Paramedic Probationary (FC 131)

Firefighter/Paramedic

Salary Range: $70,951.40 - $70,951.40

Works under an assigned fire station Lieutenant and on-duty Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Lieutenant. Questions patient or other bystanders to gather medical information. Checks pulse and respiration of patient. Administers medical treatment in response to patient's medical condition. Determines whether to transport patient using ambulance or wing based on medical situation and according to orders and protocols. Communicates with medical personnel at hospital regarding medical treatment and/or condition of patient. Loads/unloads patients into/from ambulance. Drives emergency ambulance on an emergency call in a safe manner and transports patients to hospitals or medical facilities. Listens for alarm and details of radio message received from alarm office. Puts on protective equipment such as air pack, turnouts, gloves. Searches for victims in smoky areas and determines safest evacuation routes for self/victim. Pries open vehicles, equipment, or structures using specialized equipment such as the jaws-of-life. Drags or carries an unconscious victim down ladders or stairs. Connects hoses and couplings to water sources, pumps, nozzles, etc. and advances charged hose lines to fight fire. Identifies flammable or hazardous materials. Lifts and maneuvers hand-held and hand-raised ladders. Extinguishes fires in areas where there is no visibility and extreme heat. Opens holes in structures using axes, pike poles, or other equipment. Preserves evidence of arson for use by an arson investigator. Develops and maintains current knowledge of well-established firefighting procedures. Maintains paramedic license. Cleans equipment and inspects or tests equipment on apparatus.

Responsibilities

Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned.

Assists other Firefighters in lifting and carrying a victim and stretcher weighing an average 220-240 pounds (160180-pound victim average and 60-pound stretcher). Requires walking, running, standing, lifting, climbing, stooping, etc. Requires the ability to meet the physical demands required to extinguish fires including performing firefighter duties wearing turnouts, air tank, air mask, gloves, etc. and to make routine inspections of buildings, hydrants, and immediate surroundings for existence of fire hazards.

Works from assigned fire station to perform firefighting/paramedic duties in emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, trucks, pumpers or other apparatus at the scene of fires, and/or on emergency calls. Works a twenty-four (24) hour shift, fifty-six (56) hours a week. Exposure to infections and diseases that are contagious. Exposed to extreme weather conditions. Assists hospital personnel in emergency situations. Deals with the public under possibly stressful and/or dangerous conditions. Performs firefighting duties exposed to extreme heat, heavy smoke, and toxic fumes at fire scenes.

Qualifications

1. Must be a citizen of the United States. 2. High school graduate or equivalent required. 3. Candidate's age must be at least twenty-one (21) years by the starting date of the Firefighter/Paramedic Class for which he/she is considered; and candidate's age cannot exceed forty-five (45) years by the date of employment in this position. 4. Must be currently licensed by the State of Tennessee as a Paramedic or be eligible for reciprocity in the State of Tennessee as a licensed Paramedic and obtain State of Tennessee Paramedic licensure prior to employment. Must maintain Paramedic licensure as required by state guidelines in accordance with the Tennessee Emergency Medical Act as a condition of continued employment. 5. Must be record free of any felony and/or misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude and pass required background investigation. 6. Must pass comprehensive medical examination which meets the National Fire Protection Association Standards (NFPA-1582). Must pass a battery of tests which may include written fire selection tests, paramedic competency evaluation, and physical ability test. Must progress through the State of Tennessee Fire Fighter Certification Program (as specified in NFPA Standards 1001) as a condition of continued employment. 7. Must possess and maintain a valid Class D Tennessee Driver's License with Endorsement F as a condition of continued employment. Knowledge of the Memphis geographical area preferred.