this post was submitted on 23 Oct 2024
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If you read this and are like "why didn't they X" or "I'd have done Y" you might consider joining your local volunteer fire company (if you have one). There's actually a huge need in most of the US for volunteer emergency response. There's generally no fitness requirements other than a doctor's note saying you are fit for duty. I know some really out of shape firefighters who bring a lot of technical skill to the scene and pull more weight with their minds than with their bodies.
You'll get tons of free training on all kinds of basic rescue. You'll then be able to take training on things like the big hydraulic cutters and spreaders. There's certs for high angle rope, vehicle, trench, confined space, wilderness, hazmat, and water. It's like being in the scouts, but for adults.
I became a firefighter and am big into the rescue stuff. I can't imagine being helpless just watching something like that happen. I'd want to grab a halligan and cut the power or at least try to break the door down.
If you are thinking about it and are on the fence or want someone to ask questions hit me up. I got into it later in life and don't regret it a bit
This sounds fascinating. Do larger cities have volunteer firefighters too or is this mostly the smaller towns that rely on this?
It really depends on the state. I think Delaware is all paid, but Pennsylvania is mostly volunteer with only a few cities having full time staff like Philly, Chester, Harrisburg, etc.
But like even west Philly in the Drexel Hill area there's a big volunteer company. West Chester does have a fully staffed volunteer ambulance company called Good Fellowship.
You'd have to look into your local to see. Also lots of volunteer places will let you join even if you are far away as long as you get enough credits each year (say by coming and working from the station and going on calls during the day or going to weekly trainings).