Firefighter

Firefighter Position

Responds in a timely manner to requests for emergency assistance in the saving of life and property as directed by fire department policy or officers in charge.

Performs necessary basic and advanced life support on sick, injured, or convalescent persons at the sites of emergencies or en route to hospitals or other medical facilities. Patient care may include, but not be limited to: hemorrhage control and treatment for shock, intravenous therapy, medication administration, electrocardiogram interpretation, manual external defibrillation or synchronized cardioversion, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway maintenance via endotracheal intubation or cricothyroidotomy, and fracture stabilization and pain control.

Responds to fire alarms, lays and connects hose, holds nozzles and directs water streams, raises and climbs ladders, uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, and other equipment.

Records event information including patient condition, patient history, treatments, vital signs, and scene observations.

Observes established basic and advanced medical protocols.

Supplies patient information to physicians via radio transmission or direct contact.

Maintains accurate knowledge of city streets.

Maintains contact with the department by pager and responds to request for assistance when available.

Insures operational readiness of all equipment to which he/she is assigned.

May operate emergency vehicles en route to emergencies and during patient transport to the hospital. As assigned, drives and operates motor-driven fire fighting equipment.

Performs fire extinguishment, ventilation, rescue, salvage and overhaul.

Participates in regularly scheduled department training.

Shares in completion of normal department tasks: hose testing, hydrant flushing and maintenance, maintenance performed by vehicle operators, commercial inspection, and fire prevention programs.

Performs various maintenance tasks on apparatus and equipment.

Maintains inventories of equipment and supplies.

Presents a professional image to the public through dress, conduct, and attitude. Arrives for duty properly clothed and in good physical and mental condition.

When assigned to fire prevention, works under the direction of a supervisor, performs inspections and clerical duties as required.

Maintains living, equipment, and maintenance areas in a clean and proper manner.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Must have the ability to successfully complete the Firefighter II (240 hr.) course of the fire training school.

Must possess and maintain State of Ohio EMT-P (Paramedic) certification.

Must possess and maintain a State of Ohio Firefighter certification.

Must possess and maintain a valid State of Ohio Driver's License throughout the term of employment.

Must have the ability to learn a wide variety of firefighting and paramedic duties and methods, including the inspection and operation of specialized apparatus, equipment, and tools.

Must have the ability to work effectively under conditions that are conducive to varying degrees of emotional and physical stress.

Must have the ability to work in environments of heat, smoke and dust.

Must have the ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights.

Must have the ability to work in adverse weather conditions and also in confined spaces.

Must have the ability to learn thorough knowledge of the operation of all apparatus and equipment and methods used in combating, extinguishing and preventing fires and in rescue work.

Must possess necessary agility and strength to do prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions.

Must have the ability to react quickly and remain calm under duress and strain.

Must have the ability to lift heavy weights – up to 100 lbs.

Must have the ability to acquire knowledge of the street system and physical layout of the City.

Must have the ability to crawl on hands and knees for prolonged periods.

Must have the ability to evaluate patients' conditions and properly render emergency medical care including administration of emergency medications according to protocol.

Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with medical directors, superiors, other employees, and the public.

Must have the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Must possess mechanical aptitude, use mature judgment, and show emotional stability.

Must have the ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment under emergency conditions.

Must have the ability to speak clearly and distinctly.

Must have the ability to prepare brief reports – writing accurately, legibly, and concisely.

Must have the ability to learn building construction and related codes, electric power codes, hydraulics and the location of hazardous occupancies in the municipality.

Must be available to work 24-hour shifts.

Tools and equipment used in the performance of this position include, but are not limited to: emergency medical aid unit; ACLS equipment; fire apparatus; fire pumps; hoses; rescue equipment; and other standard firefighting equipment; ladders; first aid equipment; radio, pager; personal computer; and phone.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste, smell or touch.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works in toxic atmosphere and extreme heat due to fire conditions, near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places, in confined spaces, and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or paramedic activities when noise levels may be loud.