What s the best strategy to get hired as a firefighter? I was asked this by a prospective firefighter today. He asked if it would be more beneficial to pursue his EMT – intermediate or go to a fire academy and get his firefighter 1 and other basic certifications. I listened as he explained the pros and cons of each, and then explained that if he wanted to get hired soon, he should go for the intermediate. There are 2 reasons for this. MANY departments will put new firefighters through their own academy. Secondly, having the intermediate makes you an advanced life support provider. This makes you extremely marketable. In the last 10 years many departments have moved to mostly ALS units. The natural turnover and specialized education of intermediates and paramedics usually means high demand for als provides. So if you’re looking for a great way to get a job as a firefighter, go get your emt intermediate, or go big and get your paramedic.