Firefighter/EMT-A (FT)

General Nature of Work

The purpose of this position is to perform Fire Department and EMS emergency and non-emergency operations during assigned shifts; engages in emergency scene activities including defense/exterior basic firefighting tasks and emergency medical care; and performs a variety of staff support functions, and other related work as assigned.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responds to medical emergencies and renders medical care to include patient assessment, airway management, patient treatment, and patient packaging all in accordance within the Georgia EMT-A level. Provides assistance to EMS providers as necessary including accompanying the ambulance crew to the hospital. Uses various tools, equipment, and materials associate with accomplishing emergency medical tasks. Inspects all IV fluids and drugs carried on assigned apparatus for expiration dates. Ensures all medical equipment and bags carried on apparatus are clean, re-stocked, and ready for service.
• Responds to fires; performs defensive/exterior fire related functions, exposure control, fire scene rehab setup, fire scene accountability, an apparatus operations/pumping if qualified. Is given fireground tasks by superior officers and carries out these tasks in a safe manner. Uses various tools, equipment, bunker gear, and materials associated with accomplishing fireground tasks.
• Responds to incidents involving hazardous materials; assists in the mitigation of the material in accordance with the level of training and certification. Uses various tools, equipment, and materials associated with accomplishing hazardous materials response tasks.
• Responds to technical rescue emergencies to include but not limited to; rope rescue, trench rescue, water rescue, and extrication/disentanglement of patients. Uses various tools, equipment, and materials associated with accomplishing technical rescue tasks in accordance with the level of training and certification.
• Inspects apparatus and equipment daily for readiness; performs routine maintenance and cleaning; ensures readiness after each use. Inspects PPE, SCBA mask, helmet, boots, gloves, and hood daily; cleans as needed; inspects after each use. May be asked to assist with installation of smoke detectors at residences and assist with fire prevention activities.
• Provides basic life support (BLS) and/or advanced life support (ALS) services; performs detailed subjective and objective patient assessments within established protocols, stabilization, and treatment; coordinates emergency care procedures with authorized emergency hospital staff.
• Provides protection of life and property; suppresses, controls, and extinguishes fires; performs search rescue, and extrication of victims, and forcible entries; Respond to alarms, medical assistance, natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents and first response in emergency situations.
• Compose and maintain daily reports.
• Drives, operates, and monitors a variety of fire/emergency vehicles/apparatus as needed; determines best route to reach location of emergency calls, performs driving functions in a safe and efficient manner under various conditions, including day/night hours, in congested traffic, in adverse weather conditions and in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits; positions apparatus and equipment for optimal use of equipment and hose.
• Other duties may be required and assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY AND SKILLS

• Excellent Public Relations skills required.
• Must demonstrate dependable regular attendance.
• Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of firefighting/EMT machines, equipment, and/or tools.
• Ability to work routinely under highly stressful conditions including life-threatening situations. Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing. These abilities are frequently required to develop clear and comprehensive reports and to obtain information through oral interviews and interrogations. This includes the ability to read and comprehend instructions, agency correspondence, policies, procedures, and evidentiary documents; to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions.
• Ability to appropriately respond to a variety of complex interpersonal matters and to take appropriate action based on facts and circumstances of the situation. In addition, the incumbent must be able to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions; exercise independent judgment; mentally recall conversations, observations, and impressions; and to make accurate descriptive observations of objects, events, and human behaviors in terms of physical characteristics.
• Ability to deal professionally and fairly in interactions with the public; to effectively communicate with the public; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other county departments and employees as well as with county officials.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of firefighting/EMT machines, equipment, and/or tools.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of firefighting/EMT machines, equipment, and/or tools.
• Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of 125 pounds at least one hundred (100) feet.
• Must be able to exert up to one hundred (100) pounds of force occasionally, and/or lift fifty (50) pounds frequently.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education, Experience, and Certification Requirements
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Georgia Firefighter Certification or NPQ I or II Certification Required.
• State of Georgia EMT-A or Paramedic Certification Required.
• Ability to meet and maintain current requirements set forth by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council and the Georgia Department of Health.
• Must have a valid Georgia driver’s license.

ADA Requirements: Individuals applying for the posted position must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Requirements: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (50-100 pounds).

Work Environment: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to outside weather conditions and with ammunition. 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 particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. Work is performed in both daylight and at night and may be required to travel speeds more than posted limits through areas of varying population densities and traffic congestion, and in inclement weather conditions. Work involves exposure to personal danger and psychological stress.