Firefighter/Paramedic

Firefighter/Paramedic

The City of Southport is seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Firefighter/Paramedic to join our Fire Department. This position plays a vital role in protecting the lives and property of our community by providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, fire prevention, and public education.

The Firefighter/Paramedic responds to emergency fire and medical calls, performs advanced life support and rescue functions, and assists with the inspection, maintenance, and readiness of fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, equipment, and facilities. This position also participates in training, fire prevention activities, community outreach, and other departmental operations as assigned.

Work is performed in emergency and non-emergency situations that may involve significant physical demands, hazardous conditions, and stressful environments. The successful candidate must demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, teamwork, and a strong commitment to providing exceptional service to the community.

If you are a skilled and service-minded Firefighter/Paramedic who thrives in a team-oriented environment, we encourage you to apply. The City of Southport Fire Department offers the opportunity to serve a close-knit community while working alongside dedicated public safety professionals committed to protecting our residents and visitors.

Essential Job Functions

• Responds to fire, emergency medical, rescue, hazardous materials, and other emergency incidents in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Provides advanced emergency medical care to patients at the scene, during transport, and in the pre-hospital setting in accordance with established protocols and departmental policy; maintains the confidentiality and privacy of patient information.
• Performs fire suppression activities, including scene assessment and control, fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, and overhaul operations.
• Participates in technical rescue operations, disaster response, and emergency preparedness activities.
• Conducts and assists with pre-incident planning and surveys to support effective emergency response.
• Operates fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, radios, and other departmental equipment as authorized and required.
• Performs routine inspections and assists with the maintenance and readiness of fire apparatus, emergency medical equipment, rescue equipment, station facilities, and grounds.
• Participates in ongoing firefighting, emergency medical, rescue, and other required departmental training and professional development.
• Maintains knowledge of current practices, techniques, regulations, and developments related to fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and emergency preparedness.
• Participates in fire prevention and public education activities, including programs related to fire safety, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, and other department services.
• Represents the Fire Department at community events, public education programs, open houses, parades, and other departmental activities.
• Prepares and maintains required reports, patient care documentation, records, and other departmental documentation accurately and timely.
• Performs assigned duties during emergencies, disasters, severe weather events, and other situations requiring departmental response.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the EMS Captain or other superior officer.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of Brunswick County EMS protocols and the ability to practice in accordance with applicable medical direction and established protocols.
• Thorough knowledge of the geography, streets, roadways, and service areas within the City of Southport, Brunswick County, and surrounding areas.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and codes governing fire, rescue, and emergency medical service operations.
• Knowledge of basic and advanced life support principles and practices, including cardiac, pediatric, trauma, stroke, STEMI, and other time-sensitive medical emergencies.
• Knowledge of fire science principles and practices, including fire suppression, fire prevention, fire behavior, fire investigation, and emergency scene operations.
• Knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS), incident safety practices, hazardous materials response, technical rescue operations, and emergency management principles.
• Knowledge of the operation, capabilities, and safe use of fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, firefighting equipment, rescue equipment, and emergency medical equipment.
• Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, standard operating guidelines, and other requirements governing Fire and Rescue Department operations.
• Ability to perform effectively and make sound decisions in dynamic, stressful, hazardous, and potentially life-threatening emergency situations.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly, assess changing conditions, identify appropriate courses of action, and respond effectively during emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Ability to safely operate fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, communications equipment, and other equipment associated with assigned duties.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, policies, procedures, medical protocols, and technical information.
• Ability to prepare accurate and complete reports, patient care documentation, and other required records.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations necessary to carry out assigned duties.
• Ability to work extended hours and respond to emergency or disaster situations as operational needs require, including recall to duty when necessary.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other emergency medical personnel, law enforcement agencies, mutual aid partners, patients, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing medical emergencies, crisis situations, or significant stress.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and contribute to a professional, safe, and service-oriented work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, or a related field preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Paramedic certification.
• Must possess and maintain current Healthcare Provider/BLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certifications.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and meet the City's requirements for operation of City vehicles.
• Must possess North Carolina Emergency Vehicle Driver certification.

Required After Hire:

• The successful candidate must obtain and maintain the following certifications within the specified timeframes:
• North Carolina Class B driver's license – within one year of hire
• NIMS ICS 100 and 200 and IS 700 and 800 – within one year of hire
• North Carolina Firefighter certification – within two years of hire
• North Carolina Technical Rescuer certification – within three years of hire

Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining all licenses, certifications, credentials, and other requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.