Experienced Firefighter

Job Title

Under general supervision, performs skilled technical work in operating a mobile medical unit, rescuing victims, and administering emergency medical care to patients during transport to medical facilities. Work involves responding to emergency/non-emergency calls, administeringadvanced/basic life support treatment to sick/injured persons, and transporting patients to medical facilities. Work also involves performing general firefighting duties. Employee is responsible for performing in accordance with established emergency medical procedures and techniques, but must exercise considerable independent judgment in diagnosing a victim's condition and in applying life sustaining medical care. Employee is subject to the normal hazards of emergency rescue and firefighting work, including risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Person(s) in this position will encounter sensitive information in the performance of their duties and is expected to maintain that information confidentially.

This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work regardless of weather conditions and/or when general county offices are closed. Applicants must be available to work Sunday through Saturday as needed.

Salary is commensurate with time in grade under the Public Safety Step Pay Scale.

Special Duties & Responsibilities

• Responds as a mobile medical unit attendant or driver to emergency calls for fire suppression, medical assistance, hazardous materials incidents, specialized rescue, multiple-casualty incidents, or other emergency situations; performs duties in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, procedures, protocols, disaster response plans, and established chain of command; refers to policy manuals as needed.
• Maintains a state of readiness/preparation for medical emergency response; checks/maintains stock of equipment and supplies on ambulances and in station; re-loads equipment and supplies following response to emergency calls; prepares apparatus for subsequent emergencies.
• Assesses and evaluates situation at emergency scenes; surveys and secures scene, requesting additional assistance as necessary; determines mechanism of injury and equipment needed to effect rescue and initiation of treatment; recognizes need for hazardous material response personnel, calls for appropriate assistance, and handles patients exposed to hazardous materials per established protocols.
• Assesses nature and severity of illness/injury and identifies life threatening problems; establishes and prioritizes medical procedures to be followed and determines need for additional assistance; performs patient triage; takes and records patient's vital signs; performs physical examinations and obtains patient history.
• Administers advance life support and basic life support care at emergency scene in accordance with established medical standards; restores and stabilizes heart rhythm on pulseless, non-breathing patients, using defibrillator as needed; monitors cardiac patients, using a defibulator; initiates intravenous fluids to administer medication or drugs or to replace fluids lacking in body; performs endotracheal intubation to open airways and ventilate patients; administers injections of medications and drugs, following established protocols; inflates pneumatic anti-shock garment on patient to improve blood circulation.
• Observes, records, monitors, and reports to physician patient's condition, reaction to drugs/treatments, and other significant incidents pertaining to patient's condition.
• Gains access to and moves patients, utilizing protective equipment; takes quickest route to patient in consideration of safety of patient and emergency personnel; supervises patient safety during extrication procedures; prepares patient for transport in accordance with approved treatment protocols; performs physical lifting techniques associated with moving patients between incident site, stretcher, or ambulance; transports patients to medical facilities.
• Performs general firefighting and search/rescue functions; suppresses, controls and extinguishes fires; locates water supplies and utilizes fire hoses to direct water or chemicals onto fire; positions, raises, and climbs ladders of various heights to access upper levels of buildings and perform rescue operations; creates openings in buildings for entrance, ventilation, or salvage; ventilates smoke and gas from buildings; performs search, rescue, extrication of victims, and forcible entries; assists individuals from burning structures; responds to calls for lost individuals and participates in searches for missing persons.
• Drives, maintains, and operates a variety of ambulances or fire vehicles/apparatus; performs driving functions in a safe and efficient manner under various conditions, including in day/night hours, in congested traffic, in adverse weather conditions, and in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits; determines best route to reach location of emergency calls.
• Performs general inspection and maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, equipment, buildings, quarters, and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting/testing equipment, restocking medications/supplies, cleaning/sanitizing ambulance interior and equipment, replacing fluids, greasing equipment, replacing parts, washing/cleaning equipment, maintaining station grounds, or cleaning station/quarters; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment; maintains records of equipment testing/maintenance activities.
• Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; takes appropriate measures to prevent disease transmission or exposure to bodily fluids.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, checklists, patient care reports, fire/EMS run reports, trauma/CPR audits, vehicle maintenance reports, testing/maintenance records, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, checklists, maintenance records, training announcements, maps, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, protocols, medical books, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, or map books for reference and/or review.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other software programs.
• Creates/maintains positive public relations with the general public; participates in civic events and appears before schools/community groups; makes presentations or provides information/education to the public regarding CPR, fire safety, fire prevention, and firefighting; conducts tours of fire and EMS stations and fire and EMS vehicles.
• Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications; provides information and assistance; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service or assistance.
• Communicates with supervisors, employees, volunteers, dispatchers, other departments, fire officials, law enforcement officials, medical personnel, property owners/occupants, victims, family members, utility companies, insurance companies, contractors, civic organizations, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Maintains a current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintains an awareness of new equipment, methods, procedures, and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in physical fitness training programs and continuing education activities on topics such as emergency medical services, new/modified medical protocols, ambulance service and operation, fire suppression techniques, hazardous material containment, emergency rescue, equipment techniques, hydraulics, or street layout; attends shift meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.
• Follows the department chain of command when communicating at different levels.
• Performs various maintenance and custodial duties at that assigned station
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Training & Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent; supplemented by vocational/technical training in firefighting and emergency medical technician programs; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Required to possess and maintain a valid CPR for Healthcare Providers, National Registry/Virginia EMT-Paramedic or National Registry/Virginia EMT-Intermediate, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or equivalent certifications. Ability to successfully obtain and maintain an International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) or Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certification within 12 months of acquiring an ALS certification.

