Firefighter Paramedic

Major Function and Purpose

The paramedic/firefighter provides initial medical care to any injured or ill person at an emergency response scene, attempting to stabilize the patient's medical condition until more extensive treatment can be provided. In addition to normal duties, the paramedic/firefighter also provides supervision to other District personnel performing first aid and instructs EMT's, reserves and volunteers on emergency medical care techniques.

General Function

Receiving direct supervision from the lieutenant, the paramedic/firefighter responds to fires and emergency calls for medical assistance, providing first aid and life support treatment to patients at the scene and transporting seriously injured or ill patients to a hospital if further medical care is needed.

Supervision Responsibilities

The paramedic/firefighter oversees the activities of EMT's as well as reserve and volunteer firefighters providing emergency medical care.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description in no way imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by a supervisor. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Responding to emergency medical calls, locating the patients and identifying the nature of any illness or injury, providing appropriate medical treatment at the scene, transporting patients to a medical facility for further treatment if necessary

• Responding to fire calls, extinguishing or controlling the fire, following procedures to ensure the fire does not restart, controlling or restricting public access to hazardous areas, assisting in removal of patients from fire scene

Responding with proper apparatus and equipment to emergency requests for assistance, including fire emergency calls, search, rescue, or ventilation, and emergency medical situations to provide assistance to sick or injured patients

• Use of any or all department equipment as appropriate, assigned, or otherwise required to extinguish fires in structures, grass, wooded terrain, automobiles, etc., including connection and use of fire hoses, aerial ladders, bars, hooks, safety belts, chainsaws, winches, air chisels, basic life support equipment, and other equipment as assigned

• Supervising the activities of EMT's and volunteers at the scene of an emergency to ensure that proper medical and first aid procedures are followed

• Driving fire, aid or rescue vehicles, as qualified and as appropriate to the scene of a fire, accident or EMS

• Maintaining and cleaning station facilities and apparatus, inspecting apparatus daily and reporting problems or defective equipment to the mechanical staff, performing light grounds keeping duties as needed

• Monitoring the medical supply inventory for the station and apparatus, ordering and maintaining an adequate reserve of supplies at all times

• Lecturing to district personnel on county approved medical procedures and techniques, providing continuing education to EMT's and paramedic students

• Attending continuing education programs in order to remain current on emergency medical procedures and techniques, maintaining a valid paramedic's certification

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities, to perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

The Paramedic/Firefighter must have the capacity to work effectively under pressure and is required make important decisions quickly. He/she must have an excellent sense of judgment, good leadership abilities and communication skills, and must be able to function well both individually and as a member of a team. This employee is required to have an adequate level of skill in the use of a variety of medical equipment. The Paramedic/Firefighter should also be proficient in the following:

• Familiarity with the geographic area of the District and the surrounding county

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner

• Ability to memorize and recall details (i.e., names, faces, incidents, identification of objects)

• Ability to drive and operate firefighting and emergency medical vehicles and equipment under adverse conditions.

Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for each citizen's rights

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and volunteers

• Ability to maintain composure and self-control under adverse and stressful conditions (i.e., public harassment, ridicule, critical injuries, death)

Working Conditions

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. The employee has extensive contact with the public, and is routinely exposed to blood and/or communicable disease. The employee is routinely exposed to hazards such as fire, extreme heat and smoke. In addition, the employee is required to work in and around unstable structures and may encounter live electrical lines, toxic gases or fumes, and chemical vapors. The employee may also have exposure to blood and/or communicable disease. In the normal course of duties it is often necessary to enter hazardous areas (i.e., fire or automobile accident scenes) which may

require the employee to wear protective clothing or equipment.

Contacts and Relationships

In addition to daily public contact, the paramedic/firefighter has frequent contact with personnel at area hospitals.

Physical Requirements

The employee will routinely encounter emergency situations that may require rapid evacuation of an area in order to avoid personal injury or to provide medical assistance, and therefore must have the physical ability to walk and run. He/she must have the dexterity to manipulate medical supplies and equipment, and must be able to lift in excess of 100 pounds. The employee must have the ability to conduct coherent voice communication in person as well as via portable radio and telephone. In addition, the employee will be required to climb ladders and stairs and work in confined areas.

Ability to successfully complete the District's written entrance examination and agility test

• Pass a physical examination

• Possess a valid EMT certification

• Submit to a background check

• Minimum age of 20 years

• High school diploma (or GED).

• Current ACLS certification.

• Valid Washington State Driver's License.

Experience and Training

• 1 year experience as an EMT, or other background in emergency medical response;

• Successful completion of a paramedic's certification program;

• Any combination of experience and training that provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities.