DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs firefighting activities in combating, extinguishing, preventing fires, providing advanced emergency medical care, and other related work activities connected with the response to emergency and other incidents; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises no supervision.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the second level in the Firefighter class series. It is distinguished from the Firefighter/EMT by the fact that incumbents perform a broader range of duties and EMS care under direct supervision.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)

• Respond to fires and other emergency or public assistance incidents in a timely, safe, and skilled manner and participate in their control through hose laying, ladder operation, ventilation, extinguishment, extrication, salvage and other activities as part of team effort.
• Perform as an emergency medical technician - paramedic; rescue people endangered by fires or other hazards and administer first aid to injured parties when assigned.
• Assist with maintaining the fire station in a clean and orderly condition.
• Perform basic maintenance and flow tests on fire hydrants; perform minor maintenance on fire tools and equipment.
• Participate in and receive training in fire control, prevention, hazardous materials, rescue, EMS and related life and property protection activities; study fire department rules, fire hazards, and firefighting including wildland firefighting and lifesaving techniques.
• Operate specialized equipment such as wildland apparatus, chain saws, portable pumps, hydraulic rescue equipment, as assigned; assist in the inspection and maintenance of fire apparatus and equipment,
• Conduct basic inspections and other fire prevention tasks including fire safety public education and presentations to eliminate or reduce fire hazards and enforce fire codes.
• Perform various public information and public relations tasks; answer questions from the general public.
• Prepare and maintain various records, maps, and reports.
• Ensure that assigned duties and responsibilities are performed in a safe and prudent manner that does not expose self or others to unnecessary harm or risk of on-the-job injury.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Policies and procedures of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.
• Geography of the district, including major streets and landmarks.
• Firefighting and rescue methods, tools, and equipment.
• Principles, use and limitations of basic mechanical tools.
• Arithmetic computations and formulas.
• Fire behavior and fire control techniques to carry out assigned wildland fire suppression.
• Fire line terminology required to communicate with other crew members.
• Symptoms of medical emergencies and of appropriate responses to such conditions.
• Advanced and basic cardiac, pediatric advanced and basic trauma life support.
• Invasive and non-invasive therapy; drug therapy as allowed by EMT Paramedic certification.
• Advanced emergency medical procedures and in patient assessment techniques.
• Specialized patient monitoring devices and life support systems such as heart monitor/defibrillator, external pacing devices, and pulse oximeters.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of firefighting and emergency rescue assignments.
• Provide emergency medical treatment to sick and injured persons.
• Assess patient’s condition and properly render emergency medical care.
• Operate emergency vehicles.
• Learn a variety of firefighting duties, methods, tools, and equipment.
• Analyze situations quickly and reach logical conclusions in emergencies.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize daily activities.
• Read and comprehend laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Read and follow street maps.
• Climb ladders and work at considerable heights.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Understand basic arithmetic elements using whole numbers, decimals, percentages, and fractions.
• Act with integrity; exercise appropriate discretion and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Exercise emotional control and work under stressful situations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, other public safety agencies, the public, and others contacted in the course of work.
• Work independently in the absence of direct supervision.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. Ability to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, and climb. Corrected hearing and vision to normal range. Verbal communication and reading ability. Ability to work at considerable heights. Ability to perform sustained and vigorous activities in a variety of environmental conditions. Ability to tolerate exposure to heat, fumes, smoke, pressurized water, and chemicals.
• Positions are required to work varied shifts, including mandatory shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Employees must maintain hairstyles and facial hair in a manner that will not interfere with the required use of self-contained breathing equipment.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a background investigation prior to being considered for employment.
• Licenses and certifications are required to be kept current and maintained for continued employment.
• Applicants will be required to pass a thorough medical examination in accordance with Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) which may include, but not be limited to,  treadmill stress EKG, hearing, vision, and lung function tests prior to appointment and for continuing employment.
• Applicants may be required to pass a Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and/or medical skills assessment prior to appointment.

*The 12-month probationary period begins upon successful completion of the academy.

This class specification is used for classification, recruitment, and examination purposes. It is not to be considered a substitute for work performance standards.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from high school or equivalent education.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Required at time of application:

• A valid driver’s license.
• CPR with a hands-on skills assessment.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) certification or Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

Required at time specified below:

• Must have the ability to obtain a Nevada’s Class “C” Driver’s License with “F” endorsement, or equivalent, which complies with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles’ requirement within six (6) months of appointment.
• Must successfully complete District’s Fire Academy and obtain Firefighter I and II certifications, which meets NFPA standards by the end of the academy.
• Must have State of Nevada or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic certification at least 2 weeks prior to appointment, and successfully pass the District skills assessment.