Firefighter Paramedic

Overview

Under the direction of a company officer (Lieutenant or Captain) the Firefighter Paramedic is tasked with providing advanced life support, emergency medical care, and firefighting services to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Supplemental duties include specialty team response, fire prevention, public education, community risk reduction, community resiliency, and disaster preparedness and response. The ideal candidate has the desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork.

Members hired as Emergency Medical Technicians will require certification to the paramedic level within two years after employment. Certification will be the responsibility of the employee. Ability to hire Emergency Medical Technicians from the eligibility list will be determined by staffing levels and operational need.

• Emergency Medical Expertise: Firefighter Paramedics possess advanced knowledge and skills in pre-hospital emergency medical care, including the ability to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of medical conditions.
• Fire Suppression Abilities: In addition to medical responsibilities, individuals in this role are trained in fire suppression techniques, hazardous materials response, and other firefighting duties to address diverse emergency scenarios.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Firefighter Paramedics work collaboratively within a team environment, interacting with other emergency responders and agencies to provide comprehensive emergency services.
• Environmental Considerations: Firefighter Paramedics operate in diverse and challenging environments, including extreme temperatures, which may range from freezing cold to intense heat. They must adapt to varying weather conditions and be prepared to work in situations that may expose them to extreme temperatures.
• Heavy Demands of Physical Labor: The role requires a high level of physical fitness and stamina to perform strenuous tasks such as lifting heavy equipment (over 50 lbs. frequently), carrying/moving patients over 100 lbs., frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, and navigating through challenging terrain while wearing protective gear. The position also includes long periods of walking or standing, exposure to increased noise levels, traffic hazards and potential violent behavior.
• Working in Confined Areas: Firefighter Paramedics are trained to operate in confined spaces, such as buildings, tunnels, or collapsed structures, to rescue individuals and provide emergency medical care.
• Working from Extreme Heights: Responders may be required to work at significant heights, necessitating the use of specialized equipment and techniques to perform rescues or address emergencies in elevated locations.
• Working in Firefighting Equipment: The role involves the frequent use of firefighting gear, including protective clothing, helmets, and gloves, to ensure personal safety while performing firefighting and rescue activities.
• SCBA Use: Firefighter Paramedics routinely wear SCBAs to navigate smoke-filled environments, providing the ability to breathe in conditions where oxygen may be limited. Employees must qualify each year for appropriate clearance of SCBA/ respirator use.
• Working in Limited Visibility: Responders often encounter situations with poor visibility due to smoke or darkness. The ability to perform duties effectively in such conditions is crucial for ensuring the safety of themselves and others.
• Working in Specialty Areas: Firefighter Paramedics may be called upon to handle hazardous materials incidents, requiring specialized training and equipment. Additionally, knowledge of technical rescue operations and equipment is essential.
• Unknown Emergency Situations: The nature of emergencies can be unpredictable, requiring adaptability and the ability to make quick, informed decisions in high-pressure situations.

These distinguishing features underscore the versatile and demanding nature of the Firefighter Paramedic role, highlighting the need for individuals in this class to be well-prepared for a wide range of challenges associated with emergency response.

• Emergency Medical Response: Respond to emergency medical calls, assess the condition of patients, administer appropriate medical interventions, and transport individuals to medical facilities. Provide community service coverage as needed.
• Fire Suppression: Engage in fire suppression activities, including deploying hoses, operating firefighting equipment, rescuing people, understanding the characteristics of fire, fire behavior, ventilation, and flow paths, and executing fire ground tactics to extinguish fires and mitigate hazards.
• Rescue Operations: Perform technical rescues, such as extricating individuals from vehicles, confined spaces, high-angle rescue situations, and water rescue incidents.
• Training and
  
  Education:
  
  Participate in ongoing training programs to enhance and maintain…