Firefighter/Paramedic

Firefighter/Paramedic

Hiring salary: Up to $25.5522 per hour *52 hour work week, with 5 years of experience. Candidates who are a current Florida State Firefighter II and possess a Paramedic Certification prior to employment will receive an additional one time $10,000 certification payment at the end of their probationary year. Starting salary above minimum based on experience: Candidates whose qualifications are higher than the minimum required for the position may be eligible to receive starting pay above the minimum for the applicable grade. To be eligible, candidates: 1) must be certified as a Firefighter II in accordance with such rules and regulations as established by the State of Florida Fire Marshal's office, 2) must be licensed in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida as a Paramedic or EMT, and 3) have been employed, on a full-time basis, as a Firefighter/Paramedic or Firefighter/EMT by a state, municipality or fire protection district for a period not less than one year preceding the submission of their application. In addition, the candidate will be awarded one step of pay for every full year of documented employment as a Firefighter/Paramedic or Firefighter/EMT, with a maximum award of 5 steps in the City's applicable step plan.

Florida License Paramedic Incentive Pay: Candidates who hold a current Florida paramedic license in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida at the time of employment will be awarded a one-time payment of $3,000.00, subject to taxes and withholding, upon successful completion of their one-year employment probation. Should the Paramedic hired under this program resign or abandon their position within four (4) years of receipt of the bonus, such Paramedic will be required to reimburse the City a prorated amount based on years of service of the incentive pay.

Pinellas County Licensed Paramedic Incentive Pay: Candidates who hold a current Pinellas County paramedic certification at time of employment will be awarded the Pinellas County Certified Paramedic incentive. The qualified candidate must be licensed in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida as a Paramedic and must, at the time of hire, hold a Paramedic Certification in good standing with the Pinellas County EMS Medical Director (i.e. Pinellas County Paramedic.) The candidate will be awarded a one-time payment of $5,000.00, subject to taxes and withholding, upon successful completion of their one-year employment probation. Should the Paramedic hired under this program resign or abandon their position within four (4) years of receipt of the bonus, such Paramedic will be required to reimburse the City for a prorated amount based on years of service of the of the hiring bonus.

Florida State Certified Firefighter with Pinellas County Paramedic Certification Incentive Pay: Candidates who are a current Florida State Firefighter II and possess a Paramedic Certification in accordance with the Pinellas County EMS Medical Director (i.e. Pinellas County Paramedic) will be awarded a one-time payment of $10,000.00, subject to taxes and withholding, upon successful completion of their one-year employment probation. The qualified candidate must be licensed in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida as a Paramedic and must, at the time of application, hold a Paramedic Certification in good standing with the Pinellas County EMS Medical Director (i.e. Pinellas County Paramedic.) The candidate will not be eligible for the Florida Licensed Paramedic Incentive Pay and the Pinellas County Certified Paramedic Incentive Pay. Should the Firefighter Paramedic hired under this program resign or abandon their position within four (4) years of receipt of the bonus, such Firefighter Paramedic will be required to reimburse the City for a prorated amount based on years of service of the of the hiring bonus.

Under 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.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Essential job functions include:

• 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 functions include:

• Performs general office duties as required, including entering computer data, preparing reports and records, etc.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Training & Experience

Requires 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 Requirements

Must 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 indicators:

• Knowledge 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