Fire Medic

JOB SUMMARY

The Firefighter/Paramedic responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, medical emergencies and other calls to protect life and property. Operates and maintains a variety of fire and rescue apparatus and equipment. Participates in fire prevention, training, station and equipment maintenance activities. Responsible for safely driving and operating assigned apparatus to and from emergency scenes and leads medical crew in the treatment and transport of patients.

The Victoria Fire Department has a 48/96 shift schedule.

Additional Incentives:

• Paramedic II Certification - $4,000/annually once training is completed as established by department
• Firefighter Intermediate Certification – $600/annually
• Firefighter Advanced Certification – $1,200/annually
• Firefighter Master Certification – $1,800/annually

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate heavy motor equipment at maximum operating efficiency consistent with needs, safety, and mechanical limitations of the equipment.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Work at heights greater than ten feet.
• Operate power driven machinery such as lawn mowers and hydraulic extrication equipment.
• Move objects 20-50 pounds short distances (20 feet or more).
• Communicate orally with customers in face-to-face one-on-one settings.
• Tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing job duties.
• Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• Make critical decisions during emergency situations.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to perform emergency medical services, or perform duties on the fire ground.
• Perform duties requiring frequent pulling of 40 pounds or more, such as removing hose from apparatus, pulling ceilings, starting power equipment, and opening doors on the apparatus.
• Understand apparatus limitations as related to apparatus response and fire suppression activities.
• Identify critical incident scene safety factors and address them appropriately.
• Understand and operate Incident Management System.
• Use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
• Observe or monitor people's behavior to assess patient condition.
• Able to function and exercise judgment in stabilizing the victim when out of contact with the physician. Formal protocols (standing orders) may be established by medical command and must be followed by the EMT-P in these situations.
• Administer intravenous fluids and drugs, including narcotics. Perform airway management, including intubation and suctioning. Direct the proper transport of the victim.
• Maintain proper records of EMS activities.
• As required, perform the duties and responsibilities of Engineer and/or Fire Lieutenant.
• Perform additional primary duties and essential functions that may be identified by the Fire Chief or designee.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear; taste or smell. Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 150 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, co-peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee regularly works in outside weather. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places; occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. Possibility of severe injury or loss of life when at emergency scenes. Noise level is usually moderate.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS