Once you sign up to be a firefighter or EMT, you will need to be trained. Training requirements vary by state, locality, and department. The time investment in training depends on the level of training and certifications your specific department requires. Fire departments typically provide or arrange for volunteer personnel to receive all required training at no cost to the individual.
In general, volunteers may be asked to complete certification training for one or more of the following: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations, Traffic Incident Management, Wildland Firefighter.
Contact your local department to learn what training they require.