GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under occasional supervision, performs fire suppression duties and provides emergency medical treatment at the Paramedic level on assigned shift.  Performs duties in accordance with all established policies, procedures and medical protocol.  Maintains and prepares required records and reports.  Participates in training, fire prevention and education programs as required.  Reports to the Lieutenant or Captain.

                                            SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responds to emergency fire, medical, hazardous material, auto accidents and other emergencies.

Performs fire suppression duties to protect the lives and property of those in need of assistance.

Responds to emergency medical calls, providing basic, intermediate and advanced life support treatment to patients as well as transportation to appropriate medical facilities. Assesses the condition of patients and makes decisions regarding proper courses of action.  Performs such duties as CPR, cardiac monitoring, medication calculation and administration, immobilization of body, wound treatment, control of bleeding, monitoring and relaying of vital signs, oxygen and IV therapy administration, sterile suctioning, intubation, defibrillation, ECG monitoring and the management of cardiac arrest and severe trauma patients.  Performs extrication of victims from wreckage as necessary. 

Maintains radio communications with dispatch center, hospital personnel and other public safety agencies to receive and to transmit instructions involving patient care.  Determines the need for back-up assistance.

Completes required records and forms documenting patient treatment. 

Assists with the inspection and maintenance of emergency vehicles and the performing of daily supply and equipment inventory; restocks equipment in preparation for subsequent medical responses and shifts. 

Participates in general fire prevention, public education and public relations efforts, including making presentations to various groups.

Participates in employee training programs; provides leadership and instruction to subordinate fire personnel and/or trainees as assigned.

Performs all duties in accordance with applicable licenses, certifications, policies, codes, statutes, laws and regulations, and standards of quality and safety.

Keeps abreast of new technology, methods and regulations for fire prevention and suppression operations; attends meetings, conferences and continuing education classes as required and/or appropriate. 

Remains on call 24 hours per day for emergencies.

Prepares and/or processes maintenance records, accident/incident reports, EMS medical reports, exposure reports, inventory records, patient billing reports, vehicle daily check-off, work orders, student evaluations, etc.

Operates a vehicle, rescue unit, support unit, aerial truck and fire engine, and operates/uses all fire suppression equipment, hand and power tools, generator, gas detector, self-contained breathing apparatus, rescue equipment and protective gear, extrication devices, life-saving / life supporting equipment, medical instruments and supplies.  Operates a computer, two-way radio, telephone, etc. 

Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor, other department supervisors and employees, other City personnel, other fire/rescue/EMS departments, mechanics, school personnel and students, community organizations, patients, and the general public.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs other assignments as deemed necessary by Fire Chief.

Performs general housekeeping and routine building maintenance as needed.

Participates in general public education and public relations efforts.

Performs related duties as required.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job:  Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Fire Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Firefighter / Paramedic.  Understands the role of the position in relation to entire City operations.  Has considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of City and other governmental agencies.  Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.  Has knowledge in the areas of fire science, emergency medical technology, medical reporting, etc.  Knows how to determine and ensure safety on firegrounds.  Has the ability to use independent judgment and discretion in critical situations such as response to fires, medical emergencies, and other natural and man-made emergency/disaster situations.  Is able to make sound, educated decisions that affect the life and health of self and others in stressful, critical situations. Is physically able to fight fires and provide rescue and medical assistance at emergency scenes.  Knows how to utilize various pieces of firefighting equipment and tools in a safe and efficient manner.  Is able to perform duties under adverse environmental conditions such as excessive heat, cold, odors, smoke, fumes / toxic agents, wetness, noise, humidity, machinery hazards, violence, electric currents, violence and disease. Is able to perform according to standards despite working long hours and intense, exhausting schedules.   Has knowledge of applicable occupational hazards and safety precautions.   Has the ability to offer instruction and advice to trainees regarding departmental policies, methods and regulations. Is able to provide training for employees, including explanations and written instructions in order to ensure that standards and regulations are understood and implemented.   Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.  Is able to carry out orders and requests in a timely manner.  Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.  Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.  Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.  Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.  Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department.  Is able to communicate in a firm and tactful manner with various agencies, members of the public, and City departments and is persuasive in such communication.  Is able to maintain confidentiality as required.  Knows how to make public presentations.   Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations.  Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology.  Has knowledge of the use of computers for data and word processing. 

Quality of Work:  Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.  Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility.  Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work:  Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability:  Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work.   Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures.  Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:  Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:  Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities.  Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:  Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility.  Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives.  Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations.  Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors.  Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation:  Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same.  Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc.  Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others:  Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual  benefit.  Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees.  Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts.  Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to established and maintain good will.  Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work:  Plans and organizes daily work routine.  Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.  Avoids duplication of effort.  Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly.  Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time.  Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. 

Safety and Housekeeping:  Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards.  Ensures such standards are not violated. 

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Candidates must possess a valid State of Florida Certificate of Completion or Compliance for Firefighter and a valid State of Florida EMT and Paramedic Certification from a State Approved Training Center.

Candidates must also possess a valid state class "E" CDL driver's license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements:  Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including vehicles, fire engines, fire fighting equipment, emergency medical equipment, computer, telephone/radio, etc.  Must be physically able to perform the physical demands of firefighting and emergency medical services.  Must meet adopted physical examination standards.  Must be able to deal with the physical and emotional effects of extreme stress.

Data Conception:  Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications:  Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information.  Includes receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor.

Language Ability:  Requires ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, technical manuals, equipment specifications, etc.  Requires the ability to prepare routine reports, maintenance records, EMS reports, etc. with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.  Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Verbal Aptitude:  Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow verbal and written instructions; to teach employees. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including fire science, medical, mechanics, etc.

Numerical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to utilize mathematical formulas, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time and weight.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:  Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination:  Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office and specialized machinery; to operate motor vehicles and fire engines.

Manual Dexterity:  Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, etc.  Must have significant levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination:  Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament:  Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.  Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency, unusual or dangerous situations, or in situations in which working speed and sustained attention are make or break aspects of the job.  The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a significant degree, or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Physical Communications:  Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing:  perceiving nature of sounds by ear).