*Employees not bound by the Special Conditions of Employment are exempt from the requirement to obtain and maintain advanced life support certifications and the ability to practice such level of care.

Valid driver's license with appropriate endorsements.

Must successfully complete all components of the County's Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management (FREM) Recruit Academy or equivalent, and complete and maintain all certificates contained within the FREM Recruit Academy curriculum. Curriculum includes, but is not limited to: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Mayday Awareness and Operations; Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations, Emergency Vehicle Operation Course II/III (EVOC), National Fire Academy Incident Command System (NFA ICS), Traffic Incident Management Responder Course, Vehicle Rescue Operations, Rural Water Supply, ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800.

Ability to successfully obtain and maintain Driver Pump Operator certification within 60 months of employment.

Must meet and maintain NFPA Medical Guidelines as a condition of employment.

Must comply with current Special Conditions of Employment for Public Safety Employees.

Special Requirements

Job Title

Under general supervision, performs skilled technical work in operating a mobile medical unit, rescuing victims, and administering emergency medical care to patients during transport to medical facilities. Work involves responding to emergency/non-emergency calls, administeringadvanced/basic life support treatment to sick/injured persons, and transporting patients to medical facilities. Work also involves performing general firefighting duties. Employee is responsible for performing in accordance with established emergency medical procedures and techniques, but must exercise considerable independent judgment in diagnosing a victim's condition and in applying life sustaining medical care. Employee is subject to the normal hazards of emergency rescue and firefighting work, including risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Person(s) in this position will encounter sensitive information in the performance of their duties and is expected to maintain that information confidentially.

This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work regardless of weather conditions and/or when general county offices are closed. Applicants must be available to work Sunday through Saturday as needed.

Salary is commensurate with time in grade under the Public Safety Step Pay Scale.

