Fire Fighter/Paramedic

JOB GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The job of Firefighter/Paramedic involves the protection of life and property by combating, extinguishing and answering EMS calls for various medical emergencies. Work involves training for and participating in firefighting duties, providing advanced life support care for sick and injured persons on assigned hours. Other duties include routine maintenance of apparatus, as well as drilling and training in new techniques and practices and other duties as assigned.

A successful Firefighter/Paramedic, in addition to performing assigned duties, must also be a good student. In this day and age, firefighters and paramedics go through almost continuous in-service training constantly adding new facts and modifying his/her existing knowledge. This training involves many subjects including public education, handling and disposal of hazardous materials, controlling the spread of infectious disease and emergency medical and rescue procedures.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 1.

The physical demands of firefighting and EMS are extremely high. Hence fire fighter/Paramedics must be in and maintain top physical form. Firefighter/Paramedics are often required to perform a series of physical tasks for extended periods of time while wearing heavy protective clothing and gear. And often times, peoples' lives depend on how well fire fighters perform these tasks. Thus, rigorous physical training is maintained throughout the career of fire safety personnel. Tasks involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of extremely heavy objects (150+ pounds), such as in the event of rescuing or transporting a victim/patient in the performance of rescue operations.2. Firefighter/Paramedics spend extended periods of time living and working together as a member of a company or team. Effective teamwork is essential in an emergency situation. In addition, firefighter/paramedics are in frequent contact with the public for the purposes of educating them. Hence, behavioral skills such as the ability to get along and relate to co-workers and the public are important as well. 3.

Communication:

Communicates with the general public and other County employees as well as members of Volunteer Fire Departments in performing community service, presenting public safety training classes, participating in school programs, answering questions, delivering emergency care, and ensuring patient needs. Produces written documents to document technical and legal matters.4. Responds to emergency incidents, fights fires, and utilizes advanced life support (ALS). Uses firefighting equipment in all aspects. Administers ALS care to injured and ill persons.

Operates the following:

hydraulic or pneumatic rescue equipment to rescue trapped or endangered persons and to force entry into locked vehicles or structures; fire apparatus during fire suppression activities; and motor vehicles (automobile and fire apparatus) requiring a standard Florida Driver's License to perform regular and emergency firefighting duties. 5. Completes all necessary paperwork. 6. Wears personal protective equipment weighing approximately 70 pounds: in high humidity (up to 100 percent) situations while wearing personal protective equipment that significantly impairs body cooling; in environments with extreme temperature fluctuations; and relies on self-contained breathing apparatus for respiratory ventilation. Works in a variety of weather conditions. Cleans and maintains Fire Department and EMS buildings, apparatus, and grounds. Meets scheduling and attendance requirements.7. Comprehends and makes inferences from written material, such as Wakulla County Fire Rescue Standard Operating Procedures. Reads and interprets equipment instructions and preplans to operate equipment in emergency situations. Learns firefighting techniques, firefighting equipment operation, and emergency medical service care through on the job training and in classroom settings.