Poulsbo Fire Department - Volunteer Information

Poulsbo Fire Department
Volunteer Information

Benefits

An opportunity to serve our Community
Gain valuable skills in

Emergency Medicine
Firefighting
Emergency Preparedness

Work beside professional firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics
Life and health insurance while on duty
Retirement through Washington State Volunteer Firefighter Board

Requirements

Minimum of 18 years old
High School graduate or GED
Successfully pass a background check
Live within the Fire District
Possess a valid Drivers License
Have a clean driving record
Successfully pass a physical test
Able and willing to train Wednesday nights
CDL or EVAP certification within six months of membership

MEDICAL

Our greatest need is for Basic Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) because approximately 80% of our responses deal with medical emergencies. During most of these we provide Basic Life Support (BLS) assistance and transport to the hospital.

The path to becoming an EMT-B is as demanding as any other college-level course. This class is 120+ hours in length and spans a time period of 6 to 8 weeks. Although most classes are held during evenings and weekends, some daytime classes may be available. The course is both academic and hands-on involving practical real-world situations, ride-alongs with department medical personnel and an orientation shift in the Harrison Hospital Emergency Room.

When new EMT-B’s complete training and have been certificated by Washington State, they will be allowed to provide patient care under the supervision of Department Paramedics and Senior EMTs until further certified by the Department Medical Officer.

Periodic training is offered to all EMTs to provide a basis for certificate renewal every three years.

Download Volunteer Interest form
Adobe Acrobat format

You can make the difference
Volunteers needed
contact: jmelrose@poulsbofire.org

FIREFIGHTERS

Those applicants who wish to attend firefighter training must first complete a written exam and pass a rigorous physical agility test.

The Volunteer Firefighter academy is also 120+ hours, held evenings and weekends, over a 6 to 8 week period. This trains you in the basics of structure firefighting and prepares you to safely operate in the firefighting environment. The course is a combination of academics, hands-on, rescue exercises and live fire scenarios.

Upon completion of the Fire Academy, new firefighters will be closely mentored and supervised by their Station Officers. This will ensure that members are fully capable and able to operate with their peers prior to their first fire response.

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS

You can elect to attend specialized training to become a nationally certificated Wildland Firefighters, commonly referred to as a Forest Fire Firefighter. We have responded statewide to fires in places such as Leavenworth, Wenatchee and Chelan. Crewmembers may be paid for their time by the requesting agency, the United States Forest Service, the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the Washington State Patrol as part of the state Mobilization Act.

The basic wildland firefighter course is held each spring and spans two weekends of academic instruction and practical hands-on training. Each firefighter must pass the “Pack Test”, a gentle walk of 3 miles in 45 minutes, with just a 45-pound pack.

SUPPORT ROLES

Numerous support roles such as Water Tender operators, scene support personnel, public education specialists and administrative specialists are available for prospective members.

HOW TO APPLY

Download, fill out and drop off the Volunteer Interest Form. We will contact you when we have our next New Volunteer orientation session. Presently, we conduct these sessions twice a year – usually in January and September. If you have any questions contact us.