Job Title: Firefighter EMT Paramedic

Department: Fire Department

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Fire Captain or Fire Lieutenant
Schedule: 48/96 shift schedule
Approximate Annual Scheduled Hours: 2,756 per hours based on assigned shift schedule

Safety Sensitive: Yes
Posting Status: Open Until Filled 

Position Summary

A Firefighter/EMT Paramedic is responsible for performing public safety work involving protection of life and property by engaging in firefighting and using Emergency Medical Services skills. In addition, he/she may engage in fire code enforcement, public education and station and equipment maintenance. He/She works in an outdoor environment subject to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and intermittent exposure to other hostile environments, confined spaces, and high noise intensity. The Firefighter/EMT Paramedic must be able to carry out all the duties of a Fire Fighter-EMT/-I and Firefighter/EMT-B.

This is a safety sensitive role meaning the position is subject to random drug testing. If a candidate is promoted into this position from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive one, he/she must pass an assigned drug test.

Condition of Continued Employment

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

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The Firefighter/EMT Paramedic must be able to perform the following essential job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.

•  In the absence of an officer: Assume command and make critical decisions pertaining to life safety.
•  Participate in fire suppression activities; provide appropriate responses to fires and other emergencies.
• Conduct complex fire and rescue operations and render aid to those in emergency situations.
• Operate emergency apparatus including but not limited to driving and pumping vehicles and equipment safely and effectively.
•  Direct and participate in the delivery of emergency medical services up to the EMT-P skill set.
• Follow policies, procedures and the instructions of supervisors and provide professional leadership and guidance to all fire personnel in all job-related matters.
•  Operate all fire equipment in a safe, lawful manner and in compliance with City policies, procedures, Department Standard Operating Procedures, and instructions from supervisors.
• Participate in daily operations of Fire Station and ensure readiness for response.
• Carry out routine, inspection, repair and maintenance of equipment and station.
• Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows and holes in roofs and floors.
•  Enters data into a personal computer to document incidents and reports.
• Inspects alarm and fire control systems for compliance with fire code enforcement standards. Inspects buildings for compliance with the IFC (International Fire Code), fire prevention ordinances, etc.
• Works with cleaning fluids, chemicals, insecticides, and similar solutions using routine and non-routine protective equipment to mitigate hazardous materials incidents.
•  Cleans and maintains Fire Department buildings, apparatus, and grounds.
• Understand and interpret specialized testing and reporting procedures.
•  Provides fire safety and prevention education to the public.
• Perform company level inspections of buildings and occupancies.
• Perform and supervise preplanning of buildings and occupancies.
•  Participate in training to all Fire Department personnel.
• Document all training provided to personnel.
• Plan and manage assigned projects; inspect jobsites to assure work quality and assure that jobsites and work activities are in compliance with all laws, regulations, policies and safety standards.
• Follow City policies and procedures and the instructions and guidance of Fire Department Officers
•  Respond to questions from citizens and agencies.
•  Attend meetings as assigned or required.
•  Use good judgment in all decision-making and in carrying out all job duties.
• Meet with Fire and other staff members to identify and resolve problems and concerns.
• Assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting; identify opportunities for improvement; and direct and implement appropriate changes.
•  Work effectively both individually and as a teammate: be helpful, cooperative and courteous, and demonstrate a good attitude in all dealings with the public, co-workers and others.
•  Punctual, regular, on-site attendance is an essential job duty.
• ·Demonstrate initiative and diligence in the prompt and proper completion of all job duties, whether or not listed in this Job Description.
•  Takes up matters affecting his/her job with his/her immediate supervisor and through proper channels.
• Safeguard City property and recognize and report needed repairs.
• Work safely, follow safety rules and training, and maintain a clean, safe and healthful working environment.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality with regard to City business.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Fire Department Officers
• Ability to work assigned shifts which include weekends, holidays and overtime as required.

Minimum Required Qualifications

The Firefighter/EMT Paramedic must meet the following minimum requirements.

• High school graduation or its equivalent
•  Certification as Basic Firefighter by Texas Commission of Fire Protection.
•  Certification as EMT-P by 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 acceptable driving record.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Firefighter/EMT Paramedic must have significant knowledge, skills and abilities in:

• Comprehensive knowledge of department Standard Operating Procedures and Emergency Medical Protocols.
• Working knowledge of and ability to safely operate all emergency equipment including but not limited to rescue tools, air bags, rescue jacks, air compressor and cascade system, trench rescue equipment, high angle rescue equipment, aerial apparatus, SCBA and refilling, and oxygen cylinders and refilling.
•  Ability to lead, motivate, supervise, and train, all personnel.
•  Ability to analyze emergency situations and react quickly, calmly, and correctly to act effectively, giving 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 and understand the English language and possess good verbal and written skills.
• Establish and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with City employees, officials, and representatives from other local, state and federal agencies.
• Significant working knowledge of department’s coverage area and the surrounding areas.
• Working knowledge of department-owned equipment and ability to perform inspections and light routine maintenance.
• Understand and follow the department’s policies and procedures regarding 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 such during company level inspections of buildings and property within the City’s jurisdiction.
• Working knowledge of HIPPA laws in relation to EMS operations and must meet the requirements of Patient confidentiality.

