EMT/Firefighting

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TheFoxHound07

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Currently I am an EMS member at a volunteer local fire company. I was doing some further research on KP and saw that fire fighting is part of the curriculum but also there is a large midshipmen run EMT class.

I wanted to ask if anyone could provide any further information on either program as there seemed to be limited information online. How many hours do you spend on basic and advance fire fighting skills and what's the expected commitment for a member of the Emergency Medical Services Squad?

Also, is anyone able to provide insight on to the logistics of being a volunteer FF/EMT with the vigilant fire company while being a midshipmen?

Thanks!
 
TheFoxHound07 said:
Currently I am an EMS member at a volunteer local fire company. I was doing some further research on KP and saw that fire fighting is part of the curriculum but also there is a large midshipmen run EMT class.

I wanted to ask if anyone could provide any further information on either program as there seemed to be limited information online. How many hours do you spend on basic and advance fire fighting skills

Thanks!
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All midshipmen (both Deck and Engine) take the Basic and Advanced Firefighting courses taught over full trimester each. The capstone of both courses is the live fire training exercises. Midshipmen attend firefighting training as part of the requirement for the USCG license and STCW Qualification. They attend the first Basic Firefighting in the Plebe Year prior to assignment at sea. Even with the firefighting training, they take it the Academy often times when they start working after graduation, they will have further training as well. You can find detailed course descriptions in the USMMA catalog.
 
While you’re in the catalog, you can see the course

PE&A430 - Emergency Medical Technician (Basic)​

they use for certifying EMTs. It’s a big time commitment but many of the midshipmen will tell you it’s well worth it. I believe the course specifically addresses the requirements in the state of New York.
 
Yes, it’s for an NY license/certificate (I’m probably using the wrong term). And to piggy back on this - there is an application process, with an interview. Mids must be accepted to the program. Our Plebe did get it but the mom in me worries about the time commitment of the program. Fingers crossed all goes well.
 
This is what I gathered from my Mid who really wanted to be in the program and was not selected (Low GPA). The EMTs currently on the regimental staff select candidates from the current Plebe class.. They select 20-30 names and they have to be basically above average at everything AND show interest. The time commitment away from the regiment/academics is significant and they also serve multi-day duty shifts including weekends (lost liberty) and there is an expectation they will also put in volunteer hours at a local firehouse. Most first class in the EMT program will either have the opinion of "great deal if you can get it" or "I would not do it again if I had the choice" - very little in between.
 
Hey,

I am currently one of the senior midshipman officers within the EMT program on campus and can speak to some of your questions.

1. The school requires you, regardless of your major, to take both a basic and advanced shipboard firefighting course. This differs from land based firefighting, but your experience will likely yield major success in both classes. You take basic when you're a plebe, and advanced when you are a senior. This satisfies the USCG licensing requirements.

2. Typically, the EMT course begins second trimester and runs to about 2/3 the way of third trimester. My EMT class began in mid/late November and ended in the first week of May. We as officers do a preliminary "selection" where we interview every plebe that is interested in the program. I have interviewed plebes each year since 3/C year and can confidently say that while we do gauge your interest in the program, we use the interview process mostly to ensure that you understand the commitment required of you as a midshipman EMT. If you polled a few midshipmen on the EMT squad on their devotion to EMS you would absolutely find a wide range of devotion. Many MIDN are interested during their plebe year, but then decide that there are other activities that they would rather do. This is fine, so long as they satisfy their requirements with the squad.

Here is a quick summary of the current requirements once apart of the squad:

1. Work at least ONE indoctrination as an EMT.
2. Complete AT LEAST 12 hours at Vigilant Engine Hook and Ladder Company during EACH trimester on campus
3. If schedule allows, stand AT LEAST 2 on campus EMT watches each trimester on campus
4. Attend and complete any and all on campus EMT training evolutions each trimester

Those are the quick bullet points as far as obligation is concerned.

4. Working at Vigilant during the school year is super easy logistically. The firehouse is a five-ten minute drive down the road from campus, and the program is given a van for the midshipmen to use as a transport to and from the firehouse. You are allowed to be at the firehouse once you complete the licensing class. You are able to "go down" after your last class during the day and stay until 2100 during weekdays, with weekends being free. You are allowed to work and stay overnight at the firehouse on the weekends.

I am glad I did the class, lots of useful skills for life and it's a great career building statement on a resume.

PM if you have any further questions.
 
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