Firefighter/Paramedic

Firefighter/Paramedic

This is a skilled and technical journey level position within the firefighting and emergency medical series. Employees within this class engage directly in all aspects of firefighting, fire prevention, and hazardous materials mitigation functions, provision of advanced life support services, the operation and maintenance of fire apparatus, and rescue apparatus, ambulances and equipment. Employees in this class work under the immediate supervision of a Fire Lieutenant/EMT or Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic, however, considerable independent judgment and initiative is exercised in carrying out the daily operations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Responds to fire alarms, emergency medical needs, and other emergencies and forwards information to the proper authorities.
• Performs basic firefighting operations such as hose connecting, rescue service, and other operations to combat fires.
• Performs advanced life support functions commensurate with level of training concerning prehospital treatment and transport. Provides advanced life support functions such as patient assessment, vital signs, effective CPR, and other operations to treat sick or injured patients at the advanced life support level.
• Performs general fire and EMS station household duties including hose, and apparatus, ambulance and equipment cleaning, decontamination, drying, and minor maintenance and repair work.
• Participates in practice drills in classroom and field training programs to maintain the knowledge, skills and abilities required to meet the National Fire Protection Association standards as outlined in NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1002 and to maintain Florida paramedic certification.
• Studies hydrant, fire alarm, street, health care facility and other business district maps, and formulates pre-emergency plans, including tactical surveys of buildings.
• Assists in identifying Fire Services Division capital improvement needs.
• Assumes full command of an emergency incident responsibility in directing fire scene and / or patient care operations, as needed.
• Participates in public education programs.
• Assists in training programs for volunteer and probationary firefighters.
• Abides by all departmental and division rules and regulations.
• The employer may add to or change duties at any time and as determined by the County and its leaders to best ensure that the public is served through the work of the Department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent; AND
  • Must meet and maintain the requirements for career Firefighter II and Paramedic (PMD) as defined in Florida Statutes and the requirements of NFPA 1582 "Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments."
  • A comparable amount of training and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications except for the Firefighter and Paramedic certification and license maintenance requirement.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS:

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver license upon offer of employment with a driving record acceptable to the County Driving Policy and insurance program.
• Successful completion of Fire/EMS Trainee Guide and Task Book as a condition of employment.
• Successful completion of NFFF Courage to Be Safe Curriculum as a condition of employment.
• Florida Hazardous Material Technician certification preferred.
• Supplemental classes and certifications in advanced firefighting procedures desired.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Knowledge of policies and procedures of the Bay County Fire Rescue and EMS Divisions.
• Knowledge of CPR and advanced life support procedures.
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and uses of modern firefighting/EMS apparatus and equipment including rescue, ambulance, aerial and pumping apparatus.
• Knowledge of project management and organizational skills.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to get along with co-workers.
• Ability to have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work and maintain reliable full-time attendance.
• Ability to comprehend, speak, and read the English language.
• Ability to have and maintain good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with the public.
• Ability to conduct and participate in all phases of firefighting and EMS operations
• Ability to show proficiency in all phases of operations as outlined in NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1002.
• Ability to work irregular hours including weekends, holidays and extended hours during emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing difficulties.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to fill out fire and EMS patient reports and keep accurate records of daily activities.
• Ability to plan and conduct routine work assignments and carry out orders without direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities including successful completion of yearly medical evaluation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed outdoors and requires some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.) or irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust. The employee may be required to perform in high humidity and in elevated temperatures as well as limited access, enclosed spaces. While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; and interact with County staff, other organizations and the public.

Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils.

This position requires some exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, etc.). This position requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and includes completing and successfully passing medical evaluations and/or clearances.

Stooping, sitting, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pulling, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception. Ability to lift and carry patients weighing in excess of 250 pounds, with assistance, without causing harm or aggravating injuries to the patient or themselves. Lifts people and equipment of 100+ pounds; extensive, or considerable standing/walking; Lifts positions, pushes and/or transfers patients; lifts supplies/equipment; manual dexterity and mobility; intermittent exertion when performing treatments.

WORK LOCATION:

Not Eligible for Remote Work - This position is assigned to a county worksite. Due to the non-portable nature of the essential functions of this position, this position is not eligible for telework.