Firefighter/Paramedic

Firefighter/Paramedic PositionUnder general supervision, responds to fire, medical and other emergency calls promptly in order to protect the lives and property of those in need of assistance. Provides emergency medical treatment at the Paramedic level; ensures quality medical treatment and transportation for patients to appropriate medical facilities. Performs duties in accordance with all established policies, procedures and medical protocol. Maintains vehicles, supplies and equipment, and prepares required records and reports. Reports to the Fire Lieutenant.Essential Job FunctionsThe duties recorded below are representative of the duties of the class and are not intended to cover all the duties performed by incumbents(s) of any particular position.Responds to and provides assistance in emergency situations-- including fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, rescue operations, public evacuations, auto accidents and other emergencies.Performs fire suppression duties as necessary to protect the lives and property of those in need of assistance.Provides basic, intermediate and advanced life support treatment to patients, as well as transportation to appropriate medical facility. Assesses the condition of patients and makes decisions regarding proper courses of action. Performs such duties as CPR, cardiac monitoring, medication calculation and administration, splint application, wound treatment, control of bleeding, monitoring and relaying of vital signs, oxygen and IV therapy administration, sterile suctioning, intubation, gastric lavage, defibrillation, ECG monitoring and the management of cardiac arrest and severe trauma patients. Performs extrication of victims from wreckage as necessary.Maintains communications with dispatcher, hospital personnel and other public safety agencies to receive and to transmit instructions involving patient care. Provides instructions to first responders and bystanders in the use of first aid equipment. Determines the need for back-up assistance.Assists in securing accident scenes as necessary, performing such duties as gathering information, preserving evidence and providing crowd/traffic control.Completes required records and forms documenting patient treatment.Follows established procedures for the handling, removal and disposal of hazardous materials in the event of a spill, leak, explosion or other emergency situation.Performs all duties in accordance with established protocol, policies and procedures.Operates a fire engine, ambulance and a wide range of life-saving / life supporting equipment, fire suppression equipment, hand and power tools, generator, extrication tools, safety gear, siren, medical instruments and supplies, two-way radio. Operates a computer and other basic office equipment as required.Maintains inventory of medical, fire and station supplies and equipment. Restocks equipment in preparation for subsequent responses and shifts. Orders supplies as needed.Participates in vehicle, equipment, facility and grounds safety inspections, cleaning and maintenance.May be responsible for the security of controlled narcotics for use in medical responses.Participates in disaster preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery planning and implementation.Participates in the training of department personnel; Acts as a preceptor for new hire paramedics.Participates in fire prevention and education activities within the community.Completes and submits reports regarding department activities; enters data from reports into computer.Keeps abreast of new technology, methods and regulations for fire prevention and suppression operations; attends meetings and continuing education classes as required and/or appropriate.Participates in physical conditioning activities as required.Remains on call 24 hours per day for emergencies.Additional Job FunctionsPerforms general office duties as required, including entering computer data, preparing reports and records, etc.Performs related duties as required.Minimum Training & ExperienceRequires a High School diploma or GED equivalent.An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.Special RequirementsMust possess the following certifications: Florida Firefighter II, Florida Paramedic, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support(PHTLS).Must have ability to be Pinellas County EMS Paramedic certified within one year from date of hire.Must have successfully completed the National Testing Network's Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within one year prior to the application closing date.Must possess a valid Florida driver's License.Performance IndicatorsKnowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the City of Dunedin as they pertain to the performance of essential duties of the Firefighter/Paramedic. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has thorough knowledge in the areas of fire science, hydraulics, electrical, fire codes and ordinances, etc. Has the ability to perform fire suppression duties with skill and safety. Has thorough knowledge of first aid and advanced life support methods and theories. Is skilled in administering first aid and CPR as needed, as well as other medical treatments and assistance. Is capable of rescuing persons trapped in buildings and autos. Has knowledge in all proper techniques used by paramedics. Has knowledge of protocols and the appropriate use of same. Is able to recognize signs and symptoms of various illnesses. Is able to make sound, educated decisions that affect lives. Knows how to determine and ensure safety at the scene of emergencies. Is able to work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others. Has knowledge of various hazardous materials and the proper procedures for handling and/or disposing of such materials. Clearly understands any occupational hazards and adheres to all safety precautions inherent in performing the essential functions of the work. Is able to show a high level of discretion and flexibility in daily operations. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology, including computers. Has the ability to speak and understand the English language.Performance AptitudesData Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data and/or information. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analyses to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships. Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others on how to apply procedures and standards to specific situations. Is able to provide effective training and leadership as required. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation.Equipment, Machinery, Tools and Materials Utilization: Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology, including computers. Requires the ability to use, operate and/or handle office equipment such as a telephone, computer, etc.; and to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.. Has the ability to perform inspections and maintenance of fire extinguishers, fire hoses, fire suppression systems and fire detection systems. Knows how to utilize various pieces of fire-fighting, medical and rescue equipment and tools in a safe and efficient manner.Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to use a variety of reference, descriptive and/or advisory data and information. Is knowledgeable of medical terminology as related to pre-hospital treatment and medicine, and is able to interpret and use legal terminology as required.Mathematical Aptitude: Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; to calculate decimals and percentages; to use basic geometric and algebraic principles and calculations.Functional Reasoning : Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive and leadership. Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution. Is able to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations. Is able to perform according to standards despite working long hours and intense, exhausting schedules.Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in critical and/or unexpected situations involving high risk to the organization and community. Has the ability to use independent judgment and discretion in critical situations such as response to natural and man-made emergency/disaster situations. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.ADA CompliancePhysical Ability: Tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderately heavy weight (20-50 pounds), and occasionally heavier objects and