PARMA, Ohio — T.J. Martin is a firefighter and a paramedic for the Parma Fire Department. Due to his advanced training he’s cleared to use a cardiac monitor, something EMTs can’t do.
His department requires all firefighters to have paramedic certification. But the department has had trouble recruiting, so the state has given the City of Parma $771,000 to help recruit and hire five new firefighters.
Martin said this funding is vital to help fill the vacancies.
“It is important because during COVID, we did lose some personnel and it became harder to attract personnel during COVID because of the potential exposure due to the effects of COVID,” Martin said.
Luke Bazemore is in paramedic school now with plans to join the fire department. As the son of a Parma firefighter, he said this field sounds rewarding.
“Being a fireman and being a part of a community like this, and the outreach and the support that a lot of fire departments receive from their communities is something I want to be a part of,” Bazemore said.
Martin said becoming a paramedic goes beyond just learning how to use the intubation gear.
“We add the unknown aspect of having to do it quite possibly upside down inside of a car at three O’clock in the morning or inside of a basement,” Martin said.
Martin said applicants must pay for paramedic school out of pocket because the state funding is only intended to create five new positions. He said there are several steps needed to become a Parma firefighter. That costs money, which could discourage applicants.
“Paramedic school, between EMT and paramedic school, takes you about two and a half years,” Martin said. “When you add in the cost factor that paramedic school is probably about $5,500. EMT school is another $1,200 on top of that.”
The funding will eventually get enough firefighters to fill a rig on a run, but since there’s a lengthy process to get certified and trained, Martin said it may be a while before they’re on duty at the firehouse.
Martin said what should motivate applicants is that this isn’t a job or a career, it’s a calling.
“That dedication doesn’t come along too often,” Martin said. “It’s a drive. it’s a love and it’s a passion that you need to do this job.”
