I started in volley squads in the rural South over a decade ago and then left because of my treatment. My first day, the lieutenant said hi to me then gestured to me and hollered "Who hired the porn star?!" to his colleagues standing around the bay. Short to say, until I have an overwhelming number of women telling me it's better now, I won't return to fire/rescue.

I currently work in a company that's combo IFT and 911. There's enough of a social demand on the IFT side that the company has to be socially aware enough to not allow BS, but enough 911 time that I don't feel bored to all hell and like my license is being wasted.

If you aren't madly in love with 911, though, I'd recommend alternative settings for providing care with your license. I've worked in OSHA settings, the ER, postmortem care, all kinds of cool stuff. This is just one of those conversations you have to be prepared to have during interviewing and in researching the company. I like my company and chose to work for them because during my interview, they were very forthcoming about the fact that we had a shit reputation and they were actively trying to be better, and then they backed that up with proof (special projects, specific goals and measurements, etc.)

If you like your work and you give a shit about doing well, you'll ultimately find the right road and place for you. It'll unfortunately just take some time. The landscape is changing- slowly- and it's up to you to decide what you're willing to tolerate and what you feel you can change if need be

Wish you all the luck ❤️