I suspect that “Firefighter/Paramedics” are Paramedics who are part of the OCFA, not Firefighters proper. At least, that’s how I read the text.
Actually, they are firefighters that have completed a 2 year degree and completed a 480 hour field internship.(http://www.emsa.ca.gov/Para/emtpfaq.asp)
Most Paramedic programs in California are extremely competitive and require extensive perquisites and previous experience to be considered for admission. You can see a list of current programs at:(http://www.emsa.ca.gov/Para/approved_trng_progs.xls)