JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision of the station officer, provides direct services, individually and as a member of a team in response to fire, rescue, hazmat, and other incidents.Additionally, a Firefighter/EMT will respond to medical emergencies and provide prehospital Basic Life Support (BLS) care to victims of injury or illness. A Firefighter/EMT is a medical authority at an emergency medical scene and as such, makes medical decisions based on standing orders, protocols, and orders from online and off-line medical direction.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Perform diagnostic and medical procedures.
- Accurately completes written and verbal reports on patient care to ambulance crew.
- Performs a thorough, daily inspection of the apparatus to which he/she is assigned; notifies station officer of any condition requiring repair or maintenance; ensures that the inventory of supplies and equipment is complete; assures that apparatus, equipment, and records are maintained.
- Comprehends and documents complete and accurate patient histories.
- Checks medication and equipment daily to ensure proper control and inventory.
- Lays hose lines, operates nozzles, pumps, and hydrants; utilizes fire extinguishers and performs other actions to suppress fire; operates hydraulic, pneumatic, manual, and power tools.
- Participates in salvage operations and post-fire operations; uses salvage covers, floor runners, and other related equipment to reduce property damage from heat, smoke, fire, gases, and water.
- Participates in drills and training evolutions as directed.
- Participates in fire and life safety inspections of commercial and residential properties; checks operating condition of hydrants.
- Cleans and performs general maintenance of fire equipment and fire stations.
- Responds to scenes of accidents or acute illness for which emergency medical care has been requested.
- Required to transfer, lift, and move patients while employing appropriate safety and lifting techniques.
- Responds to hazardous materials incidents at an operations level and responds to other calls for assistance as requested by the public.
- Participates in public education programs in schools, civic groups, and other locations as requested.
- Conducts departmental training sessions on topics related to the employee's job functions.
- Utilizes city computer system for patient care documentation, record keeping, pre-incident planning, and other job-related functions.
- Drives and operates fire apparatus under the direction of the station officer and according to procedures as outlined in FHFD SOGs.
- Participates in daily physical training.
- Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must possess a high school diploma or acceptable equivalent (GED).
- Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Class "B" (Non-CDL) Driver's License.
- Must possess and maintain a Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Firefighter Certification; Intermediate or Advanced Firefighter Certification preferred.
- Must possess and maintain a Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification.
QUALIFYING EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required)
- Must have the skill in communicating and understanding written and oral instructions.
- Ability to reason abstractly using mechanical concepts.
- Must have the ability to take effective action in emergency situations.
- Ability to handle high levels of personal stress and to maintain composure under a variety of adverse conditions, including verbal and physical abuse, witnessing death and critical injuries, and experiencing risk of personal harm.
- Must be along well with the public.
- Must maintain physical endurance and agility to perform the job functions.
- Must be proficient in BLS skills.
- Must maintain familiarity with standing orders provided by the off-line medical director.
- Must have knowledge of medical terminology.
- Working knowledge of effective techniques and methods of fire suppression and control; working knowledge of effective operation of policies and procedures established for FHFD; some knowledge of hazardous substances and their control.
- Skill in the operation of the apparatus to be driven; skill in maintenance of equipment and station; skill in operation of fire and emergency medical service equipment.
- Working knowledge of departmental regulations and procedures; ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public.
- Exhibit emotional stability under stress.
- Effectively read, write, and communicate in the English language.
- Word processing or data entry required.