Firefighter/EMT

The Firefighter/EMT responds to fire and medical emergencies for the purpose of saving lives and protecting property. The position also supports a wide range of department programs and events as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: The Firefighter/EMT is assigned a work schedule determined by the department and reports directly to a Captain or Acting Captain during their shift. The Captain/Acting Captain guides the daily work of the Firefighter/EMT, with the Fire Chief setting overall work priorities and conducting formal performance evaluations in consultation with the captain(s) and chief officer staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Firefighter/EMT performs a combination of emergency and non-emergency duties. The following represent the essential duties of this position. Additional duties may be performed as assigned and is not an all-inclusive list of duties.

• Responds to a wide variety of fire incidents such as brush fires, vehicle fires and structure fires. Examples of duties: driving apparatus, implementing initial scene operations, operating pumps, ventilating roofs, raising ladders, conducting rescues or extrications, conducting fire attacks, and assisting with salvage and overhaul.

• Responds to a wide variety of emergency medical incidents. Provides medical care to patients consistent with EMT training. Supports affiliated EMS agencies/units on emergency responses.

• Assists on incidents requiring special operations, consistent with the level of training and as determined by the department guidelines and procedures.

• Makes necessary adjustments or changes to operating equipment such as generators, foam units and similar equipment for performance as required for emergency operations.

• Performs daily truck checks. Check’s engine fluids daily and inspects pumping equipment, ignition, batteries, brakes, and other equipment to ensure that the apparatus is in good working condition. Reports defects, participates in the routine maintenance and basic mechanical repair of fire apparatus as directed.

• Assists with the coordination of emergency operations, e.g., requesting information over the radio, restricting access to hazardous areas, and being alert for unsafe conditions.

• Performs Fire Prevention related duties such as fire inspections, public fire safety presentations, fire extinguisher classes, smoke detector installations, pre-planning, and other department supported functions.

• Assist fire investigators with support functions in the process of a fire investigation.

• Operates a wide variety of firefighting tools to include but not limited to cutting torches, saws, power jacks, rescue tools, and hand tools.

• Inspects and maintains department apparatus, equipment, property, and facilities.

• Utilizes apparatus to pump water at fires with safe and effective pressures, ensuring that suction or intake hoses and fire attack hose lines in emergency operations are properly and safely utilized.

• Decontaminates apparatus, equipment, and clothing exposed to potential airborne bloodborne diseases.

• Writes clear and concise reports.

• Demonstrates positive behavior in support of department policies, as well as the department’s mission, values, goals, and objectives.

• Maintains a good level of physical and mental fitness, is physically and mentally mission ready.

• Attends and participates in formal training and instruction sessions in firefighting methods, first aid and other fire department training activities. This includes bi-monthly training sessions.

• Knowledge of the physical layout of the district, including fire hydrants and street locations. Ability to utilize maps, electronic equipment, and map books to arrive at emergency scenes quickly and safely.

Knowledge and Performance Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices, and procedures, including hydraulics, building construction, and fire protection systems.

• Knowledge of rescue and basic emergency medical principles, practices, and       techniques.

• Knowledge of the operating and maintenance requirements of the various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting activities.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, firefighters, other agency employees and the public.

• Ability to wear Firefighting Turnout gear, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and any other essential personal protective equipment.

• Ability to make entry into burning or hazardous structures/areas to engage in firefighting, lifesaving, property protection activities as required by applicable industry standards or codes.

• Ability to make proper entries into reporting software utilized by the department and can fluently utilize computers, typewriters, iPads, tablets, telephones, and cell phones, as directed.

• Ability to perform basic and routine mechanical work involved in maintaining fire apparatus, equipment, and tools.

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action.

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

• Ability to maintain and/or improve knowledge, skills, and abilities, unassisted.