Firefighter/Paramedic

Fire Fighter/Paramedic

To perform fire fighting, emergency medical response, and advanced life support activities to protect life and property; to respond to a variety of fire and emergency and non-emergency calls for service, including structure fires, traffic collisions, hazardous materials incidents, building collapses and wildland fires; to operate a variety of fire suppression and life-saving equipment; to perform station and equipment maintenance; and to perform a variety of duties relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general supervision from an assigned Fire Captain or higher-level management staff.

Essential and Marginal Function Statements

Essential Functions:

1. Responds to fire and emergency alarms; performs all phases of fire suppression work; performs rescue, ventilation, overhaul, salvage and clean-up activities at fire scene; places fire hoses, sets ladders, operates fire streams, ventilates and enters burning structures to extinguish fires and rescue victims; operates pneumatic and auxiliary equipment such as generators or pumps; responds to hazardous materials incidents.

2. Provides emergency medical care and advanced life support as needed at fire and accident scenes which may include defibrillation, clearing airways, pulmonary ventilation, intubation, inserting IVs, splinting fractures, treating burns, performing CPR and administering medication; informs physicians of patient condition.

3. Prepares, submits, and maintains reports on fire suppression activities, incidents, and accidents, emergency medical service provision and other fire related information.

4. Performs station maintenance; maintains station living quarters in a clean and orderly condition; operates, inspects, and maintains ambulance and other fire equipment; performs minor repairs on apparatus or equipment inside and outside of facilities; orders necessary supplies.

5. Conducts and participates in training exercises; develops skills in fire suppression, medical aid, apparatus operation, and other related areas; conducts emergency medical technician classes and re-certifies participants.

6. Maintains records and logs of work completed and in progress; prepares statistical and analytical reports as required.

7. Stays current on new innovations relative to fire prevention and emergency medical services.

8. Participates in testing of a variety of Department equipment, including protective clothing and breathing apparatus.

9. Gives informative and educational tours of the fire station to school children and other citizens; explains the functions of the Fire department; participates in other public relations activities.

10. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Training Guidelines Minimum requirements as a condition of hire:

Experience:

Prior experience in fire suppression, rescue, and Emergency Medical Services is desirable.

Training:

High School diploma or equivalent supplemented by specialized firefighter and emergency medicine/paramedic training.

Successful completion of a California State Fire Marshal Accredited Basic Firefighter Academy or equivalent.

Firefighters who have completed probation with a public agency, special district, state, or tribal fire department will be considered Lateral hires.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license. Must obtain an "F" endorsement within one year of employment.

ICEMA accredited paramedic, or ability to achieve accreditation within 30 days of appointment.

Valid Physical Ability (Biddle or CPAT) dated within 1 year of the recruitment closing date. (Lateral hires do not require a physical ability test.)

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

Procedures and equipment used in modern fire-fighting, emergency medical, and paramedic response operations. Operational characteristics of fire suppression apparatus and equipment. Principles and practices of modern fire prevention and suppression. Advanced principles of emergency medical service provision, first aid, and life support. Methods and techniques of handling hazardous materials. Geography and street layout of the city and surrounding area. Basic methods of research and report preparation. Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations governing fire safety.

Ability to:

Operate and maintain associated fire suppression apparatus and equipment.

Perform a variety of fire suppression and emergency medical response activities, including administering advanced life support and responding to hazardous materials incidents.

Prepare a variety of technical and operational reports.

As assigned, drive a fire truck or ambulance safely in varying traffic and weather conditions.

Observe and follow safe fire-fighting work practices.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Working Conditions:

Environmental Conditions: Emergency fire fighting environment; exposure to airborne and bloodborne pathogens, heat, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, radiant energy, toxic materials and inclement weather conditions; hazards of emergency driving; work at heights on scaffolding and ladders and with water; work in confined spaces.

Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy, moderate or light lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.