JOB TITLE: EMT Paramedic
DEPARTMENT: Fire Department
REPORTS TO: Fire Lieutenant or assigned Fire Officer
FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt
STARTING PAY: Starting Pay: $18.90 per hour.

Estimated Annualized Compensation: Approximately $63,126 based on the current assigned schedule, which includes regularly scheduled overtime hours. Actual annual compensation may vary based on assigned schedule, hours worked, leave usage, certification status, FLSA classification, and City policy.

POSITION SUMMARY: An EMT Paramedic is responsible for performing public safety work involving the protection of life and property using Emergency Medical Services skills up to the EMT Paramedic level. This position also supports emergency response readiness through training, station duties, equipment maintenance, inspections, and public education as assigned. Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments and may involve extreme temperatures, inclement weather, hostile environments, confined spaces, and high noise intensity. The EMT Paramedic must be able to carry out duties consistent with EMT Basic and EMT Intermediate skill sets and provide ALS care within the EMT Paramedic scope of practice.

CONDITION OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: The employee must obtain and maintain the required Fire certification as a condition of continued employment within the timelines and standards established by the Fire Department. Failure to obtain or maintain required Fire certification may result in removal from the position and may result in separation from employment, consistent with City policy and applicable procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• In the absence of an officer, assume command and make critical decisions pertaining to life safety within the scope of assignment and department procedures.
• Deliver and direct the delivery of emergency medical services up to the EMT Paramedic skill set.
• Provide appropriate responses to fires, medical calls, rescues, and other emergencies.
• Conduct complex rescue operations and render aid to those in emergency situations.
• Function effectively and cope with situations involving severe trauma, including seriously injured or deceased patients.
• Operate emergency apparatus and equipment safely and effectively, including driving and operating vehicles and related equipment as authorized and trained.
• Follow policies, procedures, and lawful orders of supervisors and demonstrate professional leadership and guidance in job-related matters.
• Operate all equipment in a safe, lawful manner and in compliance with City policy, department SOPs, and supervisory direction.
• Participate in daily fire station operations and ensure readiness for emergency response.
• Perform routine inspection, care, repair, and maintenance of equipment and station facilities.
• Enter accurate incident and patient care information into computer systems and complete required reports and documentation.
• Work with cleaning fluids, chemicals, insecticides, and similar solutions using appropriate protective equipment and safety practices.
• Assist with hazardous materials mitigation activities within training level and department procedures.
•  Clean and maintain Fire Department buildings, apparatus, tools, equipment, and grounds.
• Understand and interpret specialized testing, documentation, and reporting procedures required for EMS and department operations.
• Provide fire safety, prevention, and public education to the public as assigned.
• Perform company-level inspections of buildings and occupancies as assigned.
• Participate in and support preplanning of buildings and occupancies as assigned.
• Participate in training as required and assist with training activities for department personnel as assigned.
• Document training attended and training provided in accordance with department standards.
• Plan and manage assigned projects and inspect job sites to ensure work quality and compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and safety standards.
• Respond to questions from citizens and partner agencies in a professional manner.
• Attend meetings as assigned or required.
• Use good judgment in decision-making and in carrying out all job duties.
• Work effectively both individually and as a team member and maintain a helpful, cooperative, and courteous attitude with the public, coworkers, and others.
• Maintain punctual, regular, and reliable onsite attendance.
• Safeguard City property and recognize and report needed repairs.
• Follow the chain of command and appropriate reporting practices.
• Work safely, follow safety rules and training, and maintain a clean, safe, and healthful work environment
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding City business.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Fire Department Officers. 

DISCLOSURES

OVERTIME NOTICE FOR PARAMEDIC ONLY: This position is nonexempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with the FLSA and City policy. Overtime is paid at one and one-half times the regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in the City’s established 7-day workweek. Hours may not be averaged over two or more workweeks.

OVERTIME (AFTER FIRE CERTIFICATION): After the employee obtains the required Fire certification and is officially assigned to fire protection duties that meet the FLSA fire protection employee definition, overtime will be administered under the City’s adopted FLSA 7(k) work period for fire protection employees. Under the City’s 14-day work period, overtime is paid after 106 hours worked in that work period, in accordance with the FLSA and City policy.

The overtime standard applicable to the position will be based on the employee’s assigned classification and duties during the applicable work period, not solely on certification status.

•  This job description does not create an employment contract and may be revised at any time.
• Employment is at will unless otherwise provided by law or formal policy.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
• This position must maintain the confidentiality of sensitive personnel records, internal affairs files, and law enforcement administrative information
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background screening and any required law enforcement security checks.
• Must maintain a valid Texas driver's license and acceptable driving record as a condition of employment if driving is required
• Work hours may vary based on operational needs, including evenings or weekends when necessary.
• Employees must avoid conflicts of interest and comply with City ethics and conduct policies
• Must comply with all City and Police Department policies and procedures

Education and Basic Requirements

The EMT Paramedic must meet the following minimum requirements.

