Paramedic (Non-Safety)

Paramedic (Non-Safety)

The City of Chula Vista is seeking service-oriented individuals interested in establishing a rewarding and challenging career as a Paramedic (Non-Safety) with the Chula Vista Fire Department. Join our team and have an opportunity to serve your community through the Fire Department's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division, providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance transport services on all calls for service for the cities of Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and the Bonita Sunnyside Fire Protection District.

The Chula Vista Fire Department holds a rich tradition of service since its establishment on May 2, 1921. The Department and the City of Chula Vista continue to grow and expand. The Department offers exciting career opportunities in a dynamic and positive environment. The Chula Vista Fire Department is comprised of approximately 300 highly trained, professional men and women. Currently, the City's ten fire station network responds to nearly 31,000 calls for service annually, while serving a population of over 278,000, covering an area of over 52 square miles. The Fire Department has provided emergency ambulance transport services for all of Chula Vista, Bonita, and Imperial Beach since April 2021. In addition to providing emergency medical response and firefighting services to citizens, the Fire Department also provides technical rescue training to first responders across the country, comprehensive fire safety engineering plan review and inspection services to Chula Vista's business community, and provides fire and life safety education and outreach to City residents.

Under supervision, responds to fire alarms, emergency medical calls, and other emergency calls to protect life and property; participates in fire training, fire prevention, public education, and station and equipment maintenance activities; operates a paramedic unit in response to medical emergencies and provides definitive medical care; and performs related duties as required.

Receives supervision from an assigned Fire Captain. Receives direction through San Diego County EMS protocols and from the Battalion Chief, EMS Educator and Medical Director.

Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: respond to alarms involving fire, all types of accidents, gas leaks, flooded structures, hazardous substances, and lifesaving and rescue work to perform emergency medical services; perform first aid and lifesaving duties; render emergency medical aid examining and assessing victims, communicating vital medical data to medical and/or fire personnel and administering medical treatment in accordance within established guidelines and/or at the specific instruction of base hospital medical personnel; support and assist other fire and medical personnel as directed on medical calls; operate a paramedic vehicle safely; treat and transport patients in accordance with San Diego County Emergency Medical Services protocol and department policy; perform primary and secondary medical physical assessments of patients; perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation; maintain an effective airway for patients with compromised breathing; administer advanced life support drug therapy within established guidelines and/or at the specific instruction of base hospital medical personnel; operate heart monitoring and defibrillation equipment; operate radios, telephones and other communications equipment in order communicate medical information to base hospital medical personnel or other fire personnel; prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports such as controlled drug inventory, equipment and station logs, NFIRS, and EMS reports; serve as a preceptor for paramedic and emergency medical technician trainees; perform building and grounds maintenance; clean, service, inspect and test motor driven equipment including ambulances; study fire department rules, regulations and procedures; operate computer related equipment and software applications related to assignment; may operate an ambulance; may assist in conducting hydrant maintenance or routine inspections; may participate in physical fitness program; build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, personnel from a wide range of outside agencies, other colleagues in the field, and the public; perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Training Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. An Associate's degree in Fire Science or Paramedicine is highly desirable.

Special Requirements Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application.

License or Certificate Possession of a valid license as an EMT-P with the State of California is required at time of application and must be maintained as a condition of continued employment. Possession of a valid EMT-P accreditation with the County of San Diego EMS Office is required at time of appointment. Valid California Class C Driver's License at time of appointment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Knowledge of: emergency medical basic and advanced life support principles and procedures; general principles and practices of emergency medical response; San Diego County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) regulations, protocols and procedures; Federal, State and local laws, regulations and standards related to firefighting and para-medicine; maintenance and repair of vehicles, apparatus and equipment; local geographical response factors; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; Safety practices and procedures; computer related equipment and software applications related to assignment. Ability to: perform competently under extreme pressure and in stressful situations; make accurate observations and rapid judgments; learn new skills and methods quickly and accurately; work in a variety of weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, wind, dust, etc.) and in extremely hazardous situations; work 24-hour shifts, weekends and holidays; work variable shifts and overtime, as required; perform life saving techniques to victims; maintain and participate in continuing education (CE) requirements associated with a paramedic license/accreditation with the State of California and County of San Diego; learn and follow City policies and procedures; learn and follow Fire Department rules and regulations; read and understand printed information during emergency calls; follow written and verbal orders from supervisors; work effectively as a team member of a company, battalion, department, and/or special project groups by following orders, consistently following through with duties/assignments and living harmoniously with co-workers; attend meetings and training activities; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; operate, maintain, inspect and repair vehicles, apparatus and equipment; clean and maintain fire station and grounds; teach classes and participate in public education demonstrations and activities; operate computer related equipment and software applications related to assignment; write comprehensive reports and maintain accurate records; wear approved uniform; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions Must be able to perform a wide range of physical duties to include: constant upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck; simple grasping and repetitive use of hands to hold radios, equipment and property; fine finger dexterity to manipulate apparatus controls, computer keyboard and writing utensils; lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs. Frequent walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, climbing, balancing and squatting; bending and twisting at the waist; pushing, pulling and reaching above and below shoulder level; power grasping; walking on uneven ground; driving; lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds from below waist to above shoulder level; lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 100 lbs. with or without assistance. Occasional running, crawling; lifting and carrying objects and persons weighing more than 100 lbs. with or without assistance. Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, wind, dust, etc.) and in extremely hazardous situations such as, at heights, in confined spaces, at temperature extremes, around crowds, with loud noises, with limited visibility, in the presence of hazardous materials, in the presence of victims of death and/or dismemberment.