PT Firefighter/EMT

An employee in this class is responsible for performing all functions and services of firefighting and emergency medical rescue. Emphasis of the work is on responding to and providing fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to citizens and businesses. Work involves extinguishing fires at fire scenes, safeguarding lives, salvaging property, preventing the recurrence of fires, and protecting properties from the elements, vandalism, and theft. Work also includes routine inspection and maintenance of fire apparatus, fire station facilities and equipment, providing basic life support, training and drilling in the use of fire equipment and firefighting techniques, and the performance of public relations activities. Work is often performed under emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazard. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Fire Officer and is reviewed through observation, reports, and discussion concerning the quality and effectiveness of fire, medical and related duties.

•Responds to emergency scenes; performs basic firefighting functions including basic life support, CPR, and first aid; connects hoses to hydrants and applies water or chemicals to fire; operates portable fire extinguishers to combat small fires; forces entry into burning structures and searches for and rescues occupants

•Responds to emergency medical calls and performs duties in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, local ordinances, established policies, procedures and protocols, and within established chain of command; refers to policy manuals as necessary.

•Assesses and evaluates situation at scenes of emergency response; surveys and secures scene, requesting additional assistance, as necessary; determines mechanism of injury and equipment needed to effect rescue and initiation of treatment.

•Responds to incidents of multiple casualties in accordance with established disaster response plans; recognizes need for hazardous material response personnel and calls for assistance; accordingly, performs in accordance with established protocols for handling patients exposed to hazardous materials, including use of hazardous materials response kit.

• Participates in routine preventive maintenance of equipment including checking and filling self-contained breathing apparatus, washing/waxing trucks, checking batteries, fuel and oil levels, cleaning and drying hose, inspecting hose and hose connections for damage and wear; maintains fire station by sweeping, mopping, painting, washing windows and other tasks

•Checks and flushes fire hydrants for flow and pressure

•Conducts fire prevention education demonstrating use of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors; helps develop escape plans; installs child safety seats for citizens with children

•Conducts tours of fire stations and performs public demonstrations at schools, community meetings, and other locations

•Participates in continuous firefighter and emergency medical technician training program to improve competence

•Performing related work as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•Knowledge of the procedures of firefighting, hazards, and related safety precautions

•Knowledge of fire codes and the contents of general orders, bulletins, and training materials

•Knowledge of emergency medical treatment techniques

•Knowledge of City geography and street locations

•Knowledge of sprinkler systems in buildings and hydrant locations

•Knowledge of effective interpersonal communications techniques to communicate with other staff, officials, and the general public

•Skill in the use of firefighting tools and equipment such as a pry bar, axe, hoses, nozzles, air packs, fans, shovels, rakes, sledge hammers, jaws-of-life, defibrillator, and other equipment

•Ability to conduct fire prevention and fire safety training to all age groups including school age children through senior citizens

•Ability to perform difficult physical procedures for prolonged periods wearing protective clothing and in adverse weather conditions; ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights; ability to carry or drag or assist in carrying or dragging persons and equipment up and down ladders and stairs or across flat surfaces; ability to chop holes or pry openings in doors, walls, ceilings, roofs, and other surfaces to effect ventilation; ability to screw in hoses connections and gate valves to fire hydrants; ability to apply hose clamps onto charged and uncharged hose lines; ability to hold charged hose lines and direct them at fire sources; ability to locate and estimate distances between objects and persons inside or near burning structures

•Ability to demonstrate self-confidence, self-reliance, and to take action when required by the situation; ability to confront potentially dangerous situations, remain calm, apply common sense, make logical decisions, and work effectively in stressful situations

•Ability to learn and apply the training needed to extinguish fires, rescue trapped persons, dispose of hazardous materials, and operate firefighting equipment

•Ability to establish effective working relationships with members of the squad, company, station house, and the general public; ability to co-exist and work cooperatively with a group of individuals for twenty-four hours at a time without regard for such characteristics as gender, race, or cultural background

•Ability to understand written and oral instructions

Physical Requirements

This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Employee must have the visual acuity to be the operator of a truck and other equipment and be able to distinguish colors and see peripherally in both eyes, inspect small defects or parts, operate or inspect equipment, use measurement devices, and to determine the accuracy of work assigned. Employee must have the stamina to work for extended periods, in varied weather conditions, and in emergency situations.

 Working Conditions

Employee is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions including extreme heat and extreme cold. Employee is subject to noise, vibration, and hazards including a variety of physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working in high places, exposure to high heat, and exposure to chemicals. Employee is subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin including oils and greases and is also required to wear a respirator or self-contained breathing devices in certain instances. Employee frequently works in close quarters and areas which could cause claustrophobia. Employee may be exposed to blood or blood-borne pathogens when providing emergency medical services. At times the work is performed in conditions of extreme temperatures and danger for prolonged periods of time during which time one’s vision may be partially or totally obscured. Work is performed under emergency conditions and involves personal hazard.

Education

Graduation from high school or GED supplemented by completion of courses and seminars in fire service

Experience

One (1) – three (3) years of public safety work is desired.

Special Requirements

•Valid driver’s license

•NC certification as a Firefighter Level II

•Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic)

•NC certification at Hazmat Operations Level

•NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 within 12 months of employment