Firefighter/EMT

Firefighter/EMT Position

Firefighter/EMTs are tasked with the responsibility of life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation through fire suppression, hazardous materials mitigation and emergency medical services. Firefighter/EMTs are also trained to perform certain medical procedures, transport patients via ambulance and provide pre-hospital care in preparation for getting a patient to the next point of care.

Qualifications

Education – High school diploma or GED equivalent

Experience – One (1) to two (2) years of experience in advance emergency medical service work, plus any required certification or training

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required competencies to perform the job.

Minimum eighteen (18) years of age at time of appointment

Certifications:

• Florida Fire II Certification
• Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Healthcare Professionals
• 16-hour Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). The employee is responsible for the ability to drive all vehicles, not just Medic units.

Valid Driver License

Essential Job Functions

This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

• Lays, connects and places hose lines in operation. Raises and climbs ladders. Enters buildings and other hazardous areas. Uses extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, axes and other hand and power tools. Ventilates buildings, throws salvage covers and removes debris.
• May drive apparatus to the scene; operates fire department pumps, including making all needed connections.
• Performs routine maintenance and inspection of station and equipment.
• Attends and participates in training drills.
• Assists with building inspections and public education assignments.
• Any general duties that the direct supervisor may need completed in relation to the Fire Department.
• Functions as an EMT as directed by Medical Director approved medical protocols.
• Abides by all laws and regulations regarding storage and handling medications and generating reports.
• Participates in training and mentoring new employees as needed.
• Responds to emergency calls as required by Sheriff's Office General Orders.
• Performs necessary rescue work in accordance with established protocols for Basic Life Support.
• Responds to non-emergency calls, such as requests to transport patients from hospital to their homes or from a local medical facility to a specialized medical center.
• Participates in a continuous training program to improve competence in fire/medical technical work and in apparatus service and operation.
• Studies street and road patterns and networks of the County in order that future runs may be made with minimum difficulty and delay.
• Adheres to work schedule and attendance requirements.
• Regular and prompt job attendance.
• Performs other duties as necessary and required.

Required Skills

• Skills in diagnosing a victim's condition and applying appropriate emergency medical care.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations.
• Ability to safely drive agency apparatus under emergency conditions.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to deal tactfully, courteously and firmly with the general public.
• Ability to effectively establish and maintain working relationships as necessitated by work assignments

Key Competencies

• Considerable knowledge of basic and advanced emergency medical procedures and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of equipment and supplies employed in the emergency care of patients and victims of accidents.
• Considerable knowledge of extrication, movement of patients, rescue techniques, transportation and psychological needs of a patient.
• Working knowledge of County geography and of the location of roads and streets within the County.
• Working knowledge of radio communication equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Tasks involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of extremely heavy objects (150+ pounds), such as in the event of rescuing or transporting a victim/patient in the performance of rescue operations.
• When performing fire services and/or rescue operations, tasks are performed with potential for intermittent exposure to occupational health hazards including, but not limited to, fire, extreme temperatures, wetness, humidity, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic/chemical agents, electrical currents, pathogens, fumes, gases, odors, erratic or unpredictable human behavior, weapons, and explosives.
• Tasks include working around moving parts, vehicles, equipment, carts, and materials handling, where extremely heightened awareness to surroundings and environment is essential in the preservation of life and property.
• Personal protection equipment applies in the preservation of life and property, as does special equipment including, but not limited to, various types of containment suits, self-contained breathing apparatus equipment (SCBA) and safety gear.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.