Firefighter Had a Burning Desire : Anna Furst, Who’s Also a Paramedic, Trained Years to Pass Grueling Physical

Anna Furst, a firefighter for four years and a paramedic for 11, can’t imagine doing any other job.

Succeeding in her chosen field has been a series of challenges, Furst said. When she settled on a career path 15 years ago, women were barred from being firefighters in her native Canada.

Furst relocated to the United States in 1979 and began studying fire science at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga and Rancho Santiago College in Santa Ana. Also, to gain practical experience, she earned her license as an emergency medical technician and took a job with a private ambulance firm. Her next move was to join the Santa Ana Fire Department as a paramedic.

Her biggest obstacle, Furst said, was passing the physical test for admittance to the firefighters academy. Among the requirements are the ability to climb to the top of a five-story tower and rescue a 150-pound dummy; to raise, lower and carry ladders from a fire engine to a building and to move waterlogged hoses into position. In addition to endurance, all require an exceptional amount of upper-body strength that women do not typically have.

In fact, Furst didn’t pass the test on her first try, she said--or on her second or third. “But I’m stubborn,” she said. “So I kept trying.” After five years, she finally passed.

Furst, 35, credits her personal trainer, who is also a firefighter, with getting her into shape. “He really helped me,” she said, “and so did my husband. He’s a firefighter, too.

“When I thought about quitting, they picked me back up and reminded me of all the other people who eventually made it. Last year I helped fight the Laguna Beach fires while my husband fought in Malibu. It’s different every day, and I am always learning.”

HOT JOBS: Firefighter

Name: Anna Furst, 35

Company: Orange County Fire Station No. 5, Laguna Niguel

What’s Involved: Firefighters are on duty 24 of every 72 hours. While on duty, they live, eat and sleep at the station in crews. In addition to structure fires, they respond to medical emergency calls, hazardous-materials spills and explosions, gas leaks, plane crashes and traffic accidents. Between calls, they divide their time between maintaining the station and updating maps of their response areas. Several hours each day are spent inspecting businesses and multifamily dwellings to enforce fire-safety ordinances. They also conduct fire-prevention and educational training sessions.

Qualifications: Most firefighters have an associate of arts degree in fire science and an emergency medical technician certificate. Before attending a fire academy, they must pass physical and mental aptitude tests. Once hired by a fire department, they are given additional training.

Salary range: $2,699 to $3,630 a month.

Outlook: The number of firefighting jobs in Orange County is expected to increase 23% by 1998, according to the state Employment Development Department. In 1992, there were 1,800 positions. That number is projected to reach 2,210 by 1998.

Pros: Firefighters typically report a high level of job satisfaction.

Cons: Physical risk, being on duty around the clock.

Advancement: After five years as a firefighter, one may specialize in fire investigation and prevention, hazardous materials, training or administration.

Quote: “If you are thinking of becoming a firefighter, it’s never too soon to start eating right and getting in shape. Even small steps toward your goal will get you there that much sooner.”