Paramedic Crew Leader

Paramedic Crew Leaders

This is a great time to join the Victoria Fire Department! We are seeking Paramedic Crew Leaders to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, medical emergencies and other calls to protect life and property. The successful candidates will operate and maintain all necessary medical equipment to provide patient care. Will participate in fire prevention, training, station and equipment maintenance activities. Responsible for safely driving and operating assigned apparatus to and from emergency scenes and leads medical crew in the treatment and transport of patients. Our mission as the Victoria Fire Department is to Preserve Life and Property with a Dedicated and Caring Service. As a member of our family, you will have many opportunities to enhance the lives of those we serve by providing emergency services, public education and community health initiatives. We are Leaders in Emergency Service Excellence - In 2020, we responded to 11,641 requests for service and are an ISO class 2 fire department, Mission Lifeline Gold Plus EMS provider, cutting edge whole blood program and we are one of twenty-three departments recognized in the state of Texas for Best Practices by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. This position works a 24/72 shift schedule. Up to a $10k sign-on bonus, amount of bonus is determined by years of experience. In order to complete the Paramedic Crew Leader online application, please attach your TDSHS or National Registry Paramedic Certification. Selected applicants will also be requested to successfully complete the following:

• Physical Ability Test
• Panel interview
• Chief's interview

Notice: The VFD Recruitment/Training Division will conduct testing periodically while this posting remains open. Selected applicants will be invited to testing and interviews in Victoria, by invitation only. This will consist of: Physical Ability and Panel interviews. Certified Firefighter/Paramedics are encouraged to apply. Applicants who currently hold a National Registry Paramedic Certification are encouraged to apply. Employment eligibility requires possession of a TDSHS Paramedic Certification.

Apply today to be part of an organization that prides itself on enhancing the livability of our community! Salary: $60,000-67,500/yr depending on qualifications. Annual salary amount offered is the estimated gross salary, including base salary plus overtime. This is a non-exempt position.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate heavy motor equipment at maximum operating efficiency consistent with needs, safety, and mechanical limitations of the equipment.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Administer emergency care at heights greater than ten feet.
• Operate power driven machinery such as lawn mowers and hydraulic extrication equipment.
• Responsible for carrying trauma bags/cardiac monitor and/or other equipment weighing 20-50 pounds for short distances (up to 20 feet or more) to the emergency scene from the ambulance or fire truck.
• Communicate orally with customers in face-to-face one-on-one settings.
• Tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing job duties.
• Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• React and make critical decisions during emergency situations and display proper judgement.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to perform emergency medical services, or perform duties on the emergency scene.
• Perform duties requiring lifting and transporting patients from emergency scenes to ambulance/hospital. Includes use of backboard with straps and may require transporting patients from various heights. May need to lift; push; pull weight up to 150 pounds.
• Performs training to understand apparatus limitations related to apparatus response.
• Identify critical incident scene safety factors and address them appropriately.
• Understand and operate within the Incident Management System.
• Use personal protective clothing and equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
• Observe or monitor people's behavior to assess patient condition.
• Able to function and exercise judgement in stabilizing the victim when out of contact with the physician. Formal protocols (standing orders) may be established by medical command and must be followed by the EMT-P in these situations.
• Administer intravenous fluids and drugs, including narcotics. Perform airway management, including intubation and suctioning. Direct the proper transport of the victim.
• Maintain proper records of EMS activities.
• Maintain physical fitness standards as established by the department.
• May be required to obtain other specialized training to meet the needs of the department.
• Perform additional primary duties and essential functions that may be identified by the Fire Chief or designee.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

Employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear; taste or smell. Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 150 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, co-peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee regularly works in outside weather. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places; occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. Possibility of severe injury or loss of life when at emergency scenes. Noise level is usually moderate.

Required Qualifications

Education, Certifications, and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 24 hours of college preferred
• Previous experience preferred
• Valid Driver License
• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) EMT-Paramedic Certification
• Paramedic STEP Program and Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) within timeline established by the department
• Driving record that meets City standards

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
• Know the location of streets, fire alarm boxes, fire hydrants, and types of building construction in the city along with medical protocols
• Know the rules and regulations of the fire department
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Operate mechanical and automative EMS equipment
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public