Firefighter Paramedic

FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC

DC Department of Human Resources

This position is in the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS). DCFEMS provides fire suppression, technical rescue, fire prevention, education, community risk-reduction, and pre-hospital care and transportation services to the residents and visitors of the District of Columbia. The Department strives to protect life and property.

Firefighter Paramedics work in a fast-paced, innovative, and data-driven jurisdiction with unique and high-profile special events related to its status as the Nation’s Capital. They gain tremendous experience while supporting the core mission of the Department and have the opportunity to apply for positions that focus on unique specialties. They are assigned to one of thirty-three fire houses throughout the District of Columbia.

The incumbent travels primarily by fire suppression unit and medic unit to respond to calls for emergency incidents, including structure fires, emergency medical care, technical rescues, etc.

Must currently hold National Registry Paramedic Certification.

Incumbent provides emergency medical care in accordance with innovative and data-driven protocols, which may include stabilizing critically ill or injured patients through the application of advanced life support procedures such as intubation, peripheral intravenous insertion, defibrillation, and administration of pharmacological agents. The incumbent drives a medic unit to a specific address or location of an emergency, choosing the most direct and expeditious route in a timely and safe manner.

The incumbent maintains basic and advanced life support care during transportation to the appropriate hospital emergency department. The incumbent accurately reports verbally and in writing observations, interventions, and emergency care given to the patient at the scene and in transit to the emergency department for record keeping and diagnostic purposes. The incumbent may manage emotionally disturbed, alcohol and drug intoxicated, and unruly patients.

Incumbent performs as a firefighter, responding to all conditions and life-hazards, both known and unknown, with a minimal response time. Upon arrival at an emergency incident, the incumbent relays conditions, life-hazards, and exposures to commanding officers. The incumbent examines structures for signs of fire extension or other dangers and determines the safest evacuation route for occupants. The incumbent makes forcible entries, makes openings for ventilation, performs overhaul operations, deploys hose lines, and operates hydrant systems.

Firefighter Paramedics drive and operate fire suppression apparatus of significant complexity, including pumps, aerial ladder trucks, and rescue squads. Firefighter Paramedics may extricate injured and/or entrapped patients by safely employing rescue techniques, which include various extrication devices. Additionally, they use power tools, saws, and ventilation fans.

Candidates must successfully complete the DC Fire and EMS Department’s Recruit Training Course and pass all probationary requirements. Candidates will demonstrate competence providing pre-hospital emergency care through various mechanisms, including field training.

• Birth Certificate or Naturalization Documentation
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• State Issued Driver’s License.
• National Registry Paramedic (EMT-P) Certification.

• Firefighter I and II certifications.
• Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (EMT-P).
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or approved alternative.
• National Registry Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (NREMT‑P).
• Any other certifications that may subsequently be required to maintain qualifications as a Firefighter Paramedic.

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid and current driver’s license as a condition of employment.

Incumbents ride large emergency vehicles through crowded streets. The position involves…