Firefighter / Paramedic

Firefighter/ParamedicFirefighter/Paramedic shall be under the immediate supervision of their company officer. Their foremost and primary responsibility is that of protecting life and property through the prevention and complete extinguishment of fires. Secondary to these are the preservation of evidence to determine the cause of fire, and inspection surveys for pre-fire planning. They are responsible for performing hazardous tasks under extreme emergency conditions, and render care of the sick and injured. A portion of a Firefighter' Paramedics work consists of the performance of various duties in the maintenance of the fire station, and the preventative and corrective maintenance of trucks and equipment. Assignments may be made through oral or written instructions, and work is under close supervision most of the time, but there are times when courses of action must be determined by the firefighter.Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (other duties may be assigned)They shall respond with their units to all alarms and emergency calls and perform duties as required to save life and property.During duty cycles they shall keep the station house and premises neat, clean and in good order. Assist in keeping the fire apparatus, equipment and tools in a clean and serviceable condition at all times.Assist the driver/operator in the initial daily inspection, vehicle check-off washing and waxing their respective apparatus and support equipment. Also, cleaning and upkeep of equipment after returning from a call, drill or participating in training activities.Keep self and personal equipment, uniforms, protective clothing, locker, etc. in a neat and clean condition.Be familiar with and obedient to department rules and regulations and SOP's, as well as be responsive to established chain of command.In addition to performing the Emergency Medical Technician procedures, as outlines in section 64E-2, the Paramedic will perform advanced life support procedures.Upon arrival at the scene of a medical emergency, promptly treat any sick or injured person, unless the health or safety of the Paramedic is jeopardized.Maintain a BCLS and ACLS card along with current Paramedic certification.While on duty, you must have available for inspection the Paramedic state Certification card and all other certification required by Florida Statute 401 and 64E-2.Insure that the deficiencies in the rescue equipment, which are in violation of Chapter 401, are reported to the Lieutenant assigned to rescue.Paramedic will check each day all equipment assigned to the ALS engine or rescue that they are riding.The Paramedic will complete the patient care report on all medical calls within the allotted time as stated SOP.The lead Paramedic on the arriving Rescue unit will be in charge of patient care.The Firefighter/Paramedic may ride to the hospital in cases where the patient is critical and additional help is needed.The Lieutenant assigned as Shift Commander will remain in charge of all fire related calls along with station duties.The ALS engine's primary function is fire protection, as well as fire suppression. In cases where the engine is enroute to a medical call with rescue and a fire call is received, the fire call will be given priority.The narcotic check sheet and equipment sheet will be filled out each day by the Lieutenant assigned to rescue.Perform all other duties as assigned or required.NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment of the position. Perform other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.Education and Experience Requirements:High school diploma or equivalencyState of Florida Firefighter CertificateState of Florida Paramedic CertificationValid Florida Class D Driver's LicenseValid Basic Life Support t CertificationValid Advance Life Support CertificationEmergency Vehicle Operator's Course CertificateKnowledge, Skills, & Abilities:Must have the knowledge of modern firefighting practices, principles and procedures including fire suppression, salvage and overhaul, ventilation, hydraulics, rescue, and operation of firefighting tools, equipment and apparatus.Shall have knowledge of the Town streets and addressing system, water distribution system, fire department rules regulations and standard operating procedures or the ability to learn the said items during the probationary period.Ability to perform hazardous, physically and mentally demanding tasks for prolonged periods of time.Should have the ability to communicate fire safety information to the public in both written and verbal communications.Delivery of Emergency Medical care in the form of basic and advanced life support.Must have the ability to maintain good working relationships with other firefighters, supervisors and the public, and shall have the ability to exercise good judgment and react under stressful conditions.Emergency Response:Firefighter/Paramedic may be exposed to hazardous conditions during tactical fire ground and EMS activities on a 24 hour basis. Possible strenuous physical activities related to tactical field activities may be required. The following are examples of activities associated with this position.Must be physically capable and medically approved to perform the necessary duties of a firefighter in accordance with State laws.Shall, as a member of a two person crew, have the strength and range of motion to lift a 200 pound patient from the ground, a bed, or from a vehicle: either supported by immobilization equipment or unsupported.Shall, as member of a two person crew, have the strength and range of motion to lift a 200 pound patient on an ambulance stretcher from the ground position to the load position, and into an ambulance.Shall have the physical ability and dexterity to perform the medical care skills included in the EMT / Paramedic curriculums and Department EMS SOP in such standard scenarios as a supine or prone patient on the ground, a bed, or in a vehicle.The below essential functions are what the firefighter is expected to perform at emergency incidents and are derived from the performance objectives stated in NFPA 1001, "Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications".Operate both as a member of a team and independently at incidents of uncertain duration.Spend extensive time outside exposed to the elementsTolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing duties. Must perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400 degree F), humid (up to 100%) atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body-cooling mechanisms.Experience frequent transitions fro hot to cold and from humid to dry atmospheres.Work in wet, cold, or muddy areas.Performa a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as on rooftops or from ladders.Work in areas where sustaining traumatic or thermal injuries is possible.Face exposure to carcinogenic dusts such as asbestos, toxic substances such as hydrogen cyanide, acids, carbon monoxide, or organic solvents either through inhalation or direct skin contact.Face exposure to infectious agents such as hepatitis B or HIV, etc.Wear personal protective equipment that weighs approximately 50 pounds while performing fire fighting tasks.Perform physically demanding work while wearing positive pressure breathing equipment with 1.5 inches of water column resistance to exhalation at a flow of 40 LPM.Perform complex tasks during life-threatening emergencies.Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.Face life or death decision during emergency conditions.Be exposed to grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma, burn victims and fatalities.Make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without war-up periods.Operate in environments of high noise, poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights, and in enclosed or confined spaces.Use Manual and power tools in the performance of duties.Rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency, maintain personal safety, and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life threatening environment throughout the duration of the operation.Conclusion:All main duties and requirements are essential job functions.