Choosing a Path
Firefighter/EMT members will be trained to the level of their professional counterparts, and will be able to ride fire engines, fire trucks and rescue squads in addition to ambulances and paramedic units.
EMS-Only members trained only as pre-hospital emergency medical care providers. In other words, they do not receive any fire suppression, hazardous materials, technical rescue or extrication training. They are also limited to riding basic life support ambulances and advanced life support paramedic units.
Training
Your first year as an operational member will be spent in
training and riding as an observer. All training occurs on evenings and
during the weekends. The following is a breakdown of the training you will
be required to attend:
| Course | Duration | Firefighter | EMS-Only |
| Volunteer In Station Introductory Training (VISIT) | 30 Days | X | X |
| Initial Emergency Response Training (Level 1A & B) | 30 Days | X | X |
| Emergency Medical Technician Basic Training (Level 2) | 4 Months | X | X |
| Suppression Training | 5 Months | X | |
| Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (Level 4) | 2 Days | X | X |
Initial training for all operational members begins with two orientation courses. The first course, known as VISIT, is a station-level orientation that will prepare you for your training at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy.
The second course, known commonly at Level 1, is a County orientation that will prepare you for your follow-on training and provide you with the certification to ride as an observer throughout your training phase.
Your training to become an EMT follows a national curriculum and will certify you, under the authority of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to perform basic life support services. If you already hold an EMT certificate, you may be able to gain reciprocity from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Fairfax County.
If you are an EMS-Only member, the final level of basic training for an EMS-Only member is the Emergency Vehicle Operator Course(EVOC). This will prepare you to drive ambulances or medic units. Upon completion of this two-day course you will be able to start performing duties as a fully qualified EMT.
If you are interested in becoming a firefighter, once you are certified as an EMT you will attend fire school. This intensive program will train you in fire suppression, hazardous materials mitigation, basic technical rescue, and basic extrication. You will receive certification as an NFPA Firefighter I/II. The final level of basic training is the training you will receive to become an emergency vehicle driver. Upon completion of this two-day course you will be deemed "minimum qualified" and be able to start performing duties as a fully qualified Firefighter/EMT.
Beyond Basic Training
When you have completed your basic training, you will constantly train to maintain your certifications as an emergency services provider. If you wish to continue beyond your basic training there are many avenues for advancement.
| Specialization | Firefigher | EMS-Only |
| Ambulance Driver | X | X |
| Engine Driver | X | |
| Ambulance Officer | X | X |
| Engine Officer | X | |
| Paramedic | X | X |
| Paramedic Officer | X | X |
| Technical Rescue Technician | X | |
| Swift Water Rescue Technician | X | |
| Ladder Truck Operations | X | |
| Rescue Squad Operations | X | |
| Instructor | X | X |
| Command Officer | X | X |
Application