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Casey, Engineer Paramedic at San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District: Advize Career Interview
A career as an Engineer Paramedic at San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District offers a dynamic blend of firefighting, paramedicine, and community service.
The path begins with training at a fire academy, potentially supplemented by internships and seasonal wildland firefighting positions.
The daily routine involves a variety of tasks, from rig checkouts and emergency responses to station life and camaraderie. The role requires strong firefighting and paramedic skills, but also emphasizes crucial people skills.
Serving a community, the rewarding experience of "making a difference," and a great work-life balance are highlighted as key motivators.
While the job's unpredictable nature presents constant challenges, the continuous learning and opportunity for professional development are equally significant aspects of the profession.
For aspiring professionals, reserve programs and seasonal positions with agencies like the US Forest Service or Cal Fire provide excellent entry points. Surprisingly, strong cooking skills are a beneficial asset in this field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Casey Good
Engineer Paramedic
San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District
Butte college
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Environmental & Related Sciences
Public Service
Medical
Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of a Firefighter Paramedic at San Ramon Valley Fire
Casey's career began at Butte Fire Academy, followed by an internship at Willows Fire Department where Casey "got my firefighter one signed off". After a seasonal wildland firefighting position and paramedic school, Casey worked for a private ambulance company before joining San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District in 2017 as a firefighter two paramedic, a position Casey has held for over seven years.
Main Responsibilities of an Engineer Paramedic at San Ramon Valley Fire
Casey's role as an Engineer Paramedic at Station 31 involves "driving the apparatus" and performing rig checkouts to ensure equipment like "the ladder, air brand, and pump" are functional. During fire responses, Casey may operate the pump supplying water or work on the roof cutting holes, demonstrating a versatile skillset combining driving, equipment maintenance, and firefighting operations.
A Day In The Life Of An Engineer Paramedic At San Ramon Valley Fire
Casey, an Engineer Paramedic, works a 48-hour shift on a "48 96 schedule," including shift change, rig checkouts ("making sure it's safe to drive"), training, and cooking meals for ten colleagues at the fire station. The job also includes "shoot[ing]" and "a workout," followed by relaxing activities like watching news or playing games.
Most Important Skills for an Engineer Paramedic at San Ramon Valley Fire
Casey, an Engineer Paramedic, highlights firefighting and paramedic skills as foundational, noting that "the percent of all calls...are medical," but emphasizes "people skills" as equally crucial for building community trust during often stressful situations, stating that "usually when people call 911, it's the worst day of their life. So we're there to...fix it."
Favorite Parts of Being an Engineer Paramedic at San Ramon Valley Fire
Casey's favorite aspect of being an Engineer Paramedic is the strong camaraderie fostered by "station life" with their crew, describing it as "my home away from home," combined with the rewarding experience of serving the community where they grew up.
Biggest Challenges For An Engineer Paramedic At San Ramon Valley Fire
Casey, an Engineer Paramedic, finds "just about any call...a challenge" due to the unpredictable nature of emergency situations and limited initial information. This highlights the demanding problem-solving skills and adaptability required in their role, constantly navigating medical emergencies and fire-related challenges with on-the-spot resourcefulness.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Fire Protection Industry as an Engineer Paramedic
Casey's favorite aspect of being an Engineer Paramedic is "serving the community" where they were raised, finding great satisfaction in "making a difference" through medical and fire suppression calls. The extensive training received and maintained allows Casey to contribute meaningfully to the area.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Emergency Services Industry, According To An Engineer Paramedic At San Ramon Valley Fire
Casey, an Engineer Paramedic, says that those who thrive in the fire service are individuals who "wanna help people," emphasizing the strong sense of community and mutual support within the department. The "great work-life balance," including a "four days on, four days off" schedule, also contributes significantly to professional fulfillment.
What an Engineer Paramedic at San Ramon Valley Fire District Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Firefighting Industry
Casey, an Engineer Paramedic, found the fire service academy adequately prepared them for the job, but surprisingly, the importance of cooking skills at the fire station was a significant, unforeseen aspect of the role; "learning how to be a good cook would probably be the... biggest understatement."
Entry-level positions for aspiring Engineer Paramedics
For undergraduate students interested in becoming an engineer paramedic, Casey recommends exploring "reserve programs" offering valuable training and ride-alongs, or seasonal positions with the US Forest Service or Cal Fire, which provide "a great position" involving wildland fire suppression and travel across the country. These options offer practical experience and exposure to the field, allowing for exploration of diverse communities and career development.
Significant Career Lesson From An Engineer Paramedic at San Ramon Valley Fire
Casey, an Engineer Paramedic, emphasizes the continuous learning crucial to career success, stating, "there's always room for improvement... I'm always training, I'm always learning more." This commitment to ongoing professional development, even with extensive initial training, highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of their career.
How College Helped An Engineer Paramedic At San Ramon Valley Fire Succeed
Casey's preparation for a career as an Engineer Paramedic began with completing "30 or 39 credits" at the fire academy, providing a strong foundation for their associate's degree in fire science at Butte College. This foundational education, coupled with concurrent paramedic school at a private company, allowed Casey to obtain the necessary certifications and skills for the job market, demonstrating a proactive approach to career development.
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