Firefighter Paramedic

Job Summary

MUST CURRENTLY HOLD NATIONAL REGISTRY PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATION

This position is in the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS). DCFEMS provides fire suppression, technical rescue, fire prevention, education, community risk-reduction, and pre-hospital care and transportation services to the residents and visitors of the District of Columbia. The Department strives to protect life and property.

Firefighter Paramedics will work in a fast-paced, innovative, and data driven jurisdiction with unique and high-profile special events related to its status as the Nation’s Capital. Firefighter Paramedics will gain tremendous experience while supporting the core mission of the Department and also have the opportunity to apply for positions that focus on unique specialties. Firefighter Paramedics are assigned to one of thirty-three fire houses throughout the District of Columbia.

The incumbent will travel primarily by fire suppression unit and medic unit in a prompt and efficient manner in response to calls for emergency incidents. Emergency incidents may include structure fires, emergency medical care of critically ill or injured patients, technical rescues, etc.

Incumbent provides emergency medical care in accordance with innovative and data driven protocols, which may include stabilizing critically ill or injured patients through the application of advanced life support procedures, such as intubation, peripheral intravenous insertion, defibrillation, and administration of pharmacological agents. The incumbent will drive a medic unit to a specific address or location of an emergency, choosing the most direct and expeditious route in a timely and safe manner.

The incumbent will maintain basic and advanced life support care during transportation to the appropriate hospital emergency department. The incumbent will accurately report, verbally and in writing, observations, interventions, and emergency care given to the patient at the scene and in transit to the emergency department for record keeping and diagnostic purposes. The incumbent may manage emotionally disturbed, alcohol and drug intoxicated, and unruly patients.

Incumbent performs as a firefighter, responding to all conditions and life-hazards, both known and unknown, with a minimal response time. Upon arrival at an emergency incident, the incumbent will relay conditions, life-hazards, and exposures to commanding officers. As a Firefighter Paramedic the incumbent will examine structures for signs of fire extension or other dangers and determine the safest evacuation route for occupants.

The incumbent will make forcible entries, make openings for ventilation, perform overhaul operations, deploy hose lines, and operate hydrant systems. Firefighter Paramedics drive and operate fire suppression apparatus of significant complexity, including pumps, aerial ladder trucks, and rescue squads. Firefighter Paramedics may extricate injured and/or entrapped patients by safely employing rescue techniques, which include various extrication devices. Additionally, they will use power tools, saws, and ventilation fans.

Candidates must successfully pass and complete the DC Fire and EMS Department’s Recruit Training Course and pass all probationary requirements. Candidates will demonstrate competence providing pre-hospital emergency care through various mechanisms, including field training.

• Birth Certificate or Naturalization Documentation
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• State Issued Driver’s License
• National Registry Paramedic (EMT-P) Certification

All required licenses must be uploaded at the time of application submission to be considered for the position.

Candidates must hold and maintain the following minimum certifications for the duration of employment:

• Firefighter I and II certifications
• Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (EMT-P)
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or approved alternative
• National Registry Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (NREMT-P)
• Any other certifications…