Firefighter/EMT-B

DEFINITION: Under supervision to respond to emergencies; to administer Basic Life Support to and transport sick or injured persons to medical facilities; and to participate in fire prevention and firefighting activities in protecting life and property.

Responds to instructions from emergency dispatcher and drives specially equipped emergency vehicle to specified location; monitors communication equipment to maintain contact with dispatcher; removes or assists in removal of victims from scene of accident or injury; establishes basic life support procedures to be followed or need for additional assistance, basing decisions on statements of persons involved, examination of victim or victims, and knowledge of emergency medical practice; administers prescribed basic life support treatment at site of emergency, or in specially equipped vehicle, performing such activities as allowed by EMT B certification; communicates with professional medical personnel at emergency treatment facility; assists treatment center admitting personnel to obtain and record information related to victims' vital statistics and circumstances of emergency; may assist professional medical personnel in emergency treatment administered at medical facility; maintains vehicles and medical and communication equipment and replenishes first-aid equipment and supplies.

Responds to all fire alarms while on duty and individually when off duty; operates fire apparatus, ambulances and related fire equipment; locates apparatus in the proper place at the fire for efficient operations; lays hose lines and operates engine pumping equipment as required; enters burning buildings with lines; operates nozzles to direct stream of water on fire; raises, lowers, and climbs ladders; operates resuscitator and administers first-aid; evaluates emergency situations; performs a variety of routine station maintenance and repair tasks; studies and reviews Fire Department rules and regulations, fire hazards, and firefighting techniques, participates in fire drills, fire training sessions, and exercises; may perform minor mechanical repairs on firefighting apparatus or equipment; assists in fire prevention activities; assists in maintaining grounds around station; performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

Standard firefighting operations, procedures, equipment and safety precautions;

Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations;

Emergency medical equipment and supplies;

Emergency communication equipment;

Geography of local area;

Emergency medical treatment.

Ability to:

Understand and act in accordance with department policies and rules, CCEMSA protocols and procedures;

Learn technical firefighting principles and techniques and principles of hydraulics applied to fire suppression;

Learn the location of hydrants and water mains, and major fire hazards;

Learn to drive fire apparatus and ambulance with care and safety in accordance with traffic laws and ordinances;

Learn and maintain proficiency in basic first aid practices and techniques;

Keep records and prepare reports;

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;

Speak on radio and follow emergency instructions;

Analyze circumstances to determine scope of emergency situation;

Think and act quickly in emergencies;

Communicate effectively in written and oral form;

Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices;

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.

Education/Experience/Training: Any combination of education, experience, and training which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A common way to obtain this knowledge and these abilities would be: Equivalent to graduation from high school and completion of courses for certification in emergency medical treatment. One year of general work experience, and/or one year of full-time firefighting experience is preferred.

Licenses/Certificates: Possession of a valid California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I or accredited Fire Academy graduation, a valid and current Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card; possession of a valid EMT B certificate issued by the State of California or the National Registry; and ability to obtain CCEMSA accreditation within one (1) month of employment; possession of a valid California Driver license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles. A California Firefighter Endorsement driver license must be obtained within 24 months of employment.

Must be a non-user of tobacco and shall be required to sign a statement affirming that, as a condition of continued employment, employee shall refrain from using tobacco.

Frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms; required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and smell; frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or carry up to 250 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must have stamina to perform strenuous labor for long periods of time and work under stressful and emergency situations.

Work is performed primarily in Fire Station, vehicle and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. 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. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level is usually quiet in office settings, and loud at an emergency scene.