Firefighter/Paramedic (Continuous)

Under supervision, performs fire suppression duties and provides emergency medical treatment on assigned shift. Performs duties in accordance with all established policies, procedures and medical protocol.

• Performs fire suppression duties including operating related fire equipment, laying hose and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks in an effort to protect the lives and property of those in need of assistance.
• Responds to emergency medical calls, providing basic life support treatment to patients.  Obtains patient medical history if possible; assesses physical condition of patients and assists in making decisions regarding proper courses of action. 
• Performs such duties as CPR, splint application, wound treatment, control of bleeding, monitoring and relaying of vital signs, oxygen administration and sterile suctioning.  Performs extrication of victims from wreckage as necessary.  
• Maintains radio communications with dispatch center, hospital personnel and other public safety agencies to receive and to transmit instructions involving patient care.  Provides instructions to first responders and bystanders in the use of first aid equipment.  Determines the need for back-up assistance.
• Completes required records and forms documenting patient treatment.  
• Mitigates hazardous materials incidents within parameters of training capabilities.  
• Performs daily supply and equipment inventory; restocks equipment, tools, supplies, etc., in preparation for subsequent emergency responses and shifts.  
• Cleans and decontaminates equipment after use.
• Participates in employee training programs.
• Presents fire prevention programs to various public groups as requested; participates in general public education and public relations efforts.
• Receives and refers public inquiries and complaints regarding activities of the department to supervisors.
• Keeps abreast of new technology, methods and regulations for fire prevention and suppression operations and emergency medical operations; attends meetings, conferences and continuing education classes as required and/or appropriate.  
• Remains on duty 24 hours per assigned shift for emergencies.
• Prepares fire and rescue reports, and various records, logs and checklists.
• Performs pre-fire inspections; conducts hydrant tests.
• Performs various housekeeping and grounds keeping duties as necessary.
• Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles.
• Operates an assortment of equipment and hand tools used in fire / rescue service, which may include fire suppression equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, two-way radio, fire extinguishers, life-saving / life supporting equipment, extrication equipment, generators, air monitoring equipment, flood lights, etc. Uses certain chemicals used in fighting fires, diagnostic instruments, medical supplies and instruments, special protective clothing, cleaning supplies, hand and power tools, etc.
• Operates a telephone, copier, fax machine, etc.; operates a lawn mower, weed eater, etc., in grounds maintenance work.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, other department supervisors, co-workers, other County personnel, other government agencies, municipal personnel, volunteers, fire / EMS personnel of other jurisdictions, civic and community organizations, school personnel, students, business/property owners, sales representatives, medical/hospital personnel, accident/incident bystanders, patients, and the general public.
• Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.
• Performs general office work, including but not limited to preparing reports and records, completing forms, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, etc.
• May drive emergency vehicles to and from emergency scenes; operates pumps and other fire apparatus as needed in emergency operations.
• May provide transportation to appropriate medical facilities.
• Performs related duties as required.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS – PARAMEDIC: 

• Responds to emergency medical calls, providing intermediate and advanced life support treatment to patients. Assesses the condition of patients and makes decisions regarding proper courses of action. Performs such duties as cardiac monitoring, medication calculation and administration, immobilization of body, would treatment, control of bleeding, monitoring and relaying of vital signs, oxygen and IV therapy administration, sterile suctioning, intubation, defibrillation, ECG monitoring and the management of cardiac arrest and severe trauma patients. 
• May assist in supervising the duties of EMT personnel.

(These essential functions are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other related job duties as may be assigned or required.)

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by training in fire and EMS service programs.  Must possess and maintain required state of Florida Firefighter II, EMT and Basic Life Support certifications.  Must possess appropriate, valid state class E driver's license and EVOC certification.

ADDITIONAL MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE – PARAMEDIC: 

Must possess and maintain state of Florida Paramedic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications.

• Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Fire and Rescue Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of a Firefighter.  Understands the role of the position in relation to entire County operations.  
• Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of County and other governmental agencies.  
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.   
• Knowledge in the areas of fire science, emergency medical response and treatment, medical reporting, hydraulics, fire codes and ordinances, etc.  
• Ability to help determine and ensure safety on emergency scenes.  
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in critical situations such as response to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and other natural and man-made emergency/disaster situations.  
• Ability to make sound, educated decisions that affect the life and health of self and others in stressful, critical situations.    
• Ability to drive and operate emergency vehicles with safety. 
• Ability to physically fight fires and provide rescue and medical assistance at emergency scenes.  
• Knowledge of how to utilize various pieces of firefighting equipment and tools in a safe and efficient manner. 
• Knowledge of first aid and basic life support methods and theories.  
• Skilled in administering first aid and CPR as needed, as well as other emergency medical treatments and assistance.  
• Knowledge of and skill in all techniques used by EMTs. 
• Knowledge of protocols and the appropriate use of same.   
• Knowledge of medical terminology as it is related to pre-hospital treatment and medicine, and is able to interpret and use legal terminology as required. 
• Ability to recognize signs and symptoms of various illnesses and injuries.  
• Ability to offer assistance and training to co-workers.   
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.   
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.  
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.  
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. 
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.  
• Knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department.  
• Ability to communicate in a persuasive, firm and tactful manner with various agencies, members of the public, and City departments.   
• Ability to make public presentations.   
• Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.   
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology. 

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES – PARAMEDIC: 

• Knowledge of first aid and advanced cardiac life support methods and theories.  
• Knowledge of and skill in techniques used by paramedics. 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Non-emergency tasks involve the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and the lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight up to 20 pounds.  
• Emergency tasks involve the ability to exert extremely heavy physical effort in very heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of very heavy objects and materials.  Worker must be able to remain on feet for extended periods of time, withstand uncomfortable and/or dangerous physical conditions at fire scenes, and perform manual tasks; must be able to lift, position and/or carry weights in excess of 100 pounds.  
• Ability to perform according to standards despite working long hours and intense, exhausting schedules.   

 (Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Works inside and outside, with the ability to perform duties under adverse environmental conditions such as no/low vision due to smoke, hazardous atmospheres which require the use of breathing apparatus, working in confined spaces or at high altitudes, extreme heat from fire, and hot/cold outdoor temperatures, odors, fumes/toxic agents, wetness, noise, humidity and disease.
• Knowledge of applicable occupational hazards and safety precautions.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will continue to be received until the listed closing date or the position is filled, whichever is earliest. Submission of an application does not guarantee the applicant an interview. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check.

Nassau County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.  Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.

The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This position may be required to work in a safety sensitive capacity at any time based on emergency declaration or other operational need. Nassau County reserves the right to edit or re-write this job description at any time.

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Nassau County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.  Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.