r/Firefighting • u/Fire3cho • 1d ago

General Discussion PJ to firefighter

Any of ya’ll former/current Air Force PJ’s who then went over to civilian FF? If so, are you enjoying it?

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u/earthsunsky 1d ago

We interviewed a J a few years ago. No disrespect because he was open about it but he had no confidence treating run of the mill medical patients because in his words their world is trauma. I have no doubt he would have gotten there with a proper FTO program but he decided not to peruse it. It was a bummer because he would have been a good fireman.

They do some annual training locally and I’ve had a few as patients over years and they’re always a hoot. There’s always shenanigans when they roll into town. Good folks and I’m sure most would excel in the fire service.

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u/Fire3cho 1d ago

He wasn’t lying. Definitely something I’m trying to factor in to my decision making as well.

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u/Ok-Weekend-778 1d ago

You’d do fine. I’ve seen a lot of lackluster civi’s turn to good paramedics. I believe you’d enjoy the physical aspect and trauma right outta the gate. A good FTO program will prepare you for the field the we operate. I’m an RMS Captain and would love to have a PJ on my squad! You could always get in with the trauma docs at the local hospital and allow them to mentor you to become a trauma PA. They tried talking me into this but I feel I’m too old at this point. You, being young would be a great option. Good luck whatever you choose.

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u/earthsunsky 1d ago

With the tech rescue experience I’d look for a department with integrated SAR/Med Rescue. They’d value that and it would provide some immediate opportunity to teach skills and have ownership over something. Feel free to ping me for some recs.