Firefighter/Paramedic

Firefighter/Paramedic

Under general supervision, responds to fire, medical and other emergency calls promptly in order to protect the lives and property of those in need of assistance. Provides emergency medical treatment at the Paramedic level; ensures quality medical treatment and transportation for patients to appropriate medical facilities. Performs duties in accordance with all established policies, procedures and medical protocol. Maintains vehicles, supplies and equipment, and prepares required records and reports. Reports to the Fire Lieutenant.

The duties recorded below are representative of the duties of the class and are not intended to cover all the duties performed by incumbents(s) of any particular position.

Responds to and provides assistance in emergency situations-- including fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, rescue operations, public evacuations, auto accidents and other emergencies.

Performs fire suppression duties as necessary to protect the lives and property of those in need of assistance.

Provides basic, intermediate and advanced life support treatment to patients, as well as transportation to appropriate medical facility. Assesses the condition of patients and makes decisions regarding proper courses of action. Performs such duties as CPR, cardiac monitoring, medication calculation and administration, splint application, wound treatment, control of bleeding, monitoring and relaying of vital signs, oxygen and IV therapy administration, sterile suctioning, intubation, gastric lavage, defibrillation, ECG monitoring and the management of cardiac arrest and severe trauma patients. Performs extrication of victims from wreckage as necessary.

Maintains communications with dispatcher, hospital personnel and other public safety agencies to receive and to transmit instructions involving patient care. Provides instructions to first responders and bystanders in the use of first aid equipment. Determines the need for back-up assistance.

Assists in securing accident scenes as necessary, performing such duties as gathering information, preserving evidence and providing crowd/traffic control.

Completes required records and forms documenting patient treatment.

Follows established procedures for the handling, removal and disposal of hazardous materials in the event of a spill, leak, explosion or other emergency situation.

Performs all duties in accordance with established protocol, policies and procedures.

Operates a fire engine, ambulance and a wide range of life-saving / life supporting equipment, fire suppression equipment, hand and power tools, generator, extrication tools, safety gear, siren, medical instruments and supplies, two-way radio. Operates a computer and other basic office equipment as required.

Maintains inventory of medical, fire and station supplies and equipment. Restocks equipment in preparation for subsequent responses and shifts. Orders supplies as needed.

Participates in vehicle, equipment, facility and grounds safety inspections, cleaning and maintenance.

May be responsible for the security of controlled narcotics for use in medical responses.

Participates in disaster preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery planning and implementation.

Participates in the training of department personnel; Acts as a preceptor for new hire paramedics.

Participates in fire prevention and education activities within the community.

Completes and submits reports regarding department activities; enters data from reports into computer.

Keeps abreast of new technology, methods and regulations for fire prevention and suppression operations; attends meetings and continuing education classes as required and/or appropriate.

Participates in physical conditioning activities as required.

Remains on call 24 hours per day for emergencies.

Performs general office duties as required, including entering computer data, preparing reports and records, etc.

Performs related duties as required.

Requires a High School diploma or GED equivalent.

An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Must possess the following certifications: Florida Firefighter II, Florida Paramedic, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support(PHTLS).

Must have ability to be Pinellas County EMS Paramedic certified within one year from date of hire.

Must have successfully completed the National Testing Network's Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within one year prior to the application closing date.

Must possess a valid Florida driver's License.