What excludes you from being a firefighter?

Firefighters must also demonstrate responsibility and reliability. Therefore, firefighters can be disqualified for conditions that impair their physical performance as well as for physically or morally harmful behavior. This behavior includes drug abuse, criminal activity and even repeated traffic violations.


What will disqualify me from being a firefighter?

Examples of potentially disqualifying evidence - past due accounts, discharged debts, late payments, collection accounts, civil judgments and/or bankruptcy; failure to exercise fiscal responsibility commensurate with income; failure to follow all traffic laws; numerous moving and non-moving violations; at fault traffic ...

Can you be a firefighter with a history of drug use?

Can you be a firefighter with past drug use? If you have a criminal history or fail the drug test, you will most likely be disqualified from becoming a firefighter.


Can you take Adderall and be a firefighter?

Another common drug amongst firefighters is Adderall or other ADD medications like Ritalin or Vyvanse. Firefighters take these drugs to help them stay focused and alert during long shifts, but use can quickly spiral out of control and cause harmful side-effects.

Can I be a firefighter with a general discharge?

Background. Firefighters should expect to undergo a background check and have a clean history, meaning no felonies or significant criminal records. Dishonorable discharge from the military could also deter aspiring firefighters from getting hired. A good driving record might also be required.


7 Reasons You Should NOT Become A Firefighter



What qualifies as honorable discharge?

To receive an honorable discharge, a service member must have received a rating from good to excellent for their service. Service members who meet or exceed the required standards of duty performance and personal conduct, and who complete their tours of duty, normally receive honorable discharges.

Can you sleep as a firefighter?

Firefighters often spend 24 hours at a time at the firehouse followed by 48 hours off duty. During this time they eat, sleep, shower, work and relax at the firehouse. So, they essentially live at the firehouse for approximately 1/3 of their career.

Can you use nicotine as a firefighter?

Firefighters are required to refrain from all use of tobacco, chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, marijuana, and vaping throughout their employment with the Los Angeles Fire Department.


Can you join fire service with ADHD?

Police officers and firefighters : Because these public servants are usually busy and they can't predict what will happen on the job from day to day — which is great for ADHD folks who don't like tedious routines — a career as a police officer or a firefighter can be a great option for adults with ADHD.

Is being a firefighter hard on your body?

Firefighters face serious risks on the job such as heat exhaustion, burns, physical and mental stress. Additionally, they frequently come into contact with high levels of carbon monoxide and other toxic hazards. With these dangerous exposures, this line of work presents a likelihood for many diseases.

How extensive are firefighter background checks?

Typically, a firefighter background check will include a criminal history search, an employment verification check, and a drug test. Some departments only check local criminal records, while others pull records from state or national sources.


What is the oldest a firefighter can be?

We do not have an age limit for applicants. It is very possible that two people the same age, whether 20 or 40, will perform very differently. It is up to each recruit, in conjunction with their medical physician, to determine what they are physically capable of doing.

Can you be a firefighter if you take antidepressants?

You can certainly take antidepressants, be it on full duty, and you should not have to tell anyone.

How do I pass a firefighter interview?

How to pass your Firefighter Interview
  1. Make sure you know where the interview venue is. ...
  2. Look smart. ...
  3. Be comfortable. ...
  4. Prepare you answers. ...
  5. Show you are listening. ...
  6. Ask to hear the question again. ...
  7. Keep your answers focused on evidence. ...
  8. Above all, be yourself.


Do you have to shave to be a firefighter?

Worn so it does not interfere with the proper wearing and performance of the approved department safety helmet or the proper sealing of the face mask of the self-contained breathing apparatus. Uniformed personnel will be clean shaven; however, neatly trimmed sideburns and mustaches are permitted.

Do you have to be physically strong to be a firefighter?

Firefighters need to be physically fit in order to perform their duties. Strength, endurance and flexibility are essential to the job and foster longevity in a firefighter's career.

Is there a minimum height for firefighters?

What are the minimum and maximum heights you need to be to become a firefighter? There are no height restrictions, however, you will need to pass a series of role based tests such as removing a ladder from the rear of a fire appliance, which some may find more difficult than others.


Can you take anxiety meds and be a firefighter?

Some drugs aren't permitted by fire departments, so your prescription could be a problem. Xanax could be a concern; this pharmaceutical drug can have negative side effects that would inhibit your ability to function in an emergency. What is this? The same is true for other benzodiazepines such as Valium and Klonopin.

Can you have anxiety and be a firefighter?

Because of the intensely stressful nature of their work, fire fighters and paramedics may be susceptible to anxiety disorders. Some examples include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

Can firefighters take CBD?

The trace amount of THC found in full spectrum CBD oil could cause you to fail a drug test. So, if this is the case, it would seem that CBD use in the fire service is pretty much out. However, there are CBD products that have all of the THC filtered out.


Can you be a fireman if you smoke?

The state law also requires immediate termination of any firefighter or police officer caught smoking. So while there are some long-time firefighters who still do smoke, any newer employee who does is risking their job.

How do firefighters clear smoke?

Hydraulic ventilation is done by setting up a hose line on a fog stream and directing it out a window. The air that a fog stream draws in also draws out the smoke and ejects it outside.

How long is a fireman's shift?

The current shift system is based around 4 shifts (2 x 10.5 hour days and 2 x 13.5 hour nights) followed by 96 hours (four days) off duty.


Do male and female firefighters sleep in the same room?

Every firehouse now has separate locker rooms and bathrooms for women -- a requirement Bamattre mandated during his tenure. Some stations offer separate sleeping areas; in others, women share the dorm with men. Resentment sometimes flows from those accommodations.

Can a firefighter get pregnant?

No firefighter, while pregnant, shall be forced to take leave by the fire department if the firefighter's physician determines that the member is still able to work. While on maternity leave, the firefighter will retain active status.