 years experience if you include junior firefighter, and they are two decades younger than you. Just try to find someone with some maturity and experience, but do no expect them to have the life experience you have. You'll relate solely on the fire service. Sometimes you have to teach yourself as well.

@lawv804 2 жыл бұрын

Police, firefighter, military are all careers to get into young.

@flextefitness4954 2 жыл бұрын

@Law V never too late apparently. 1 guy got on at 60 and another at 55 .

@supergene256 2 жыл бұрын

@@lawv804 I just joined the army at 37 and I agree. Age is a problem in every way.

@lawv804 2 жыл бұрын

@@flextefitness4954 not saying you can't do it older. But there are tremendous advantages to starting it young. Few other careers where you can earn a lifetime pension, healthcare, and other great retirement benefits at under 40yo.

@fidny 3 жыл бұрын

Spot on. Did 23 years on FDNY, on a lighter note, we had a class visit the firehouse, I asked one of the boys what do you want to do when you grow up? The kid said be a fireman!!! My Capt leans in and tells him you can’t do both kid!!! LOL. I guess you can put that as 8, you have to have a good sense of humor, if you can’t laugh at the kitchen table you’re not gonna make it!

@brumbybailey6599 3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha, I just became a retained firefighter and in some ways I've never grown up

@RyuHoshi1985 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video! so informative! ive been training to become a firefighter and I find out any job is the stuff that they don’t tell you, that is usually the tuffest to deal with.

@cesarmunoz903 3 жыл бұрын

Super awesome video man as an active duty corpsman i look forward to this career path

@garrettbroad4078 2 жыл бұрын

I’m applying in October to fire school and I’m really excited been trying to get into shape so once I get to the CPAT I can do well but I’m most excited about the family you’ll be with knowing you’re there to potential save someone’s life together as a team and I’m young and I’ve worked with older guys my whole work experience and I learn a lot from them so I’m kinda used to that

@climbhigh1000 3 жыл бұрын

My training captain would say "TSAFE"- THIS SHIT AINT FOR EVERYONE

@hookedonthebay3890 Жыл бұрын

You hit the nail on the head when you said the traumatic experiences are not from seeing the tragedy it's self but the reactions of others. My friend is a firefighter and he said the exact same thing, which I have trouble understanding because I have not seen much tragedy. I'm currently in fire school, 29 years old and sick of the hard labor dead end grind. Wish me luck!

@tomepajmakoski9095 2 жыл бұрын

Blessings to you mate, I just today finished preliminary tests and now am waiting for results for a job as a firefighter, I am most exited for this and I know for a fact that I didn't do the best at the testing for I didn't get the minimum for sit ups but I will work on myself for the next opportunity next month if I don't get in this time around! May God bless us all with ease ! Господи помилуј !

@hectorarias9516 2 жыл бұрын

Just signed on for my EMT certs. Hoping to get into the fire academy after that. But hearing about number 7 is actually giving me pause now that I think about it. Might have to sit down and think about this more. But I’m hoping that my resolve to join stays strong. Thanks for this video, it definitely gave me insight into the difficulties of the fire service.

@outboardgull5285 Жыл бұрын

Did you end up going in? I'm looking into it right now and interested. Just doing some searching on what to expect

@hectorarias9516 Жыл бұрын

@@outboardgull5285 Yes. I became a wildland firefighter. It’s hard work and stress. Daily PT with my crew, and a lot of classroom sessions with difficult lessons. Just last week, my captain was telling me about how a hazard tree that he wanted to fall, but didn’t have the certs for, ended up falling on and killing another firefighter later on. It’s a dangerous life, with tragedy all around us. But the work we do can help save communities and the livelihoods of people. It’s worth it.

@Phase-fn5ry Жыл бұрын

@@hectorarias9516 congrats im 16 and plan on becoming a firefighter

@fullsendnetwork2909 3 жыл бұрын

Could you please do a video on the rank structure of the fire service? Love the content and really appreciate you putting these videos together!

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Harley, thanks for the kind words. I can definitely do that. I’ll add it to the queue of upcoming videos

@chilltime4878 2 жыл бұрын

That’s easy, if you are horrible at the job as a firefighter, they will promote you to chief and you will forget where you came from rather quickly and all the guys will hate you but hey, you made chief!!

@Skippy2539 2 жыл бұрын

The seniority competence point is so true. On my third fire which was apart of the 2019/2020 fire season in Australia, as a 16yr old vol so I am fresh as can be and in experienced in so many aspects but I will still able to see how the actions we took saved our lives and yet we still got blasted by the group officer for doing what we were told not to. He had to have it explained so slow to him for him to understand it, but then I have worked with officers who were amazing and knew exactly was happening before it even happened

@veronicasanchez696 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing ❤my son recently expressed interest in becoming a firefighter EMT and so I thought I’d look into positive videos and realistic honest videos kinda letting you know what it all entails so he continues and becomes excited and confident while he is on his journey to become one love your channel!!!!!

@bobklein3032 9 ай бұрын

Been a volunteer firefighter for 31 years total. I have seen dozens and dozens of volunteers become career fire service personnel. You are absolutely correct in all your seven points. My son and my oldest daughter were volunteers. Now my youngest has just been hired by a suburban FD in MA. I am happy to say that she will do fine in the fire service based on all your "bullet points". Great video.

