Firefighter-EMT

Primary Reason Why Classification Exists

To respond to both fire and emergency related medical calls for service.

An employee in this class performs as a certified Firefighter and as an EMT-Basic. Emphasis of the work is on responding to emergency service calls and applying firefighting technology to extinguish fires, or provide emergency medical treatment, or a combination of both depending on circumstances of each response. Employees are dually trained as both Firefighters and EMT-Basic and the EMT portion is the lowest certification leading up to full performance as a Firefighter-EMT-Paramedic.

Employees work 24 hour shifts at two (2) stations and are assigned to designated apparatus based on skills and qualifications. Work is supervised by a Fire Captain

EMT-Paramedic or other superior and is evaluated on the employee’s knowledge of firefighting and EMT-Basic services, initiative, and on-scene performance with directives.

• Inspect condition of systems/equipment at beginning of each shift including horns/sirens, turn signals, brakes, batteries, hoses, pumps, turnout gear, gurneys, and related equipment
• Inspect and validate inventory and expiration dates of all medical related supplies in med boxes and vehicular storage compartments
• Responds to emergency calls for fire and/or medical assistance; makes decision to request additional fire units if situation expands beyond initial call; directs fire apparatus to specific location to attack fire and gives orders to personnel to apply specific firefighting tactics; maintains in charge of the fire scene until and unless relieved by a senior fire official; uses prescribed tools and techniques for safe extrication of victims
• Renders basic to intermediate care to patients including providing IV solutions and various drugs and other defined treatments; obtains patient demographics and medical history if possible; transports patients to the requested or appropriate medical facility and observes patient while traveling; records changes in condition or vital signs & provides additional care as needed or directed by emergency room personnel or physician;
  
  provides reports of observations/treatment, equipment used, and changes in patient during transport
• Remains on-site until fire has been extinguished; conducts salvage of fire scene; makes note of suspicious elements which might be related to arson and alerts supervisors to conditions; completes fire scene reports for insurance purposes and/or as required by law
• Completes various forms and reports; documents activities on each call and actions
• Supplies unit with necessary fire and medical supplies before placing unit back in service
• Performs housekeeping duties (washing vehicles, cleaning station, etc)
• Studies street and road maps and networks for most efficient routes to possible emergency call locations; documents unknown street conditions and reports to communication center
• Helps train and evaluate new personnel and participates in applicable Fire and EMT techniques, standards, and equipment
• Interacts with the public, patients, medical professionals, and public safety personnel in a multitude of situations many of which are high stress and potentially life threatening
• Provides support services in Public Health emergencies including vaccinations, mass prophylaxis, and staffing mass clinics as needed and available
• Provides public relations services by exhibiting fire and EMT apparatus and services at schools, rest homes, shopping malls, and other public areas
• Performs related work as required

• Thorough knowledge of fire science and applicable equipment and tactics employed to extinguish fires
• Thorough knowledge of emergency medical procedures and techniques including various medical supplies, drugs, solutions, and equipment used in emergency medical care
• Considerable knowledge of city/county geography and location of roads and streets
• Knowledge of radio communications equipment operation and procedures
• Skill in the response to and extinguishment of various types of fires and emergencies; skill in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in need of emergency…