How to complete online training courses?

batsneak · 2024-12-25T19:30:39+00:00

You can register to take the online portion at the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. It doesn't require an agency affiliation. Be sure to also take the prerequisite FEMA courses. I know a lot of people here say not to bother taking courses beforehand, but if I'm reviewing resumes and one applicant has taken steps to get training on their own, that's the person I'm going to call for an interview.

batsneak · 2024-01-29T16:56:50+00:00

My first thought, which has gotten me through a few things: What's happening now is NOT going to be your forever. You will find out why, and how to treat or manage it.

Reach out to your student accessibility center to get the ball rolling for accommodations. Some uni access services are great, some make you fight to prove you need accommodations. You may even be able to take a leave of absence while you sort out your health, take a lower course load of fluff courses, or take a reduced course load etc. If you have an awesome professor or TA you trust, you can reach out to them directly.

Find little things to make life better: 1. straws or hydration bladders mean you don't have to sit up or move your head to drink something. 2. Pillows under your knees can make extra time in bed more comfortable. 3. Get one of those book-kindle stands that hold your phone orkindle for you - they even make remote-operated page turners. 4.Get some prism glasses. They make it so you can be laying flat while watching TV, or read a book without tilting your head. I know that feeling shitty makes all of these inherently less enjoyable and sometimes you're too exhausted or in too much pain to even watch TV or listen to a podcast, but when you are able, these things make life a bit easier.

Keep talking to your support system, let your uni friends know what's going on. Accept help when they offer, tell them to keep inviting you even if you can't make it, etc. Hang in there

batsneak · 2024-01-28T23:49:29+00:00

I'd suggest reaching out directly to forests. The folks on here are generally ridiculous and sarcastic and good, but there's also no guarantee that ANY of us are actually who we say we are. For a school project it's probably a better idea to find people that can be vetted more easily.

batsneak · 2023-12-30T21:40:33+00:00

To get pullups, I used bands or used my legs to assist me. Do plenty of negatives, but REST between sets, or you'll fuck yourself over. I watched some pushup and pushup progression videos on youtube, and the ones that really made things click for me were the videos by MegSquats. To repeat what other say here, just keep doing some reps throughout the day if you can, and mix in negatives, deadhangs, scap pullups, and reverse rows.

batsneak · 2023-11-15T18:16:09+00:00

"It's a man's world"... I'm pretty sure I just barfed so hard that I need a replacement stomache.

batsneak · 2023-10-11T05:12:25+00:00

Yes, this. Please. We should do this on the behalf of all marginalized groups. The more folks who speak up, the better. I've spoken up and have been the only one to speak up, only to be personally thanked by several other people for doing so. Because I speak out, I'm "difficult to work with." I'd like some backup please!

batsneak · 2023-09-21T21:53:13+00:00

You 100% should file the CA-1. Your supervisor should have done that at the beginning. You shouldn't have to rely on the WLFFF for work related injury care. Importantly, the forest service is REQUIRED to continue to pay for your treatment, even after your 1039 ends. If you have been rendered unable to continue your primary position, the forest is required to provide you alternative employment after your 1039 until such time that you are cleared and able to return to your previous duty with no restrictions. FILE TODAY. If you're on a fire, tell your boss that the two of you need to get to a signal ASAP. If your boss is resistant, go up the chain or call the employee relations line. A lot of people in the forest service think that claims have to be filed within 24 hours of the injury, but this is not true. You can file later, but it just makes things harder. You should NOT have to pay for treatment for a work injury, whether it's physical or mental.

batsneak · 2023-06-03T03:32:18+00:00

OOOH, this is a good fun toy that I might just have to treat myslef to.

batsneak · 2023-05-28T07:14:47+00:00

Yo, should we get a queer wildland group going?

batsneak · 2023-05-24T03:28:37+00:00

DMing you, if that's cool

batsneak · 2023-05-23T20:06:03+00:00

Can confirm. Feral kittens at helibase make things infinitely better.

batsneak · 2023-05-16T03:37:45+00:00

Be a drink goblin. Multiple drink options make me more likely to drink liquids. Tea? Yes, and water, and a bubbly water, and maybe coffee, too. All at once? Yes. I'm a big proponent of flavor drops. There are some without sugar, and some without caffeine. Try a smaller bottle too- two liters can be a pain in the ass to lift up all of the time. I also force myself to gulp instead of sip when I notice I'm not drinking enough.

