Entry Level Firefighter

DEFINITION Under general direction, to respond to alarm and other emergency and non-emergency calls to protect life and property; to render first aid and lifesaving techniques; to drive, operate, and maintain fire equipment and apparatus; and to participate in fire prevention programs, inspections, station maintenance, and training activities.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED Exercises technical and functional supervision over trainees.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Respond to alarms and assist in the suppression of structural, residential, commercial, industrial, chemical, petroleum, vehicle, aircraft, and wildland fires; responds to emergency medical service incidents, renders medical care as appropriate; perform fire control activities and utilize strategies in the areas of entry, removing structural obstructions interfering with fire fighting operations, victim rescue, exposure tactics, ventilation, fire containment and extinguishment, and salvage work;

lay and connect hoses and various fire apparatus, equipment, tools, and devices; hold nozzles and direct water streams; raise and climb ladders; ventilate burning structures; make forcible entries and evacuate occupants; perform auto extrication using auto extrication tools, power cutters, and spreaders.

Drive fire engine and pumping apparatus to alarms; operate a pumping engine engaged in boosting water pressure from street mains or draft through hose lines to nozzles; use hydraulic theory and mathematics to calculate correct pump pressure to ensure required water pressure at the nozzles.

Operate a variety of apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, and vehicles including lifting, hoisting, spreading, and pulling equipment, foam and additive proportions, fuel and oil pumps, building heating and cooling systems, cutting, boring, and sawing tools, lifeline belts, emergency lighting, lifting and air moving equipment, appliances, elevators, fire protection and escape systems, radio equipment and meters, all types of portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, emergency medical equipment, and other rescue equipment;

operate communications equipment including portable and fixed radios, P.A. system, intercoms, and telephones; transmit and receive alarms.

Place department vehicles in appropriate position at the scene of a fire or in other emergencies calling for ladders or special equipment; perform rescue and lifesaving work through the use of ladders and resuscitation and breathing equipment and apparatus; estimate heights and adjust equipment to ensure proper and safe operation.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Conduct fire prevention inspections of dwellings, public assemblies, and commercial, industrial, and governmental buildings, and other public establishments to ensure compliance with codes and regulations pertaining to fire safety; identify common, special, structural, and panic hazards and recommend pre-fire planning; inspect and test fire protection systems; examine the storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials;

make recommendations regarding correction of hazards; participate in fire education and prevention programs.

Respond to miscellaneous emergencies including victim rescues, hazardous materials incidents, flooding, and natural disasters or state of emergencies; secure scene and isolate and oversee clean up of hazardous materials; respond to non-emergency situations including false fire alarms, elderly assists, vehicle and residential lockouts, and other non-emergency situations.

Respond to and assist the public in a wide variety of emergency calls involving illness and urgent situations and emergency medical incidents; analyze patient needs and administer emergency medical services until relieved by proper medical personnel; apply techniques for the control of bleeding; lift, carry, and transport victims; utilize immobilization techniques to stabilize patient.

Conduct daily inspections of condition and readiness of equipment including medical and first aid equipment; clean, wash, and service vehicles and equipment; inspect, test, and maintain equipment and pump motors including nozzles, appliances, fittings, hydrants, fire extinguishers, hand and power tools, ropes, emergency lighting equipment, generators, rescue and first aid and related equipment; flow-test hydrants; perform repairs to internal fire pumps, primers, valves, governors, pump packings, and plumbing of fire pumps.

Assist in the investigation of fires; collect and preserve evidence; secure fire scene and control traffic.

Assist in the maintenance of the fire station and grounds; maintain inventories of apparatus, equipment, and supplies; recommend purchase of fire fighting equipment, physical fitness apparatus, and station appliances.

Perform cleaning, salvage, and overhaul work following fire; prepare apparatus and equipment for further alarms.

Participate in fire drills; attend…