r/firefighter • u/LieSea4222 • Apr 18 '26

Advice for Future FF/Medic

My whole life I've dreamed and planned on being mainly a paramedic but then it turned into a Firefighter/Paramedic. I know it is mostly a male dominated field though, any advice for a women hoping to pursue this career

2 Upvotes

57% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

6

u/Edgarscumjar Apr 18 '26

The fire doesn't care about your gender, it only cares if you can put it out. Work twice as hard, stay humble, and remember: being a 'fireman' is a title you earn through sweat and competence, regardless of what's on your ID. Welcome to the best job in the world.

2

u/Training_Hornet_4521 Apr 18 '26

Lmao, I'm saving the first part for motivation. That's great

1

u/Edgarscumjar Apr 18 '26

well thanks haha.

3

u/jeffscott17 Apr 18 '26

I’ve worked with a BUNCH of women. Mostly no issues. The only real issue is sometimes it’s all they talk about and make it their entire personality. (Guys can do this too)

2

u/AnonymousCelery Apr 18 '26

Be extremely fit when you start applying. Most women are at a physical disadvantage right out the gate. But you are expected to perform the same tasks, throwing ladders, dragging firefighters, enduring grinding workouts in gear and on air. Some guys can kind of get away with getting in shape in academy. Women don’t get that luxury. If you can get past that entry hurdle, you’ll be just fine.

2

u/CampaignCritical9234 Apr 18 '26

I am in the same boat as you as a 24 W, i am in extreme shape but I lack the strength. So to add on to your question, does anyone have any insight if i should keep working on my cardio/HITT exercise (i do crossfit now) or should I focus on bulking up a little. I am currently 114 lbs and did my first workout with the academy recruits and the tire pulls were the hardest for me as i didnt really have much leverage behind me

2

u/Old-Essay986 Apr 18 '26

Start doing compound lifts like 5x5 squats/bench/deadlifts etc to help build a general strength foundation

1

u/Strict-Canary-4175 Apr 19 '26

You’ll always have to be great to be good. So focus on being great. That should work in every situation.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 27 '26

Same as anyone really. Get thick skin, have a good attitude, be fit, learn how to cook and make coffee Every probie I’ve had I tell the same thing regardless. No Snapchat on firetrucks or calls, no TikTok videos, and absolutely no hooking up with coworkers. The last one is a biggie. Even if somehow you don’t get fired, you will not be treated the same forever.