Firefighter/EMT

Primarily responsible for emergency medical services, fire suppression, prevention, and rescue, on an assigned shift in the Fire Department.

An employee in this class participates in the operations of fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical life support and other incident response, and fire education and prevention.  The employee works on a 24-hour shift and participates as part of a team in the maintenance of facilities, equipment, and apparatus. The employee shares responsibility for driving fire apparatus or EMS vehicle to response scenes and for operating pumping equipment, preparing vehicles for response, and preparing records of incidents.  The employee also participates in pre-incident inspections, maintenance of records, and training for increased proficiency. Work is performed under stressful emergency conditions and involves personal hazards. Work requires that the employee stay abreast of state-of-the-art fire suppression, medical response, and rescue procedures, techniques, and equipment. The employee is subject to the hazards associated with incident response work including working in inside and outside environments, working at heights, in extreme hot and cold temperatures, loud noise, vibration, moving parts, high heat, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, oils, and may require wearing respirators, SCBA and working in close quarters. The employee is also subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work completed.

Essential Duties and Tasks
Participates in incident response; responds to medical emergencies, responds to alarms and participates in the suppression of fires including entry, ventilation, victim extrication and rescue, and salvage work including operation of fire apparatus and other equipment as required; responds and participates in containment of chemical spills, hazardous materials, and other related incidents.
Provides responses to emergency medical calls and administers emergency medical care at the EMT Certification level which may include basic life support such as CPR, airway management, bandaging wounds, immobilizing broken bones, controlling hemorrhaging, defibrillation, suctioning, IV access, and oxygen administration.
Drives emergency apparatus to incident scene; preforms emergency medical care and assistance; properly places apparatus to establish water supply or other needs; ensures proper operation and pressure of hoses; issues equipment and monitors radio traffic for necessary response; returns emergency apparatus and related equipment to service after incident response.
Performs light/general/routine maintenance and cleaning of fire apparatus, equipment, station building, and related facilities; Inspects station and equipment for proper appearance and condition; maintains equipment and re-stocks supplies; washes, waxes and refuels rolling stock; checks fuel and oil levels; cleans and dries hoses and personal gear.
Maintains and tests fire hoses, pumpers, hydrants, etc. and other related activities to ensure readiness.
Participates in and assists with related activities in support of fire and emergency medical operations · including fire pre-planning, fire education and prevention programs, fire inspections technology support, etc.
Assists with the preparation of fire and medical response reports; participates in special projects as required; participates in training to maintain or enhance skills.
 
Additional Job Duties
Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices, and procedures. Considerable knowledge of the hazards of firefighting and appropriate safety precautions. Considerable knowledge of basic and advanced life support protocols and procedures.
Working knowledge of modern methods of attacking fire emergencies and of the use and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
Working knowledge of incident response including response to structure and vehicle fires,
Hazardous materials spills, water and general rescue techniques, and emergency medical service calls.
Working knowledge of departmental rules and regulations.
Working knowledge of Town streets and layout.
Ability to operate all department equipment and apparatus.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, volunteers, Officials, and members of the public.
Ability to respond appropriately to emergency medical calls as an EMT.
Ability to prepare records of work activities.

Required Education, Certifications and Experience
Graduation from high school supplemented by completion of courses and seminars in fire service.   Firefighter Certification preferred or obtain within 1 year of hire, as well as NCOEMS EMT certification
 
Preferred Certifications within 2 years Timeframe Established by City
Class B North Carolina driver’s license; Emergency Vehicle Driver (EVD); NC Driver Operator Pumps; Technical Rescue; NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800.