Paramedic/Firefighter

Title: Paramedic Firefighter

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Uniformed

Department: Fire Department

Under general supervision of a Captain, provides direct services, individually and as a member of a team in response to fire, rescue, hazmat, and other incidents. Additionally, a Paramedic Firefighter will respond to medical emergencies and provide pre-hospital ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT care to victims of injury or illness. A Paramedic Firefighter is ordinarily the highest medical authority at an emergency medical scene and as such, makes medical decisions based on standing orders, protocols and orders from on-line and off-line medical direction.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Performs complex diagnostic and medical procedures including, but not limited to intravenous cannulation, endotracheal intubation, recognition of cardiac rhythms and arrhythmias, and the administration of various medications.
• Drives and operates fire apparatus as assigned, and/or operates as a member of an ALS engine or truck company.
• Accurately completes written and verbal reports on patient care as required.
• Performs a thorough, daily inspection and check 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 and in good order.
• Comprehends and documents complete and accurate patient histories.
• Checks medications and equipment daily to ensure proper control and inventory.
• Participates in firefighting duties as assigned and according to the Paramedic Firefighter's certification level as described in the minimum qualifications section and duties as outlined in this job description.
• Lays hose lines, operates nozzles, fire pumps and hydrants; utilizes fire extinguishers and performs other actions to suppress fire; operates hydraulic, pneumatic, and manual and power tools.
• Participates in salvage operations and post fire operations to limit damage from flames, smoke or water as required.
• Participates in drills and training evolutions as directed.
• Participates in fire and life safety inspections of commercial and multi-family residential properties.
• 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 awareness 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 the University City Fire Department SOGs.
• Participates in daily physical training as instructed.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 21 years of age
• Must have high school diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Possess and maintain a valid state of residence driver's license
• Possess and maintain a good driving record
• Graduate of the St. Louis County Fire Academy preferred
• Possess and maintain, as a condition of employment, a valid State of Missouri Paramedic license
• Possess a current and valid AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification
• Possess a current and valid AHA Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support certification
• Possess a current and valid AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification
• Possess a current and valid Basic Trauma Life Support, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, or International Trauma Life Support certification
• Physical agility test: St. Louis County Fire Academy graduate or physical agility certification (CPAT) prior to employment
• Demonstrate the ability to articulate and concisely communicate orally and in writing

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with existing triage, treatment and patient transport protocols.
• Familiarity with standing orders provided by the fire department medical director.
• Proficiency in advanced life support procedures.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to exercise appropriate safety tactics in firefighting and medical emergencies.
• In addition to basic life support (BLS) skills, must be proficient in advanced life support (ALS) skills including but not limited to IV therapy, cardiac monitoring, advanced airway control and a variety of medication therapies.
• 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.
• Knowledge of effective techniques and methods of fire suppression and control.
• Knowledge of hazardous substances and their control.
• Skill in the operation of the apparatus to be driven; skill in maintenance of equipment and fire station; skill in operation of fire and emergency medical service equipment.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED

Fire pumps, SCBA, hoses, and other standard firefighting equipment such as ladders, medical equipment, radios, vehicles, personal protective gear, rescue equipment, personal computer.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; use hands to manipulate, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must be able to move objects between 20-50 pounds short distances (20 feet or more), perform duties requiring pulling of 40 pounds or more such as removing hose from apparatus, pulling ceilings, starting power equipment, and opening doors on the apparatus, as well as frequently lift objects weighing 50 to 100 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistant, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils.
• The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particulates, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or Paramedic activities when noise levels may be loud.
• The employee will be required to work 48-hour shifts. During this time the employee may experience several interruptions of sleep, meals and/or other activities. The employee will be expected to perform essential job functions despite the potential for fatigue resultant from extended shift work.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Educational incentive pay up to $437 per year for each paramedic firefighter
• Liberal pension plan permitting retirement at age 50 with 25 years of service
• Vacation: Liberal vacation plan increasing with length of service
• Sick Leave: Up to 6 working days annually for actual illness accumulative to 42 days
• Educational tuition benefits: Up to $900/year for degree pursuit
• City pays majority of health insurance
• Uniform allowance of up to $600 per year
• Longevity Pay

CANDIDATE PROCESS

Under the procedure established by the City of University City, all appointments as a Paramedic Firefighter are made on a basis of competitive testing. Before appointment, applicants must complete and pass each phase of the selection procedure to advance to the next phase. The selection procedure typically consists of the following: Written examination, Paramedic Practical examination, oral interview, physical fitness examination, medical examination/drug screening, background investigation and psychological testing. Special consideration given to Veterans.