Firefighter/EMT

JOB

Summary

Responsible for performing general firefighting and providing EMT-basic/advanced level care to patients at the accident or illness scenes, and general emergency response duties to a wide variety of incidents. Work involves preparing all apparatus and equipment for responding to fire calls, fighting fires, fire salvage and equipment and vehicle maintenance. Work is often performed under stressful emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazards. Independence and judgment are required of the employees during emergency operations. Work is reviewed by the incident commander as well as other higher-ranking officers through observation and discussions concerning the quality and effectiveness of fire, rescue and EMS efforts and through evaluation of the completion of training activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the needs of the organization.

• Provides responses to fires and emergency calls; administers life support techniques and procedures based on patient assessment, including all skills at the EMT basic/advanced level.
• Responds to alarms and assists in the suppression of fire including rescue, entry, ventilation and salvage work.
• Operates fire and emergency medical equipment, as certified.
• Participates in post-incident operations of cleaning and salvage.
• Completes necessary records and reports for fire calls and emergency calls including information for billing documentation and legal accountability.
• Reports facility maintenance, radio, vehicle and equipment problems to appropriate level of authority.
• Performs routine maintenance and servicing of equipment including washing and waxing apparatus, checking batteries, checking fuel and oil levels, cleaning and drying hoses, inspecting hose and hose connections for damage and wear; Checks fire and EMS apparatus for proper stocking of equipment and supplies.
• Conducts in-service fire prevention inspections as certified.
• Assists with fire inspections and fire hazard surveys.
• Participates in public education and public relations functions as required.
• May drive/operate apparatus as qualified.
• Attends in-service classes to maintain current knowledge of fire suppression and emergency medical technology.
• Cleans furniture, fixtures, and station interior; Conducts tours of the station and explains apparatus, equipment and procedures to the public.
• Participates in physical fitness training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required

**If you have an NC EMT & completed local TSOP but don't have Firefighter I & II, you're required to:

• Complete and obtain Firefighter I & II within 12 months of employment.

**If you are a Certified Firefighter I & II and don't have NC EMT, you're required to:

• Complete and obtain EMT and local TSOP certification within 12 months of employment.

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina class B driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and skill in the operation of firefighting equipment.
• Knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the geography of the City and outside response area.
• Considerable knowledge of and skill in administering EMT basic/advanced level emergency medical procedures and techniques, maintenance and repair of fire and EMS equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Skill in recognizing signs and symptoms of medical emergencies to determine needed treatment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Working knowledge of driver safety.
• Ability to learn the operation of fire suppression and other emergency equipment; Ability to apply standard firefighting, emergency aid, hazardous materials and fire prevention techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally and follow instructions.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the general public.

Physical Requirements

The employee must occasionally lift/carry up to 75 pounds and pulling force of 141 pounds occasionally. Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling and perform repetitive motions. Must possess the visual acuity to operate apparatus and other equipment. Must be able to be fit-tested for a self-contained breathing apparatus facepiece, and be able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus under adverse conditions. 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.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during the day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. The individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in high or precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. It is reasonably anticipated that the individual will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens and other infectious materials in the course of duties. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMT activities when noise levels may be loud. Ability to perform strenuous activities during emergency, training or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold or smoke.