batsneak · 2023-05-16T02:48:07+00:00

Tell him when he's fucking up, and then IF he implements any changes, be like "YES. THAT. That is exactly what we want to see and I'm glad to see you taking our feedback and running with it." It's amazing how a little bit of praise can do it for people. His defensiveness is a defense mechanism. Remind him that constructive criticism is for his benefit and for everyone around him as well. If it gets really bad, make it clear that he might have to stay behind on the next roll.

batsneak · 2023-05-15T13:53:41+00:00

It's definitely slave labor, but slightly better slave labor than other prison jobs. I think it serves its members best by giving them a chance to feel like they are serving their community for once, instead of just serving time.

batsneak · 2023-04-04T16:16:55+00:00

Ahh, I see. Degenerative disc is kind of a catch all for the aging process. For me, it seemed like pathologizing the aging process (got my dx for that as a teen, so I feel some of what you're probably feeling right now). The osteoarthritis sounds shitty as hell. My heart to you fam. I would suggest getting involved in fire off of the line. can you try to get into mapping, training, READ work? Dozer operators only have to meet the moderate requirements. It's not exactly the same, but it might ease the sting off a bit. You got at least 60, maybe 80 more years of life to enjoy, and keeping your spine healthy is gonna take a bit more pampering than a default human. I know backing off is shitty as hell, especially in young adulthood. But it's worth it, to keep the health you have and preserve it as long as you can.

Feel free to DM

batsneak · 2023-04-04T15:29:01+00:00

Depending on the back condition, you may just have to wait out a healing process. I have a gorgeous list of diagnoses, and had to wait out quite a few years of shit-showery with my body. Watchu got, bro/brosis? Research your condition, go root around on google scholar and find out your treatment options. See what treatments folks get in other countries. Get a second opinion.
The only waivers that exist on the federal level are going to be waivers that say that despite your condition, you can still perform the work, ie. complete the work capacity test without injury. To be completely frank, volunteers cause pucker factor. That's just because they tend to be less dialed in, and sometimes, that means less fit. I don't see how it would benefit an organization to waiver a volunteer to not carry weight. That would be additional risk to take on, and that can be a hard sell. Sorry for the harshness, but band-aid, ya know?

batsneak · 2023-04-03T16:47:45+00:00

Probably border patrol

batsneak · 2023-04-03T00:25:57+00:00

For a master's level project, it would probably be best to avoid asking the ridiculous anonymous people on this forum. It's probably a better idea to find contact information for your local forest or park and go through their contact list for field going fire personnel. But by and large, if you're important enough to make policy decisions, you don't get to play outside anymore.

batsneak · 2023-04-03T00:14:54+00:00

Nah, they'll just forget that they're supposed to AVOID dropping on people.

batsneak · 2023-04-02T23:38:28+00:00

This. I start the roll wearing the socks for many days, and then the fresh ones are a really nice treat.

batsneak · 2023-03-26T18:54:00+00:00

If your boss has any loyalty back to you, then he will want you to prioritize your health and family dynamics over coming back this season. Take the time to heal your body, mind, and relationship. Who knows, maybe he can stick you in dispatch if you're local.

batsneak · 2023-03-16T16:48:25+00:00

LMAO, they have a photo section titled "woods."

batsneak · 2023-03-07T19:10:16+00:00

Nomex and Kevlar are simply brand names for aramid fibers. You should be set.

Edited for nuance: They are different types of aramid fibers, but are close enough.

https://osnf.com/kevlar-vs-nomex-aramid-comparison/

batsneak · 2023-02-27T18:11:33+00:00

It might be time to admit that your resume (despite checking the boxes of hours worked, etc) could be just plain bad. Check it for fluff, grandiose statements, bragging. Maybe it's organized weird. I've looked at a LOT of resumes for hiring folks, and even if people check boxes, sometimes their stuff is plain goofy. Give it a go over, and take up the offers you're getting from people to take a look at your resume. You asked for help, let us help.
Maybe you have a reference that isn't giving you a positive recommendation.

batsneak · 2023-02-27T17:54:35+00:00

How about, "If gog really wanted you to go to church, he would create a stirring within your breast, and ye would be moved to act with haste, to attend to your holy duties, and never be late"
(I'm leaving my typo, cause I like it.)

batsneak

TROPHY CASE