@Nambazi 3 жыл бұрын

Will the video around fitting in with team when you’re new also focus on how to know your community when you transplanted to area? Or could you do a separate video on that - getting to know your community when you grew up elsewhere

@christianavina8406 Жыл бұрын

"Preach it brother " much respect from Gonzales Ca. Saludos and Respecto Hermano.

@d.howfitness3492 2 ай бұрын

Good video. I'm actually going to share this with a group of new guys at my station 👍

@ajpotter518 3 жыл бұрын

Was in the service for 28yrs. And every one of these issues you bring up is spot on. Very well stated. Fire service is very rewarding. But, you sacrifice a lot over your career. I loved every year.

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Andy, thanks for the kind words AND for 28 yrs of service!

@truckie6740 3 жыл бұрын

So True, Kids walking, Christmas, Birthdays, list goes on.......... I will not miss the job. I will miss the guys 5 more to go ( 32 total)

@mantequilla4189 3 жыл бұрын

Don’t reinvent the wheel. This is what I was told for trying to meet standards and have meaningful daily training. Slugs use this as a shield.

@mauidukes 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. All true points!

@generic3592 3 жыл бұрын

My cousin is a captain on a local fire department. Went and did that for awhile loved it. Will be a volunteer firefighter for as long as I can love it.

@guard343 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely spot on. Everything you said here was true. This is very informative for people deciding about a career in the fire service. CFD 22 years. T22

@elizabethtae1722 3 жыл бұрын

So far I LOVE it, I’m a “volunteer” and started it not thinking I’d be paid- found out after I started that we do get paid per diem (per call, we get 1 hour pay minimum for showing up to a call wether we go out or not!)

@population-_-420 2 жыл бұрын

Hmu Elizabeth

@ryanzrampage7909 2 жыл бұрын

This was brilliant. thank you so much.

@m4yd1e86 3 жыл бұрын

Nicely done on the video. You made some excellent points.

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@FM418 3 жыл бұрын

Coming up on 42 years in the fire service. You are spot on on all of your reasons. I wish all of you the best if you choose this career but understand the challenges you will face along the way. Stay safe and do your best to look out for one another and yourself too!

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, you too!

@chilltime4878 2 жыл бұрын

42 years ? Bro, get out while you still have your health. Hope you can adjust because it sounds like your full identity. Good luck!

@FM418 2 жыл бұрын

@@chilltime4878 I'm good. I started at 15 as a volunteer FF/EMT. Was a Fire Marshal (Inspector & Investigator/LEO) for 30 years. Now in the Emergency Management and Special Ops side of the house as a non-uniformed member. I'll let the younger guys carry on the heavy lifting for now. All the best to all!

@patrickkellam3790 3 жыл бұрын

I’m nearing my 15 year mark in the fire service, and April will mark 10 years as a career... I must say this video is spot on. I appreciate your ability to keep it simple and tell the truth. It’s not Hollywood, but it is the best job in the world. With your permission, I’d like to reference and use this video with new people, or perspective members of my volunteer department. I feel like it will answer a lot of questions up front. Stay safe!

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Patrick, thanks for the kind words. Absolutely, I’d be honored if you used it as a reference! I created the channel to essentially bring more great people into the fire service by giving them advice and an honest look at what they’re getting into. Thanks again! Stay safe!

@Grriimace 2 жыл бұрын

Can you please tell me everything that is required to become a firefighter?

@oscarosullivan4513 2 жыл бұрын

Your Firefighters get the same treatment as RNLI crew

@mrkarterhuh9830 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. Working as an EMT now and gonna start my schools firefighter 1 program while applying everywhere I can.

@maizalima2493 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing, Mike! I just recently decided to join the Fire Service. Number 7 is going to be the hardest one for me to be okay with.

@christopherhenson2337 3 жыл бұрын

i think the last point is a big one. a couple weeks ago on one of my first couple calls, the thing that stuck with me the most was seeing the family’s reactions to seeing their loved one in that situation. I think that’s the hardest thing to see and unsee. My partner said it’s not good to become ice cold because you lose your compassion for others.

@mike_pertz 3 жыл бұрын

Ya definitely...it’s the worst part of the job for sure.

@whiterondo7504 2 жыл бұрын

Thinking about getting EMT certified and eventually going into a fire academy. This video was awesome and it gave me a lot of confidence in the fact that this seems super interesting to me. Any tips or tricks for someone who is new to the interest?

@katelynhuff4754 Жыл бұрын

There are community colleges and academys that offer a dual program. This allows you to get firefighter/emt certified all in one course.

@LauraC-hq7sm Жыл бұрын

Thank you sir for this video You are very articulate I’m not interested in being a firefighter. Now I know how tough this job is. Thank you for all your hard work.

@smileprincess6834 2 жыл бұрын

I'm in South Africa, just failed my physical yesterday, but was encouraged by the assessing firefighters to try again early next year cause I was extremely close to passing. I'm definitely training harder and definitely trying out again. I've always wanted to be a firefighter and we have way too few women on the service.