Firefighter (Emt)

JOB SUMMARY

Under minimal supervision, performs emergency response work in firefighting, emergency medical treatment and patient care, rescue, confined space entry, hazardous material response and other required service. Work involves performing fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency and non-emergency patient care, rescue and/or hazardous material response to alarms, and operating associated equipment and apparatus; and training in the methods and techniques of emergency response operations and patient care protocols and the use of all related equipment and apparatus. Employee is also responsible for inspecting and maintaining equipment and performing various maintenance and custodial duties at the assigned fire station. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of emergency response work. Reports to a Fire Lieutenant.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responds to incidents requiring firefighting, patient care, rescue, hazardous material response or other service; may make initial determination of necessary personnel, equipment and suppression or containment tactics until relieved by superior officer.

• Advances hose lines into fire area; selects hose nozzle, depending on type of fire; lays and connects hoses; holds nozzle and directs stream of water onto fire; raises and climbs ladders; creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance using various hand and power tools; enters premises for firefighting, rescue, and salvage operations, uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment.

• Performs necessary patient care and/or rescue work in accordance with established protocols for Basic and enhanced Basic Life Support; administers necessary emergency medical care requiring the use of suction units, immobilization equipment, and oxygen delivery systems and other approved equipment.

• Performs non-emergency related medical treatment for patients, i.e., lift assists, blood pressure checks, etc.

• Identifies hazardous materials and type of container or carrier at spill scene; performs fire suppression, pre-disaster, disaster and post-disaster activities, as necessary; assists in direction of evacuation operations, as necessary.

• Performs salvage operations such as placing salvage covers, sweeping water, removing debris and placing smoke ejectors.

• Performs fire and injury prevention activities.

• Prepares and completes reports.

• Inspects assigned emergency response apparatus and equipment daily for efficient operating condition and readiness; cleans and maintains equipment, as necessary, after completion of emergency response operations; performs repairs as appropriate.

• Attends and participates in training sessions on such topics related to as fire prevention, fire suppression, equipment, apparatus, techniques, patient care, hazardous materials, confined space, streets, hydrants, block numbers, buildings, etc.

• Aids citizens by assisting in delivery of directions, information, fire safety and other related program presentations to the community.

• Provides pertinent information to departmental personnel on following shift.

• Cleans and performs minor maintenance on department buildings, vehicles and equipment.

• Prepares pre-plans for buildings and facilities.

• The majority of position duties are required to be performed on-site.

• Performs any and all job duties falling within the generic scope of fire/rescue services, including the participation in any public-service programs put on or sponsored by the City.

• May also be tasked with performing unrelated duties which are not inconsistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, on an occasional basis, where the need arises.

• Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared or undeclared emergency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Has sufficient general knowledge of the operating characteristics and service requirements of equipment and apparatus used in firefighting, fire prevention, patient care, rescue operations and hazardous material response.

• Has sufficient knowledge of the hazards involved in emergency response operations and of the applicable safety precautions.

• Has sufficient knowledge of basic emergency medical procedures and extrication techniques.

• Has sufficient knowledge of street layout, subdivisions, buildings, block numbers and the location of fire hydrants in the City.

• Has sufficient knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, standard operating procedures, rules and regulations and safety and health policies and procedures.

• Is able to operate and care for assigned emergency response apparatus and equipment.

• Is able to exercise initiative in meeting and resolving emergency situations.

• Is able to analyze situations quickly and correctly and adopt effective courses of action with regard to surroundings and circumstances.

• Is able to develop and maintain routine activity reports.

• Is able to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

• Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Graduation from high school, or GED.

Special Qualifications:

Must hold Certificate of Compliance as a firefighter from the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards. Must hold a current State of Florida Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. For positions requiring the operation of City vehicles, must possess a valid current Florida driver's license, or be able to acquire one within 45 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

State of Florida Certified Pump Operator

State of Florida Certified Fire Officer I

State of Florida Aerial Operations Course

State  of Florida Paramedic Certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be physically able to operate a variety of fire and emergency medical related apparatus and equipment, including such firefighting and emergency response equipment as pumps, ladders, aerial ladders, air compressors, self-contained breathing apparatus, extrication equipment ("jaws of life"), hand tools, electric tools, hydraulic tools, pneumatic tools, axes, shovels, two-way radios, etc.

• Has physical strength and agility to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions when required.

• Requires ability to ascend and descend ladders, stairs and ramps using feet or hands and arms.

• Requires ability to maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, bending, stooping or crouching.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical hazard from fire, equipment, traffic, smoke inhalation, and falling objects at emergency scenes, and exposure to health risks may occur.