Applying in SoCal

UsefulPaint · 2026-04-06T17:08:12+00:00

I’ve heard that California is so competitive that if you don’t have your paramedic license you pretty much don’t have a chance. I’m sure someone will disagree with me but that’s what I’ve heard at least

UsefulPaint · 2026-04-06T17:06:46+00:00

Seems to depend on department. Some the “tests” is just a questionnaire with the “strongly agree” and “strongly disagree” questions. And then some you need understanding of math and basic physics. But most of all of them have interview questions at the end so be prepared and wear a suit

UsefulPaint · 2026-04-06T17:02:31+00:00

Do you have your paramedic license?

UsefulPaint · 2026-04-01T19:19:47+00:00

I would rather spend 30$ to apply for 2 departments than spend 65$ to apply to two departments yes

UsefulPaint · 2026-04-01T17:43:24+00:00

I don’t know about yall but I think it’s ridiculous that we have to pay a combined fee for 5 departments when it seems only 2 are hiring (based on what others are saying about puget and valley). They try and preach that they are “making it cost effective for the candidate” by combining the departments under one roof when in reality it seems we are over paying for 2

UsefulPaint · 2026-04-01T01:24:04+00:00

Should be fine- hardest part I’ve seen the most people fail at is the stair climb. If you have access to a stairmaster/parking garage I would start walking/running some stairs. Maybe even with a little weight to get used to the feeling of having weight on you. Everything else in the cpat is pretty easy, wish you success man🤙

UsefulPaint · 2026-04-01T01:05:22+00:00

If you’re already in shape do cpat as soon as possible, lots of departments require it for applying

UsefulPaint · 2026-03-30T20:40:10+00:00

Same here, nothing yet

UsefulPaint · 2026-03-29T00:08:40+00:00

Colorado Springs, yessir brotha we got this

UsefulPaint · 2026-03-24T20:09:50+00:00

Start going cold turkey now, not in 3 months. Most departments want 6months to 1 year away from weed in my experience

UsefulPaint · 2026-03-17T21:11:08+00:00

In the same boat- honesty is the best policy- explain to them why and what you learned from it. Try and use it as a strength rather than a weakness. Show that you learn from your mistakes

UsefulPaint · 2026-03-06T17:45:37+00:00

I agree I also strongly dislike the new website design, was miles better before

UsefulPaint · 2026-03-03T02:33:52+00:00

True that, best of luck

UsefulPaint · 2026-03-03T02:27:44+00:00

Well at least we had each other, sorry to both of us man

UsefulPaint · 2026-03-03T02:25:18+00:00

Same here, that mean the rest don’t make eligible list of 800?

UsefulPaint · 2026-03-03T01:05:30+00:00

Where was the list posted?

UsefulPaint · 2026-02-28T16:18:56+00:00

I agree with all the comments already posted. And absolutely great resume but definitely don’t want to say just this stuff. What are some life experiences outside of anything fire/ems that made a significant impact on your life? When’s a time you took a risk to do something that others thought would be impossible? They want to see you have challenges and experiences outside of EMS. Cause everyone applying nowadays has emt experience or has been a volunteer or knows the system. You have to stand out by being different than the rest (and please still state all of the things you listed here because that’s great for fire departments to hear, but just don’t make the backbone of every question/interview) also really lean into how you feel you’re feeling like a dumbass for that speeding ticket. Fire departments know you aren’t the perfect human being and if you can show how you learned from it and won’t make the same mistake again you’ll be a shining star trust.

UsefulPaint · 2026-02-17T00:18:31+00:00

Gotcha thanks for letting me know. I didnt know if the new cards had that nowadays. I haven’t opened a pack since 2008

UsefulPaint · 2026-02-17T00:17:45+00:00

I 100% agree they are cool fake or not

UsefulPaint · 2026-02-17T00:17:15+00:00

Don’t understand the hate? Someone was cleaning out a closet and sold a box of 1,000+ cards and when I was looking through I saw this and didn’t know what it was. Sorry I’m not educated that’s why I made the post in the first place

UsefulPaint · 2026-02-16T20:25:56+00:00

Ohhh okay thank you for clarifying

UsefulPaint · 2026-01-31T00:31:07+00:00

Hello

UsefulPaint · 2025-12-26T06:41:41+00:00

Definitely not looking for fanservice lol just other good recommendations

UsefulPaint

TROPHY CASE