This article covers everything you need to successfully navigate your first day as a firefighter paramedic.

Paramedic Shift Etiquette

First impressions matter, especially in the fire station.

Firefighters are a picky bunch. We have a lot of rules to follow but don’t necessarily tell you what they are.

Hey, I’m Shay. I’ve been working prehospital EMS for over a decade now. Today, I’ll cover everything you need to know about making a good impression on your fire crew as a fire medic.

The list is simple but important

• Be On Time
• Introductions
• Breakfast
• Truck Checks
• Shift Issues
• Bathroom Rules
• Clocking out

If You’re On Time, You’re Late

I’ll be the first to admit it, I’m chronically late.

It’s not something I’d recommend. Even at work, when I’m “on time,” I’m one of the last to show up for my shift.

Do as I say and not as I do. You know the drill.

Especially as a new paramedic on the shift showing up right at shift change won’t fly.

There are wildly different views on how early you should show up to shift. I say a half hour. It’s all the time you need to set your truck up, get your uniform on, and grab a cup of coffee.

Anything more than 30 minutes early and you’re wasting your own time.

Plus you can take those early morning calls for the off coming crew.

Taking an early call, or late call for them, is not strictly necessary, but it is really nice. The crew will give you brownie points for getting them out of a late transport if you can.

Which you’re allowed to do but I don’t like working for free for that long.

Think about it. Most departments only work 120 shifts per year. If you show up an hour early every day, you give the department 120 free hours of labor.

I’m not down for that and you shouldn’t either.

Introduce Yourself

A huge rule for firefighters is introducing yourself to the crew.

Walk in, say hi, and personally introduce yourself to everyone. If you can, shake hands with everyone. It’s a small thing but it goes a long way.

And try to remember peoples names.

I know everyone says they’re bad at it. Attempt anyway. Their names are on their shirts, it can’t be that hard to read.

Bring Snacks

Oh, and when you show up to introduce yourself, bring a little something.

And I mean a little something. Most people bring a box of donuts or bagels. It’s a classic option for a reason.

Don’t go all out.

My first day I brought Cinnabon for everyone. Do you know how much it is for 12 Cinnabon cinnamon roles? Too much.

Bonus points if you have enough for the off coming crew too. Double to cool points for only a few extra bucks. Totally worth it.

Truck Checks

This one’s for you. Check your equipment.

I’m sure you work at the best district in the world where no one would ever miss replacing equipment. Check anyway. Shoot mistakes happen even to the best of us.

If you show up your half hour early, you can get equipment checks done by the official shift start time.

I know, most places have the EMT check the truck and equipment.

You’re not going to do that as a new paramedic.

The truck and equipment is ultimately your responsibility. If you run a code first thing in the morning and find you don’t have a BVM, who do you think is going to get the heat?

You. Double check everything. It’s for you own safety.

One Big List

Keep a list with you throughout the shift.

It should be a running tally of the drugs you used- and replaced- truck and station issues, and major calls you run.

Oh, and what you did about it.

Don’t give pass on the next day with a list of things that went wrong that you did nothing about. If there’s an issue with the truck keep track of what it was and that you actually submitted a maintenance request.

Don’t be the bum that leaves everything for A shift.

I like a physical one in a little notepad, but it can be anything. Keep it on your phone, in your head, wherever just keep it handy.

Don’t Be A Bathroom Hog

You should just show up to work ready to go.

However, some people like getting ready at the station. Couldn’t be me. But if it’s you, this rule is yours.

Don’t. Hog. The. Bathroom.

At shift change my station has 12 people in it. We have one sink. That’s a lot of rotating through there.

If you insist on shaving at work, show up extra early to get it done.

If you want to shower and change before you head home—and I encourage you to —make sure the oncoming crew is done before you take everything up.

Clock Out

Congrats! You made it through your first shift as a new paramedic.

Time to give pass on and go home. Well, you have one more thing to do before you leave.

Give the homies a little kiss on the forehead.

Ok, I guess that part’s optional. But do say bye to the crew. You don’t want to be that medic that hangs out at the station all day, but also don’t give them an Irish goodbye.

You basically live with your crew.

Be courteous, give respect, work hard. You’ll be fine.

And if you have any more questions or want more resources for paramedics, check out a full list here.