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Miramar Fire Rescue is hiring as Florida faces EMT shortage. Here’s what to know

By Produced using AI, based on original work by Luisa Yanez
The City of Miramar is hiring Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic. Apply by Friday, May 15.
The City of Miramar is hiring Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic. Apply by Friday, May 15. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue

Miramar Fire Rescue has launched a new recruitment campaign seeking firefighters and emergency medical service workers as Florida grapples with a statewide shortage.

The agency is hiring for Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic positions.

FULL STORY: Miramar Fire Rescue hiring amid growing statewide firefighter and EMT shortage

Here are key takeaways:

  • Starting salaries range from about $56,856 for Firefighter/EMT positions to more than $62,542 for Firefighter/Paramedic roles.
  • Benefits include paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, education incentives, a retirement pension and an 8% shift differential.
  • Hires work 24 hours on-duty followed by 48 hours off-duty.
  • Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid Florida driver’s license, a State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, current BLS and/or ACLS certification and a current Florida EMT certification.
  • The online application deadline is Friday, May 15.
Miramar is seeking new paramedics.
Miramar is seeking new paramedics.

Why is Miramar recruiting firefigters and paramedics?

Statewide vacancies are being driven by population growth, increased emergency calls and retirements, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Barry University has launched a training program, and the University of South Florida studied the shortage’s impact.

Departments are responding through stepped-up recruitment, new technology and increased state funding for training and equipment.

Want to train to be a paramedic or firefighter?

Several institutions in South Florida and around the state offer hybrid or online paramedic training, combining virtual didactic learning with in-person clinicals,

These programs are designed for working EMTs seeking flexibility while meeting state certification requirements.

Emergency Education Institute (EEI) in Coral Springs: Offers online paramedic training with in-person skills training, accredited by ABHES and approved by the Florida Bureau of EMS.

Broward College: While primarily campus-based, it provides extensive, top-tier EMS training for the region.

Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale: Provides advanced EMS training, including ACLS and PALS, which are crucial components of paramedic training.

Barry University in Miami Shores: Offers a paramedic program designed for continuing education.

First Response Training Group: Offers an online/hybrid paramedic course.

School of EMS: Provides hybrid paramedic courses.

South Florida State College: Offers a paramedic College Credit Certificate (CCC) with some flexible learning options.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.