Becoming a color blind Firefighter/EMT-B?

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Permalink Reply by Brian D. on December 16, 2008 at 7:01pm

Go to the "search forums" link and type in "colorblind". You'll find at least 2 other posts on this topic. I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for there.

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Permalink Reply by Matt on December 16, 2008 at 7:07pm

Ok I did this and I found out some things but I still am having trouble figuring out if I can obtain an EMT-B with a color problem. Thank you for your reply.

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Permalink Reply by Brian D. on December 16, 2008 at 7:16pm

Matt, I just noticed that you're in Tinley Park. I'm N/W of you in Bartlett (near Elgin). The State of Illinois does allow EMT's to be colorblind. I happen to know 2 of them personally. Actually they're paramedics. Just to make sure, I would contact the medical director of your EMS system and ask him/her. Your F.D. EMS coordinator can probably help with this. There might be different requirements for your system down there. You could get your EMT-B and then start applying to F.D's when you meet the age requirement. As for an academy, I think Orland Park has one. Yes, you can get glasses that fit inside your SCBA mask, I have them myself. I would NOT wear contact lenses into a fire. Hope that helps, stay safe!

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Permalink Reply by Matt on December 16, 2008 at 7:17pm

Thank you so much!! And awesome we should meet up. (lol, just kidding)

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Permalink Reply by Brian D. on December 16, 2008 at 10:27pm

If you're ever up this way, I'll give you a tour of our new station.

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Permalink Reply by Jenny Holderby on December 16, 2008 at 10:37pm

People who are colorblind don't usually have issues. They work them out because their brain recognizes the colors they don't see properly as a "different" color or shade that they recognize. You are 18 yrs old, how have you made it through the rest of your life with that issue? IS it really an issue for you? I know for some people they don't even realize they are color blind for many years.

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Permalink Reply by Tim "snowman"hileman on February 7, 2009 at 12:47pm

being color blind isn't an issue i've ran across

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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd Chief Sharp on February 7, 2009 at 12:59pm

I've never heard out West of a problem with being color blind and being a EMT or Firefighter. Maybe just a East coast thing. Cant see a real problem with it. As to taking classes, yes I would be taking my Fire Science classes in college right now. Just one step forward for you. Any volunteer work as well could definitly help your chances of becoming a Firefighter. Good luck Matt.

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Permalink Reply by keith on August 31, 2009 at 12:10pm

yes you can be an emt with color blindness. i am red green color blind and i am also an emt in the state of Ohio. you shouldn't have a problem with it. you learn to overcome it .

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Permalink Reply by DUST on August 31, 2009 at 10:32pm

Keith,

Why did you type your reply in blue?

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Permalink Reply by Brian D. on August 31, 2009 at 11:57pm

What are you talking about blue, I see orange!

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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on August 31, 2009 at 11:30pm

Do you guys know of any EMTs or Firefighters that are color blind but still got the job?
I never seen color-blindness as a DQ for EMT-B and seems the question has been answered for that. I do know of at least one color-blind FF/EMT who was hired on our dept and has no issues doing the job.

Another question I have is how does it work if you wear contacts/glasses. I've heard that you can get your mask with your eye perscription in it? Is it safe to wear contacts when running into a fire?
There is a spectacle kit which can be mounted into a person's SCBA and there are also glasses which can be worn that won't interefere with a facepiece seal. Contacts can be worn with an SCBA facepiece on and I will wear contacts when I'm at work instead or having a spectacle kit. However, it is never safe to run into a fire, despite what you wear.

Should I take some Fire Science classes at the local community college? Should I just hang around, workout, gain experience as an EMT then apply as to be a firefighter when I'm 21?
Start taking as much education as you can get. Many departments now are looking for education and a degree. Many FF coming on today tend to have at least an associates in fire science as well as their FF certs. In today's world everyone pretty much has EMT, it no longer is a stand out cert, get the fire service education in conjunction with EMT, if you don't land a job after a degree, then look to get paramedic.

Will I be able to recieve the firefighter training from the department if I make the cut?
If you make the cut for a dept not requiring any type of education or certification, you will receive that FF training. Every FF has to be certified before being utilized as a FF and if a dept does not require certifications, they have to train you and you still have to get those certifications in order to work.

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