Working Conditions and Environmental Hazards:

Work is performed in fire stations, emergency scenes, residences, commercial and industrial structures, roadways, hazardous environments, and outdoor locations. The Firefighter/EMT Paramedic routinely responds to emergencies involving fire suppression, rescue operations, emergency medical care, hazardous conditions, and public safety incidents. Work involves exposure to significant environmental, physical, biological, chemical, and psychological hazards.

• Responds to fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle crashes, rescue incidents, hazardous materials events, and other life-threatening emergencies.
• Works in indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, wind, humidity, and other adverse environmental conditions.
• Performs duties in burning structures, smoke-filled environments, confined spaces, elevated locations, collapsed structures, trenches, and other hazardous settings.
• May work in environments with extreme temperatures, including fire conditions that expose personnel to intense radiant heat and rapidly changing temperatures.
• Regularly wears personal protective equipment (PPE), including structural firefighting gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which may weigh approximately 70 pounds.
• May perform duties in environments that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH), including fire suppression operations, hazardous materials incidents, and oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
• Frequently exposed to smoke, soot, dust, airborne particulates, toxic substances, hazardous chemicals, combustion byproducts, and other contaminants.
• Frequently exposed to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and other biohazardous materials while providing emergency medical services.
• Works around moving traffic, heavy equipment, emergency vehicles, unstable structures, energized utilities, and other operational hazards.
• Performs rescue and patient care activities in confined, cramped, obstructed, or otherwise physically restrictive spaces.
• May be exposed to structural collapse hazards, flashover conditions, backdraft conditions, trench collapse hazards, vehicle crash scenes, and other emergency scene dangers.
• Regularly exposed to severely injured, critically ill, or deceased patients and other emotionally challenging and traumatic situations.
• Works extended shifts, overnight schedules, weekends, holidays, mandatory overtime, recall assignments, and disaster-response deployments as operational needs require.
• Must comply with all safety regulations, infection-control practices, departmental policies, and requirements regarding the use of personal protective equipment.
• Physical and Mental Demands
• The Firefighter/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 the essential functions of the position.

Fire Suppression, Rescue, and Emergency Response Capabilities

• Administer emergency first aid and advanced pre-hospital medical care to injured or ill persons.
• Respond to emergency incidents and utilize firefighting, rescue, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and paramedic skills to protect life and property.
• Perform search, rescue, and victim-removal operations involving injured, trapped, endangered, or incapacitated persons.
• Use firefighting equipment, including hoses, nozzles, ladders, tools, and apparatus during emergency response operations.
• Advance hose lines, establish water supply connections, and direct water streams during fire suppression operations.
• Use axes, pry tools, pike poles, forcible-entry tools, and other specialized equipment to gain access to vehicles, structures, and emergency scenes.
• Operate hydraulic, pneumatic, and other rescue equipment to extricate trapped or endangered persons.
• Operate fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, and equipment requiring a Texas Class B Exempt CDL, as applicable.
• Use hand tools and equipment to extinguish brush fires, remove debris, and assist with rescue and overhaul operations.

Sensory and Cognitive Requirements

• Distinguish colors to identify NFPA 704 hazard markings, hazardous materials indicators, fire conditions, smoke characteristics, and other visual safety cues.
• Use sight, hearing, smell, and touch to assess emergency scenes, evaluate patients, identify hazards, detect gas leaks, monitor structural conditions, and recognize audible warning signals.
• Maintain situational awareness and make sound decisions in rapidly changing, high-risk, and time-sensitive emergency environments.
• Comprehend, analyze, and make inferences from environmental conditions, emergency scenes, patient presentations, written materials, and operational procedures.
• Read, interpret, and apply departmental Standard Operating Procedures, medical protocols, pre-incident plans, equipment instructions, fire codes, and other technical documents.
• Learn, retain, and apply firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials awareness, and emergency medical knowledge through classroom instruction, practical training, and field experience.
• Maintain emotional stability, sound judgment, and effective decision-making when responding to traumatic, life-threatening, and high-stress incidents.
• Work effectively under extreme pressure and stress while performing emergency response duties.

Strength, Mobility, and Physical Activity Requirements

• Move heavy objects weighing up to 100 pounds or more, including fire hose, EMS equipment, salvage equipment, smoke ejectors, trauma boxes, body boards, rescue equipment, and patients, with assistance as needed.
• Lift, carry, push, pull, drag, and transfer patients, equipment, and supplies during emergency and non-emergency operations.
• Position, raise, climb, and descend ladders while carrying equipment and performing emergency response duties.
• Sit, stand, walk, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stretch, push, pull, and maintain awkward or sustained postures for extended periods.
• Move through structures, over uneven terrain, and around obstacles while carrying tools or equipment.
• Perform physically demanding tasks requiring strength, endurance, coordination, balance, manual dexterity, and agility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Converse is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request in accordance with applicable federal and Texas laws.