Special Duties & Responsibilities

• Responds as a mobile medical unit attendant or driver to emergency calls for fire suppression, medical assistance, hazardous materials incidents, specialized rescue, multiple-casualty incidents, or other emergency situations; performs duties in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, procedures, protocols, disaster response plans, and established chain of command; refers to policy manuals as needed.
• Maintains a state of readiness/preparation for medical emergency response; checks/maintains stock of equipment and supplies on ambulances and in station; re-loads equipment and supplies following response to emergency calls; prepares apparatus for subsequent emergencies.
• Assesses and evaluates situation at emergency scenes; surveys and secures scene, requesting additional assistance as necessary; determines mechanism of injury and equipment needed to effect rescue and initiation of treatment; recognizes need for hazardous material response personnel, calls for appropriate assistance, and handles patients exposed to hazardous materials per established protocols.
• Assesses nature and severity of illness/injury and identifies life threatening problems; establishes and prioritizes medical procedures to be followed and determines need for additional assistance; performs patient triage; takes and records patient's vital signs; performs physical examinations and obtains patient history.
• Administers advance life support and basic life support care at emergency scene in accordance with established medical standards; restores and stabilizes heart rhythm on pulseless, non-breathing patients, using defibrillator as needed; monitors cardiac patients, using a defibulator; initiates intravenous fluids to administer medication or drugs or to replace fluids lacking in body; performs endotracheal intubation to open airways and ventilate patients; administers injections of medications and drugs, following established protocols; inflates pneumatic anti-shock garment on patient to improve blood circulation.
• Observes, records, monitors, and reports to physician patient's condition, reaction to drugs/treatments, and other significant incidents pertaining to patient's condition.
• Gains access to and moves patients, utilizing protective equipment; takes quickest route to patient in consideration of safety of patient and emergency personnel; supervises patient safety during extrication procedures; prepares patient for transport in accordance with approved treatment protocols; performs physical lifting techniques associated with moving patients between incident site, stretcher, or ambulance; transports patients to medical facilities.
• Performs general firefighting and search/rescue functions; suppresses, controls and extinguishes fires; locates water supplies and utilizes fire hoses to direct water or chemicals onto fire; positions, raises, and climbs ladders of various heights to access upper levels of buildings and perform rescue operations; creates openings in buildings for entrance, ventilation, or salvage; ventilates smoke and gas from buildings; performs search, rescue, extrication of victims, and forcible entries; assists individuals from burning structures; responds to calls for lost individuals and participates in searches for missing persons.
• Drives, maintains, and operates a variety of ambulances or fire vehicles/apparatus; performs driving functions in a safe and efficient manner under various conditions, including in day/night hours, in congested traffic, in adverse weather conditions, and in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits; determines best route to reach location of emergency calls.
• Performs general inspection and maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, equipment, buildings, quarters, and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting/testing equipment, restocking medications/supplies, cleaning/sanitizing ambulance interior and equipment, replacing fluids, greasing equipment, replacing parts, washing/cleaning equipment, maintaining station grounds, or cleaning station/quarters; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment; maintains records of equipment testing/maintenance activities.
• Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; takes appropriate measures to prevent disease transmission or exposure to bodily fluids.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, checklists, patient care reports, fire/EMS run reports, trauma/CPR audits, vehicle maintenance reports, testing/maintenance records, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, checklists, maintenance records, training announcements, maps, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, protocols, medical books, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, or map books for reference and/or review.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other software programs.
• Creates/maintains positive public relations with the general public; participates in civic events and appears before schools/community groups; makes presentations or provides information/education to the public regarding CPR, fire safety, fire prevention, and firefighting; conducts tours of fire and EMS stations and fire and EMS vehicles.
• Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications; provides information and assistance; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service or assistance.
• Communicates with supervisors, employees, volunteers, dispatchers, other departments, fire officials, law enforcement officials, medical personnel, property owners/occupants, victims, family members, utility companies, insurance companies, contractors, civic organizations, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Maintains a current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintains an awareness of new equipment, methods, procedures, and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in physical fitness training programs and continuing education activities on topics such as emergency medical services, new/modified medical protocols, ambulance service and operation, fire suppression techniques, hazardous material containment, emergency rescue, equipment techniques, hydraulics, or street layout; attends shift meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.
• Follows the department chain of command when communicating at different levels.
• Performs various maintenance and custodial duties at that assigned station
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Training & Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent; supplemented by vocational/technical training in firefighting and emergency medical technician programs; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Required to possess and maintain a valid CPR for Healthcare Providers, National Registry/Virginia EMT-Paramedic or National Registry/Virginia EMT-Intermediate, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or equivalent certifications. Ability to successfully obtain and maintain an International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) or Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certification within 12 months of acquiring an ALS certification.

*Employees not bound by the Special Conditions of Employment are exempt from the requirement to obtain and maintain advanced life support certifications and the ability to practice such level of care.

Valid driver's license with appropriate endorsements.

Must successfully complete all components of the County's Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management (FREM) Recruit Academy or equivalent, and complete and maintain all certificates contained within the FREM Recruit Academy curriculum. Curriculum includes, but is not limited to: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Mayday Awareness and Operations; Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations, Emergency Vehicle Operation Course II/III (EVOC), National Fire Academy Incident Command System (NFA ICS), Traffic Incident Management Responder Course, Vehicle Rescue Operations, Rural Water Supply, ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800.

Ability to successfully obtain and maintain Driver Pump Operator certification within 60 months of employment.

Must meet and maintain NFPA Medical Guidelines as a condition of employment.

Must comply with current Special Conditions of Employment for Public Safety Employees.

Special Requirements

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• Government Careers