Can I be a firefighter with asthma

[Deecan]

Can I be a firefighter with asthma cause this is my dream

[FF6136]

Hi.  I am a 15 year old battling Cystic Fibrosis and some very mild asthma at times.  I think you said you are a paramedic so I think you know what Cystic Fibrosis is.  Anyway I am currently a Junior Fire Explorer with my local Fire Department.  I was curious if I could still be an interior firefighter with my conditions? I know there have been many people, and there still are many people who are firefighters with Cystic Fibrosis.  To be a firefighter is my life dream even if I just become a volunteer.  Would you say the use of an SCBA is what will let me become a firefighter? I have used SCBAs before and they sure do block out the air from your surroundings because of the mask tightness on your face.  
But I wanted to ask you this question because I know your a firefighter with asthma.  I just want to know your opinion on this? I have talked to other Firefighters and paramedics in my department and they said the SCBA should be your key piece of equipment and it might let you become a firefighter.  This is my absolute dream and I don't want Cystic Fibrosis to get in the way of it, especially if this dream has been fulfilled by other people in the past! Thanks so much!!

[ffgirl]

Hi,
I am going to school to be a firefighter and I am currently an explorer. All I want to do is be a firefighter, but I have asthma. What steps and actions can I take to be able to work? Do I need certain paperwork or guidelines to get the ok?

[caregiver222]

You could certainly be a good paramedic, however I would under no circumstances permit you to work as a line firefighter. The air on the Scott packs don't last forever. Someday, some time, you will be placed in a position where you are the only person available to rescue someone and you won't be able to do it. You could be a good police officer with asthma, but smoke exposure is part and parcel of the firefighter's job. You might be able to conceal your disability and get on the job, but that would be very irresponsible.

[ffmedic11]

Hi,

Most fire departments require you to pass a physical agility test...check out this link below.  The CPAT is used by many fire departments to test candidates.  If they don't use this exact test, it will be similar.  This website seems to give some workout ideas as well as explain each station in the test.

Hope this helps

:)


http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/fire/cpathome.htm

[Deecan]

Thanks alot yah In the app it said nothing against people with asthma not like the army are navy but this is my dream so any tips  like workuts that can help me

[ffmedic11]

Hi,

I'm not sure of the severity of your asthma, but I have pretty bad asthma and I work as a a fulltime firefighter/paramedic.  I was discouraged by my doctors, but this was my dream as well and I wasn't about to give it up.  I have learned to adapt and protect myself from smoke exposure.  My department bought me special mask that filters out smoke that I can wear when I don't have an air pak on.  

Good Luck to you!!

If I can be of any more help, please let me know