Firefighter/Paramedic

This is general duty fire prevention, fire protection, and firefighting work in combating, extinguishing and preventing fires, doing rescue work and providing emergency medical care in cases of emergency. Assist in the maintenance of equipment, stations, and apparatus. In addition to the general duties of Firefighter, as Paramedic, this position also provides patient care and treatment in medical emergencies under the direct or indirect supervision of a sponsor hospital physician, and in the event of life-threatening emergencies, on own initiative to the extent authorized by the Sponsor Hospital and Advanced Life Support protocols. When not involved in providing emergency care, the Firefighter/Paramedic works under the general supervision of a company officer.

As Firefighter: Responds to alarms and assists in the suppression of fires, including rescue, advancing lines, entry, ventilating and salvage work, extrication and emergency medical care of victims. Utilizes firefighting and rescue equipment as directed to combat fire or to control the emergency including, but not limited to, connecting hose to hydrants, laying hose, erecting ladders, going into buildings with hose, ladders, or additional firefighting or rescue equipment as the situation demands. Searches burning buildings to locate fire victims. Performs emergency medical care as an Emergency Medical Technician according to National Scope of Practice at the Basic Life Support level. This may include operation of EMS vehicles, treatment and/or transport and documentation. Performs cleanup, salvage and overhaul work in order to save and protect property from unnecessary damage. Performs fire prevention and inspections of business establishments and prepares pre-fire plans. Performs general maintenance work at the fire station to include cleaning rooms, lavatories, and the physical plant and taking care of grounds surrounding the station and performing minor repairs of equipment, property and facilities. Inspects and cleans all firefighting equipment and rescue equipment assuring readiness for immediate use. Reports need for repair or replacement of firefighting and rescue equipment to superior. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment, such as, but not limited to, fire resistant clothing and breathing apparatus. Moves toward the source of a fire using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties. Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to rescue individuals from burning structures. Takes action to contain hazardous chemicals that might catch fire, leak, or spill. Assesses fires and situations and reports conditions to superiors to receive instructions using two-way radios. Performs fire prevention/public education duties including fire station tours, demonstrations, and preplans. Attends and participates in training courses and in-service drills/training sessions as directed. Performs all incident related duties in conjunction with the Department's adopted incident command system. Assists in identifying solutions to improve fire department operations as directed. Keeps posted on road conditions, routes to fires and hydrant locations. Takes desk watch daily, relays calls and alarms that come in from central dispatch. Inspects hydrants, removes snow and maintains grounds near hydrants, but excludes the repair and flushing of hydrants. Performs other related duties as assigned.

As Paramedic (Firefighter job functions, plus): Administers primary pre-hospital emergency medical care to the sick and injured according to established medical protocols and appropriate as a Licensed Paramedic, as assigned. Performs triage and a variety of emergency medical treatment at the Basic and Advanced Life Support level. This may include operation of EMS vehicles, treatment and/or transport and documentation. Under medical direction and following prescribed standing orders performs a variety of invasive and non-invasive therapies including, but not limited to assessment and evaluation of the ill and injured, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation, administration of drugs, agents and solutions, intubation and pulmonary ventilation, drawing of blood samples for analysis, application of dressing and bandages, control of shock, and immobilization of fractures. Responsible for the possession, accountability and tracking of controlled substances. Responsible to the EMS Officer for matters relating to patient care and quality assurance. Handles radio or other communication with the Emergency Room Physician. Provides continuing care and treatment while on route to an emergency medical facility. Monitors and reports changes in patient condition. Employs safe lifting and moving techniques. Cleans and maintains equipment and replaces supplies. Successfully completes continuing education and professional development requirements to maintain medical control in good standing and professional licensure. May supervise other rescue personnel at medical emergencies pertaining to patient care. May act as a preceptor for new Paramedics. Prepares and maintains accurate and complete patient care reports (PCR), records, statistics and logs on daily activities. Performs other related duties as assigned.

The employee may be required to work rotating shifts, and is considered essential emergency personnel. Any personnel in this position are required to work during emergency situations and are subject to be recalled to work at any time. Remains on stand-by time for all fires and emergencies except on days off and vacation.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants must upload the following to their applications in order to proceed in the recruitment process: Certificate of Fire Academy completion, Active NREMT or CT paramedic license, Active CPAT certificate, Copy of motor vehicle drivers' license. APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY. The Application for Employment may be accessed from the Town of West Hartford website at www.westhartfordct.gov under "Jobs". Your resume and letter of interest may be linked to your application. All application materials must be received by the application deadline.

Requirements: Lateral transfer candidates

Salary: $70,746 - $95,394 per year (subject to increase upon contract ratification)

Application Deadline: Continuous