Firefighter / Paramedic

Role and Responsibilities:

Responsible technical and professional uniformed position in performing EMT and Advanced Life Support procedures in pre-hospital setting in accordance with all State and County rules and regulations. Works under the direction of shift Lieutenant and Fire Chief. Involves emergency medical and firefighting work in the treatment of the injured or sick, combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, operating Department apparatus and equipment. Work must be performed in a proficient manner in accordance with explicit adherence to established practices within County medical protocol and well-defined administrative procedures; however, the incumbent must exercise considerable technical judgment and initiative in meeting a wide variety of emergencies.

• Provides firefighting, rescue, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) services, prompt Advance Life Support at emergency scenes for the purpose of mitigating emergencies, managing, and stabilizing the critically ill and injured and perform Basic Life Support procedures when required.
• Performs Advanced Life Support such as defibrillate a pulseless, non-breathing patient; administers parenteral injections and intravenous fluids as prescribed and in compliance with Medical Operations Manual (MOMS)
• Use of advanced medical techniques under the supervision of the Medical Director, Medical Communications Officer, Medical Officer of the Day or the medical physician on duty via radio and telecommunication equipment/system(s) and written medical protocol.
• Sets up, operates, and monitors complex electronic medical equipment such as a twelve lead ECG strip recorder, defibrillator, and two- way radio transmitter and receiver.
• Participates in the exchange of information between off-going and on-coming shifts.
• Responsible for checking all EMS equipment, drug inventory and maintenance of drug records per State, Federal and Local directives.
• Responsible for checking all personal gear to ensure safe and effective operation of same.
• Participates, as a part of the station team, in maintaining firefighting equipment, vehicles, fire station, associated facilities and other tools and/or restock/resupplying as necessary.
• Responsible for the preparation and completion of records and reports related to emergency medical care given and vehicle operation during assigned operational period.
• Responds to alarms of fire or other emergency; lays, connects, and uses hoses and nozzles to direct fog or water stream, raises and climbs ladders; uses fire extinguishers, hooks, lines, pike poles, axes, halligan bar, drills, saws, extrication tools and appliances, heart monitors, defibrillators, intubation equipment, and other firefighting equipment.
• Actively participates in Public Education activities at the fire station and at off-site locations.
• Actively participates in all scheduled and assigned training classes including firefighting, C.M.E., emergency first aid, and other related subjects, both at the station and at remote facilities as scheduled.
• Operates engines, aerial and marine units, as assigned, and uses all equipment, tools and supplies in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintains familiarity with grid maps and related road networks within city limits of Madeira Beach as well as within those areas with mutual aid response agreements
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of and adheres to all Department SOPs, City's Personnel Policies and Procedures and Collective Bargaining.
• Strives to maximize effective communications between assigned personnel, upper management, County personnel, other employees throughout the City, and the general public as necessitated by the position.
• Participates in Departments Physical Fitness Program as approved by the Fire Chief and Fitness Coordinator.
• Perform other job-related duties that are consistent with the assigned responsibilities.

Qualifications, Education and training Requirements:

• Graduate from accredited high school or possession of acceptable GED.
• Possession and maintenance of State of Florida Firefighter Standards Compliance Certificate.
• Possession and maintenance of a current State of Florida Paramedic certification.
• Pinellas County Paramedic preferred; employment is conditional on the qualification for provisional Pinellas County Paramedic approval through the Office of Medical Director of Pinellas County.
• Must have considerable knowledge of paramedic skills and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of pre-hospital patient care for Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support methods and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of State and Federal laws relating to Paramedic functions and control of drugs, narcotics, intravenous solutions and related emergency medical equipment.
• Extensive knowledge of appropriate procedures and methods used in providing safety and comfort in the handling and treatment of patients.
• Possession and maintenance of current ACLS, a PHTLS, and American Heart Association Basic Life Support Card at the time of hire.
• Considerable knowledge of fire suppression and prevention of methods, procedures and techniques.
• Valid Florida Class E Drivers License.
• Must be a non-smoking/non-tobacco using person, both on and off the job at the time of employment and maintain the same status throughout the term of employment.
• Shall pass any Department required written, oral, and skill examinations prior to hiring.

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to pass a physical examination by the City's contracted physician.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions quickly.
• Ability to effectively perform prolonged and strenuous work under adverse emergency conditions involving physical and mental stress.
• Ability to efficiently operate a wide variety of firefighting equipment.
• Ability to learn and efficiently operate a wide variety of firefighting equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and management as necessitated by work.
• Ability to think clearly and use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations which may occur.
• Ability to utilize marine related equipment.
• Ability to swim in open water.
• Ability to render life- saving duties or property protection while on a moving marine vessel.
• Must be able to wear all assigned bunker gear and perform related emergency scene duties in an effective and efficient manner.
• Job tasks require frequent lifting and carrying of heavy weights (four-five (45) pounds and over), climbing, good vision, good hearing, ability to distinguish odors, the ability to walk, run, drive vehicles, crawl, stoop, push, jump, grasp hoses, grasp and manipulate small objects, work on unsteady footing, and use other emergency and firefighting equipment as required.

Additional Notes:

• A considerable amount of time is spent working inside station facilities.
• Outside work is frequently performed in emergency conditions which may often involve extreme danger and exertion under stressful and hazardous conditions such as flames, smoke, hazardous materials, cramped conditions, around loud noises, oxygen deficient atmospheres, downed power lines, in and among moving vehicles, and in varying and inclement weather, among others.
• The Department has a dog that resides at Station 25 full time. All members of the Department assist in taking care of all aspects of dog ownership; including but not limited to feeding/watering, learning dog commands, waste pick up, exercise, and interaction with dog while in public.
• PADI diver certification required upon successful completion of probationary period.
• Applicants that meet the qualifications will be invited for testing of knowledge, skills, agility and swimming as part of the pre-hiring assessment process.

The statements noted above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be construed as a comprehensive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. These statements are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. All applications will become public record under Florida law.

NOTE: Reasonable accommodation considerable will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
Cover letters and resumes may be included but are not accepted in lieu of application form.
All applications will become public record under Florida law.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory background check and physical for all positions in addition to drug testing for safety sensitive positions.

AA/EOE/DFWP