• High school graduation or its equivalent.
• Certification as EMT Paramedic (EMT P) by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Satisfactory results of background and employment screening checks, including physical exam and drug screening.
• Have and maintain a clear and valid Texas Class B driver’s license within 6 months of hire or assignment date and an acceptable driving record.

Other Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The EMT Paramedic must have significant knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas.

• Comprehensive knowledge of Department Standard Operating Procedures and Emergency Medical Protocols.
• Working knowledge of, and ability to safely operate, emergency equipment including rescue tools, air bags, rescue jacks, air compressor and cascade system, trench rescue equipment, high angle rescue equipment, aerial apparatus, SCBA use and refilling, and oxygen cylinders and refilling.
• Ability to lead, motivate, supervise, train, and coach FF EMT Intermediate and FF EMT Basic personnel as assigned.
• Ability to analyze emergency situations and react quickly, calmly, and correctly, with due regard to hazards and circumstances.
• Ability to function effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to respond in person to emergency events as requested.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand the English language, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with City employees, officials, and representatives from local, state, and federal agencies.
• Significant working knowledge of the department’s coverage area and surrounding areas.
• Working knowledge of department owned equipment and ability to perform inspections and light routine maintenance.
• Ability to understand and follow department policies and procedures, including chain of command reporting.
• Knowledge and ability to perform public education on fire safety and fire prevention.
• Ability to maintain accurate logs, activity reports, and other records.
• Working knowledge of locally adopted fire and building codes and ability to apply them during company level inspections of buildings and property within the City’s jurisdiction.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA requirements related to EMS operations and ability to maintain patient confidentiality.

Physical and Mental Requirements

The EMT Paramedic must meet the following physical and mental requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation. These requirements are representative and not all-inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

Emergency response and rescue capabilities

• Administer emergency first aid to injured persons.
• Respond to emergency incidents and utilize basic life support (BLS), advanced life support (ALS), and paramedic skills to save lives.
• Perform searches and rescues under life-threatening conditions.
• Use axes, pry tools, and pike poles to enter vehicles or structures.
• Operate hydraulic or pneumatic rescue equipment to rescue trapped or endangered persons and to force entry into locked vehicles or structures.
• Be familiar with fire apparatus during fire suppression activities and motor vehicles requiring a Texas Class B exempt CDL driver’s license.
• Use hand equipment to dig and remove debris to rescue trapped persons from cave-ins.
• Work in small, cramped areas when rescuing trapped, endangered, or injured people.

Environmental tolerance and sensory demands

• Distinguish colors to identify the NFPA 704 system and recognize hazardous materials indicators, including smoke color and related cues.
• Wear personal protective equipment weighing approximately 70 pounds in high-humidity conditions that significantly impair body cooling, including environments with extreme temperature fluctuations up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, while using a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, extreme cold, wet and dry conditions, wind, and rain.
• Use senses of smell, sight, and hearing to detect stimuli such as natural gas leaks, traffic sounds, signs of impending structural collapse, alarms, sirens, calls for assistance, and other audible warning signs.
• Use appropriate PPE, including SCBA, while performing tasks in environments that may be immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).
• Have a high tolerance for smoky and dusty conditions.
• Have a high tolerance for and ability to cope with situations involving severe trauma, including severely injured or deceased patients.

Equipment and maintenance requirements

• Use common hand tools to perform routine apparatus maintenance duties.
• Move heavy objects up to 100 pounds or more, including five-inch fire hoses, EMS equipment, salvage equipment, smoke ejectors, trauma boxes, and body boards for short distances up to 150 feet, with assistance as needed.

Mobility and physical activity requirements

• Position, climb, and descend ladders or stairs to access upper levels of the building.
• Sit, stand, move around, bend, reach, stretch, push, pull, and remain upright for extended periods of time.
• Lift and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds.

Comprehension, reading, and training requirements

• Comprehend and make inferences from environmental circumstances and written materials such as Department Standard Operating Procedures and the International Fire Code (IFC).
• Read and interpret equipment instructions and preplans to operate equipment in emergency situations.
• Learn emergency medical care through on-the-job training and classroom settings.
• Ability to work effectively under extreme pressure and stress while performing essential job duties.

Approximate Activity Distribution Per Day

• Sitting 10 percent.
• Walking 30 percent.
• Bending 5 percent.
• Standing 25 percent.
• Lifting and carrying objects weighing 100 pounds or more 5 percent.
• Pushing or pulling 10 percent.
• Reaching 5 percent.
• Moving within and around the ambulance and fire truck 10 percent.