Requirements to become a Hollywood Firefighter/Paramedic

Firefighter

• Minimum education required: High School diploma or equivalent
• Florida State Firefighter certification: 450 hour minimum standard course and pass state exam
• Pass MESH exam. To register, visit www.meshprogram.com. This places you on eligibility list
• Pass a minimum level physical ability exam: Measures ability to perform certain job related physical tasks
• Oral interview
• Once an applicant is selected then they are given a thorough medical examination
• All potential firefighter must sign an affidavit stating that they do not smoke and have not in the past year: Required by state regulations due to the Heart/Lung Bill.

If hired firefighters must become certified as a State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic within four years of date of hire. The Paramedic certification shall be maintained throughout the firefighter's career.

Paramedic

To become a State of Florida certified paramedic a firefighter must first obtain certification as an EMT and gain admission to an AMA approved paramedic program, successfully complete the program and pass the state paramedic certification exam. They typical paramedic program is held at a post-secondary educational facility and spans four complete semesters. Certification as a State of Florida Emergency Medical technician is a pre-requisite for attendance.

To retain paramedic certification the following State of Florida requirements must be met:

• Possess a current Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification or equivalent
• Complete a minimum thirty-two hour paramedic refresher course
• Complete two hours of communicable disease training

If hired firefighters must become certified as a State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic within four years of date of hire. The Paramedic certification shall be maintained throughout the firefighter's career.

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