Firefighter Paramedic

The Firefighter/Paramedic is responsible to perform Basic and Advanced life-saving measures for the preservation of life of all employees and visitors at the Kennedy Space Center. Additionally, the Firefighter/Paramedic will perform fire suppression and rescue activities. Physical fitness to perform these duties is essential and the Firefighter/Paramedic must always remain in full duty status to perform these functions. The Firefighter/Paramedic must be able to wear protective ensembles to include structural bunker gear, total encapsulating HazMat suits, self-contained breathing apparatus, Class 3 harness, and any other ensemble deemed required for the functions of the duty. Although this position reports to the Battalion Chief, its operating function related to emergency medical services falls under the direction of the Assistant Chief of Safety and EMS and his/her designee with the State of Florida Paramedic certification. This position operates under the authority of the KSC Medical Services Officer during EMS activities.

• Required to follow all company, personnel, and safety policies while performing all assigned duties in a safe work manner.
• Will arrive at work on time and be in proper uniform with issued equipment. Will be responsible for the cleanliness of uniform and equipment assigned.
• Attends training courses, reads, and understands assigned material related to emergency medical care, firefighting and fire prevention.
• Administers a variety of Advanced Life Support medical treatment in accordance with standing medical protocols. Administers emergency care while transporting patients in ambulance to medical facilities.
• Maintains ambulances in efficient operating condition. Cleans the ambulance after each emergency call. Conducts inventory and inspection of medical supplies and coordinates with Assistant Chief of EMS for restock of medical supplies and equipment.
• Safeguards all controlled substances and security keys and reports any discrepancies.
• Participates in medevac requirements as needed.
• Prepares all records and reports pertaining to the EMS function. Completes required forms and reports documenting patient care and other matters as required.
• Aids the medical facility staff when required.
• Responds to fire alarms, operates auxiliary equipment, deploys hose lines, operates nozzles, directs water streams, raises ladders, climbs ladders, uses fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, ropes, and other equipment.
• Operates emergency vehicles.
• Reports vehicle/equipment discrepancies immediately.
• Will communicate via radio, telephone and orally according to orders.
• Responds to vehicle accident scenes and performs extrication techniques using specialized heavy hydraulic equipment during emergency situations.
• Possesses knowledge of size-up, rescue procedures and fire suppression techniques and their application in buildings, facilities, and aircraft related materials and systems.
• Performs rescue of incapacitated personnel as required.
• Provides standby support for aircraft arrivals/departures and related activities as required.
• Complies with department policies, rules, and regulations.
• Provides hazardous operational standbys as required.
• Maintains fire station, fire apparatus, tools, and appliances in a constant state of readiness.
• Possesses considerable knowledge of all fire apparatus, equipment, and their operation.
• Performs general up-keep of fire department property; prepares and submits reports and forms regarding supplies, equipment and other matters pertaining to his/her unit.
• Washes hoses; washes, cleans, and disinfects equipment, apparatus, and facility.
• Inspects PPE daily to ensure its serviceability.
• Participates in training exercises/scenarios.
• Reviews and complies with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Relays orders, instructions, and information accurately.
• Conducts fire hydrant flow tests and records information for department use.
• Assures vehicles and equipment are clean and serviceable.
• Performs basic fire prevention duties as required.
• Personnel assigned to this classification are subject to perform at the Technical Rescue and HazMat Operational level and may be required to obtain Technician level certification in these areas if required to participate on any specialty function.
• Receive training and support the Pad Rescue function as directed.
• Participates in certification training classes when offered and pass such classes per the certification criteria.
• Other duties as assigned

• Required Certifications:
  • DoD (IFSAC) or Pro Board Firefighter II or Florida State Firefighter Minimum Standards
  • Florida State Paramedic
  • Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Certificate
  • NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800
  • Within 1-year of hire:
    • DoD (IFSAC) or Pro Board or Florida State Airport Firefighter
    • Technical Rescue Awareness
    • Hazardous Materials Operations
• Must possess and maintain American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) certifications.
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED. Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class E Florida state driver’s license.
• Must meet all standards as required by Performance Work Statement.
• Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Honorably discharged from the Armed Services (If Applicable)
• Successfully completed all training and obtained all required licenses, certifications and security/medical clearances for the site.
• Have no record or history of illegal drug use, sale, possession, or manufacture.
• Have no felony convictions and no convictions that reflect on the individual’s reliability.
• Must be able to meet and maintain NASA Physical Certifications.
• Must be able to successfully pass all required Psychological examinations.
• Must be able to meet drug testing and alcohol-free workforce requirements to include random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Must speak, read, write, and understand the English language, apply written rules, detailed orders, instructions and training material.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in operating a personal computer and standard office equipment.
• Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, (MSWord, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), and Outlook.

Physical Demands: (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee may use repeated motions that include the arms, wrists, hands and/or fingers. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 170 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment Combat Task Test (CTT) and annually thereafter as prescribed by the government. The CTT must be completed wearing full NFPA approved protective clothing to include full structural firefighting bunker gear (coat, pants, boots, gloves, hood and helmet). A KSC supplied self-contained breathing apparatus with composite bottle shall be worn and personnel shall wear the face mask, maintain adequate respiratory seal and breathe bottled air while performing all elements of the test.
  • The CTT must be completed within 7 minutes.
    • Ascend and descend 75 feet of stairway while carrying a 14-pound simulated high rise pack.
    • Hoist a 50’ roll of 1-3/4” hose with nozzle, using a 1/2” to 5/8” rope, to a height of 50 feet.
    • Simulate forcible entry by hitting 150 lb. beam with 9 lb. sledgehammer to move the beam a distance of 5 ft. (Keiser Force Machine). Firefighters must keep both hands below a tape-marked line on the sledgehammer which is 1 foot down from the head of the sledgehammer, and only contact the beam with the head of the sledgehammer.
    • Lift, drag or carry a 170 lb. mannequin a distance of 85 ft.

Work Environment: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.)

• The employee will normally work in a temperature-controlled office environment, with frequent exposure to electronic office equipment.
• The employee will be required to adjust to a controlled environment during normal daily activities to the extremely hot and possibly cold environments associated with firefighting duties at a moment’s notice.
• During visits to areas of operations, may be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather conditions. Is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and loud noise.