Firefighter/Paramedic (Lateral) (20622921)

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Responds to fire alarms, emergency medical calls at the basic life support level, emergency rescues, hazardous materials incidents, public service calls or other incidents, which require the mitigation of circumstances that may threaten life or property.
• Drives and operates all fire equipment and locates the apparatus at the proper place at the scene.
• In a fire emergency, lays, connects, charges and uses supply lines and various water appliances to control and extinguish fires; places water curtains and performs ventilating and access maneuvers; uses foam and chemical extinguishers as required by the nature of the fire.
• Searches and rescues victims from buildings, motor vehicles, water hazards and other locations.
• Applies medical treatment and life support techniques within the scope of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); provides assistance to qualified paramedics, as directed; assists in the emergency transportation of patients.
• Isolates and minimizes hazardous materials spills.
• Works closely with other emergency medical staff, including providing paramedic services as a paramedic in a member agency of the San Mateo County Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Group Joint Powers Agency; coordinates with police and public safety and fire personnel from other agencies; responds to mutual aid situations.
• Participates in the fire inspections of buildings and properties within the City on a regularly scheduled basis
• Participates in investigations, clean-up, salvage, and overhaul operations.
• Maintains apparatus and vehicles in a clean and operable condition; performs minor maintenance and repair on equipment; reports the need for major repair.
• Maintains the station and living quarters in a clean and orderly condition; performs minor maintenance on facilities and station equipment.
• Participates in drills and training sessions.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with the community; presents a variety of educational and public services programs to children, youth and community groups.
• Performs and coordinates specific program or project areas, such as:
  • Hazardous materials, CPR and First Aid training;
  • Specialty apparatus acquisition maintenance;
  • Uniforms and personal protective equipment acquisition and maintenance.
  • Communications equipment acquisition and maintenance;
  • City-wide extinguisher and medical supply program; and/or
  • Hydrant service and beautification.
• Prepares reports; prepares and maintains logs, records, and accurate files.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of fire suppression, containment, rescue, clean-up, and salvage.
• Principles and practices of providing emergency medical care at the EMT – P level.
• Practices and techniques of driving varied vehicles and operating a wide range of fire apparatus.
• Practices and techniques hazardous materials response, containment and clean-up.
• Basic maintenance practices for fire services vehicles, equipment and facilities.
• Applicable laws, codes and ordinances.
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Techniques of first aid and CPR.
• Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often in emergency or stressful situations.

Education and Experience:

Equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by possession of a valid EMT Paramedic certificate and completion of an accredited pre-service or recruit Firefighter I Academy. Completion of two years of college-level course work in fire technology or a related field and at least one year of experience as a paramedic and one year of experience as a paid or volunteer firefighter are desirable.

License:

Must possess a valid California class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.  Must obtain a valid California non-commercial class C driver license with firefighter “F” endorsement within 60 days of appointment.    Must obtain and maintain valid Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), PreHospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) or Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certificates. Must possess a State of California Paramedic license. 

Working Conditions:

Must be willing to work 24-hour shifts as scheduled by the department and work with exposure to emergency circumstances, including exposure to hazardous materials and all-weather conditions. Must be willing to pass a background investigation, including fingerprinting.

Physical Demands:

Must possess mobility and physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and use all emergency apparatus and lift and move individuals or objects weighing more than 100 pounds; ability to work in a standard office setting and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to discern colors and assess emergency situations, including medical incidents, and to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and before groups in person and over the telephone and radio.