lol, so many misconceptions in these posts here.
You do not just get hired by a 911 service in this city. It just doesn't happen. 911 experience with the vollies is usually a big factor in decisions, whether getting in to fdny or with the 911 hospital agencies. And a lot of paid workers show up to help up newbies like OP so that they don't go too far off the track.
And while I agree that you do learn a lot doing ift, you're still lose something from not being in an actual pressure situation ever.
So what "pressure situation" would you encounter on a BLS IFT truck?