Entry Level Firefighter/Paramedic

Village of Oak Park; Oak Park (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Village of Oak Park seeks a Firefighter/Paramedic to respond to medical emergencies, fires, and rescue calls. The role includes administering ALS/BLS care, operating fire apparatus, and maintaining equipment and station readiness.

Applicants should have a strong background in firefighting techniques, advanced first aid, and knowledge of applicable fire codes. The position entails active field duties in an emergency environment with on-site work in Oak Park.

Qualifications

• Advanced life support and basic life support procedures.
• Principles and procedures of modern firefighting.
• Operation of fire apparatus and related equipment.
• Knowledge of Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Building Code.
• Advanced first aid, CPR, and medical assistance techniques.
• Layout of city streets and districts.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency medical incidents and prioritize treatment.
• Respond to fire alarms and perform fire suppression duties.
• Administer ALS/BLS treatment as required by protocol.
• Provide first aid and assist paramedics at emergencies.
• Respond to general rescue calls, auto accidents, and hazardous situations.
• Operate and maintain firefighting equipment and apparatus.
• Maintain station, quarters, and equipment; participate in salvage operations.
• Inspect structures for fire-code compliance and communicate policies.

Skills

ALS/BLS procedures

Firefighting fundamentals

Fire apparatus operation

Code compliance knowledge

Advanced first aid/CPR

City street layout awareness

Education

High school + fire science coursework

Tools

None

Job description

Union: IAFF

FLSA: Non-exempt

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To respond to fire alarms, medical emergency and other calls to protect life and property; to participate in fire prevention and training; and to maintain the station and firefighting and/or paramedic

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from higher level supervisory staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Respond to emergency medical incidents; analyze patient needs and establish priorities for treatment; administer lifesaving procedures immediately.

2. Respond to fire alarms, rescue calls and other emergency incidents; perform the full range of fire suppression duties including laying and connecting hose; maintaining fire apparatus; directing water and chemical streams to suppress fire; raising and climbing ladders; ventilating burning structures; and entering buildings to evacuate occupants.

3. Provide Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support treatment as required by standing protocol or E.R. orders; may administer EKG monitoring, IV fluids, defibrillation, intubation, extrication, bleeding control, oxygen, splinting and other treatment as required.

4. Administer first aid; assist other paramedics at medical emergencies; apply techniques for the control of bleeding; utilize immobilization techniques to stabilize patient.

5. Respond to a variety of general emergency rescue calls including auto accidents, gas system leaks and trapped or injured persons.

6. Operate all types of fire suppression and rescue equipment including portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, smoke ejectors, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, aerial ladder equipment and emergency medical equipment.

7. Clean apparatus and equipment at fire stations; maintain quarters, buildings, equipment, grounds and hydrants.

8. Maintain inventory and equipment in emergency apparatus; stock supplies as needed; maintain the cleanliness and order of the truck.

9. Participate in salvage and cleanup operations.

10. Other important responsibilities and duties.

11. Inspect building structures for compliance with fire codes; prepare reports and citations; explain City fire codes and fire prevention policies and procedures to the public.

12. Respond to hazardous materials incidents; secure hazardous material scenes and identify spilled chemicals and other materials posing danger to the public; participate in hazardous materials clean-up activities.

13. Participate in fire drills; attend training sessions on firefighting techniques, emergency medical care and the proper use of all equipment and related tools.

14. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Advanced life support and basic life support procedures and techniques. Human anatomy and body functions.
• Principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting.
• Operation of fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities and their proper use. Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Building Code.
• Advanced first aid, C.P.R. and other medical assistance techniques. Hazardous materials.
• Layout of the City's streets and districts.

Ability to:

• Administer emergency medical treatment.
• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
• Meet the first aid requirement as prescribed by the State of Illinois and to administer first aid. Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting equipment.
• Demonstrate physical aptitude.
• Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
• Analyze medical and fire emergency situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Operate and maintain voice radio equipment. Perform heavy lifting and physical maneuvering. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain physical condition to perform essential duties as specified by firefighter certification.
  • Performing life threatening firefighting activities in an emergency situation
  • Running, walking, crouching or crawling during emergency operations
  • Moving equipment and injured/deceased persons
  • Climbing stairs/ladders
  • Performing life-saving and rescue procedures
  • Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
  • Operating assigned equipment and vehicles.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• Making observations
• Communicating with others
• Reading and writing
• Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

• Exercising sound judgment and rational thinking under dangerous circumstances
• Evaluating various options and alternatives and choose an appropriate and reasonable course of action.
• Demonstrating intellectual capabilities during training and testing processes.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience:

One year of firefighting experience.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level coursework in fire science, fire administration or a related field.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license and Emergency Vehicle Driving Endorsement at the end of the probationary period.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid State of Illinois Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic License.
• Possession of or ability to obtain approval to function as a Paramedic within the Fire Department’s Emergency Medical System.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an Illinois State Fire Marshal Basic Operations Firefighter /Fire Fighter II Certificate, National Incident Management IMS 100, 200 & 700 Certifications and National Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician Certificate within one year.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in an emergency firefighting environment; work in intense life-threatening conditions; exposure to fire, smoke, bodily fluids and noise; running, walking, crawling, climbing, stooping and lifting; work in inclement weather conditions.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement

The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing that creating a mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment does not happen on its own, it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other characteristics.