Firefighter Paramedic

Firefighter Paramedic

The Ripon Consolidated Fire District serves the community of Ripon and the rural area that makes up 56 square miles and serving a population of approximately 20,000 people. The District is located in the southern part of San Joaquin County, bordering Stanislaus County and the Stanislaus River. The District is responsible for the protection of a variety of geographical areas, ranging from residential neighborhoods, commercial and industrial buildings, rural areas, State Route 99,120 as well as the Stanislaus River.

Today, the District has a staff of 19 fulltime personnel, one Fire Chief, three administration staff, fifteen line personnel and one Fire Prevention Officer. The Fire District is governed by a 5-member elected board under the statutory found in California Health & Safety Code – The Fire Protection District Law of 1987 (Health & Safety Code §13800. et seq.)

Under general supervision of a Fire Captain or Acting Fire Captain, employees within the Fire Fighter Paramedic job classification operate as a member of a fire company or as a member of an ambulance unit, respond to fire, rescue, hazardous material, medical and other emergencies to protect life and property from the effects or potential effects of emergency conditions. Employees in this classification also administer advanced life support, respond to non-emergency events, and participate in training, equipment and station maintenance, fire prevention activities. Firefighter Paramedics will be assigned to a 48/96 schedule and maybe assigned to a transport ambulance unit.

Employees in the Firefighter Paramedic job classification are supervised by a Fire Captain and/or Acting Fire Captain. Employees within the Firefighter Paramedic job classification are not considered supervisors.

Attend training courses, read and study assigned materials related to firefighting and fire prevention.

Respond to fire alarms with company, operate pumps, aerial ladders and auxiliary equipment, lay and connect hose, maneuver nozzles and direct fire streams, raise and climb ladders, use fire extinguishers, axes, bars, hooks, and other fire related equipment that is assigned.

Ventilate burning buildings by opening windows and skylights or by cutting holes in roofs and floors.

Perform salvage operations by placing salvage covers, sweeping water and removing debris.

Drive and operate motor-driven equipment under special instructions and limited conditions.

Clean and maintain apparatus, equipment and tools, report mechanical failures or difficulties to the company officer.

Perform necessary basic or advance life support on sick or injured persons at the sites of emergencies, en route to hospitals or other medical facilities. Patient care includes all San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services EMT-B/EMT-P scope of practice.

Exercise precautions to avoid injury while performing duties.

Be responsible for the safekeeping and proper care of all fire district property.

Participate in drills and other fire district training activities as directed and become thoroughly familiar with all equipment.

Assist in fire inspections, checks of buildings and structures for fire hazards and compliance with the fire prevention ordinances.

Remain ready to perform all essential duties and responsibilities.

Perform assigned housekeeping duties at the fire station.

Be respectful and courteous to supervisors and to those performing duties of higher rank.

Participate in demonstrations, classes and training to the public.

Environmental Conditions- Emergency response environment; exposure to hot and humid work environment making rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertions without warm-up period.

Physical Conditions- Essential and marginal functions will require maintaining physical condition necessary for bodily mobility to operate and crawl in restricted space; work, stand, or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate motorized equipment and vehicles; and the ability to work in hot and humid environments while wearing firefighting equipment which may inhibit all necessary senses.

Work is performed in both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions wearing protective clothing. Position requires 24-hour shift assignment and overtime work as required.

18 years of age at time of appointment

High school Diploma or GED or equivalency certificate

Possession of National Registry Paramedic License at time of application; and/or

California Paramedic License by time of appointment; and/or

Ability to obtain a San Joaquin County Paramedic License;

Possession of a current Health Care Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card

Possession of current valid Class C California driver's license

Must have either an ambulance driver's license, or a Firefighter endorsement.

Graduated from an accredited Firefighter I Academy

Possession of California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I Certificate or Completion of California State Fire Marshal Fire Fighter I task book

Valid Class A, B or C CA driver license with Firefighter Endorsement.

Associate's and /or Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited or FESHE recognized college or university

Office of State Fire Marshal-Apparatus Driver Operator 1A Certificate

Office of State Fire Marshal-Apparatus Driver Operator 1B Certificate

Hazardous Material at the First Responder (FRO) & Decontamination Certification

Additional specialized training in fire science or a related field is desirable.

Minimum of 30 semester units from a regionally­ accredited or FESHE-approved university or college

Six months full-time, paid firefighting experience or One year as an active reserve, volunteer or intern firefighter or Equivalent combination of full-time and volunteer

ICS 100 & 200

Ability to:

Effectively and safely drive/operate the full range of fire apparatus/equipment used by the District.

Understand and act in accordance with District policies, rules, and instructions.

Learn and to apply firefighting and medical techniques and procedures.

Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting equipment.

Perform emergency medical practices and procedures at the level of a competent California State Certified Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMTP).

Retain operational awareness in emergency situations.

Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.

Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.

Perform occasional heavy lifting up to 100 lbs. and physical maneuvering.

Perform general office and clerical duties in support of assigned activities.

Operate a computer and learn how to use general and job specific computer applications.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and members of other public agencies.

Work in communal environment that includes common sleeping, eating, and restroom facilities.

Analyze fire and emergency conditions and employ effective courses of action.

Maintain and test fire sprinkler systems and fire hydrants.

Operate and maintain voice radio equipment.

Rescue and evacuate victims from buildings, vehicles, and other entrapments.

Lead supervision over fire suppression personnel, when assigned.

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting and firefighting vehicles, equipment, and apparatus.

Principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting.

Fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities, and their proper use.

Basic principles of hydraulics relating to fire equipment.

Safe driving practices.

Advanced life support emergency medical principles and practices.

Mobility- Pulling and pushing objects, sitting, standing, walking on uneven or slippery surfaces; kneeling, bending twisting, turning, stooping, squatting, climbing, and working from ladders.

Lifting- Ability to perform tasks requiring strength and stamina, such as heavy lifting and moving equipment and objects weighing over 100 pounds.

Vision- Constant use of overall vision; frequent reading of gauges, documents and street maps using color and depth vision.

Dexterity – Frequent grasping, holding, and reaching, manual dexterity to use tools, assemble fittings, and perform hose and ladder placement evolutions.

Hearing/Speaking – Verbal communication including projecting voice that can be heard in a noisy environment, hearing, and distinguishing various sounds, such as alarms, voices of co-workers and warning horns or sirens in both quiet and noisy environments.

Emotional/Psychological – Frequent concentration and decision making, frequent public and co-worker contact, ability to maintain high level of cognitive, interpretive and judgment skills.

Environmental – Must be willing to work in adverse conditions and life-threatening emergencies; subject