Summary

Under the supervision of a Company Officer, the Firefighter EMT engages in firefighting, specialized rescue, and fire prevention activities. Responsibilities include maintaining fire department equipment and property.

Under the supervision of a Paramedic, the Firefighter EMT provides Basic Life Support (BLS) to individuals experiencing medical emergencies or injuries. They assist the Paramedic in setting up Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment and supplies, including IVs, medications, and ECG equipment for cardiac monitoring.

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Fire Suppression

• Operates Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and performs minor field maintenance.
• Performs common fireground tasks with minimal supervision.
• Selects appropriate tools for various tasks and operates hand and power tools.
• Follows directions of the Company Officer or Incident Commander and functions as a team member.
• Identifies scene hazards and communicates them to superiors.
• Uses appropriate safety equipment.
• Operates fire department communications equipment, relaying and recording information.

2. Patient Care

• Assists the Paramedic in setting up ALS equipment and supplies.
• Operates medical equipment found on engines and ambulances.
• Documents patient conditions, treatments, reactions, and significant incidents.
• May serve as an Ambulance Chauffeur.
• Provides BLS to patients experiencing medical emergencies or injuries.
• Lifts and carries individuals of varying sizes, often in challenging conditions.
• Communicates effectively with crew members, patients, emergency personnel, and hospital staff.
• Prepares clear and concise patient care reports.
• Functions calmly and efficiently in high-stress emergency situations.
• Involves family members in patient care decisions when appropriate.

3. Specialized Rescue

• Demonstrates knowledge of vehicle extrication, confined space, and water rescue techniques.
• Understands hazards related to specialized rescue operations.
• Stays updated on modern vehicle safety features, materials, and designs to enhance extrication effectiveness.
• Operates specialized rescue equipment.
• Rescues victims, firefighters, or self from bodies of water.

4. Vehicle Maintenance

• Inspects, cleans, and decontaminates vehicles and equipment under supervision.
• Maintains vehicle readiness and reports any equipment issues to superiors.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance.

5. Miscellaneous Duties

• Adheres to department rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintains department vehicles, equipment, buildings, and grounds.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of city streets, highways, and address numbering systems to ensure efficient emergency response and optimal route selection.
• Operates department vehicles in accordance with laws and department policies.
• Performs additional related duties as required by the department or command staff.

Employment Standards

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to attend a seven-week fire academy.
• Indiana Certified EMT or eligibility for Indiana reciprocity.

Experience

• No prior experience required.

Work Environment

Firefighter EMTs are exposed to hazardous conditions, including:

• Fire, fumes, airborne particles, and toxic chemicals.
• Electrical hazards, extreme weather, and unstable structures.
• High risk of injury or fatality, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols and protective measures.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and unsanitary environments.
• Contact with aggressive or physically threatening individuals.
• Long and irregular hours, shift work, sleep deprivation, and exposure to emotionally distressing situations.

All identified duties are essential.

 Paramedic Summary

Under the jurisdiction of the Medical Director the paramedic is responsible for and directs the medical treatment a patient receives, from the moment of patient contact up to and including when the patient is transferred to the Emergency Department. The medical treatment that a paramedic can provide includes but is not limited to, IV access, intravenous medications, advanced airway maintenance, cardiac monitoring and defibrillation.

 

Under supervision of Company Officer engages in firefighting, specialized rescue and fire prevention activities. Is responsible for maintaining fire department equipment and property.

 

Responsibilities and Duties

 

1.     Performs patient care.

1.1   Ability to accurately and quickly diagnose the critical and non-critical care needs of men, women, and children and the ability to attend to the same.

1.2   Ability to lift and carry individuals of various sizes (often quickly) up and down stairs and in other adverse or challenging conditions.

1.3   Ability to operate medical equipment used on an ambulance.

1.4   Ability to communicate effectively with their crew, victims/patients, other emergency personnel and hospital personnel.

1.5   Ability to prepare clear and concise critical care and non-critical care patient reports.

1.6   Ability to function in a calm and focused manner while working with a wide variety of emergency situations, including those that are life threatening to patients and crew.

1.7   Appropriately involves the family in decision making related to patient care.

1.8   Records significant conditions of the patient, records treatment and reactions of treatment and other significant incidents.

1.9   Ability to oversee and manage team members to improve patient treatment and outcome.

1.10 Ability to perform as a preceptor for paramedic students

1.11Ability to perform as an evaluator and mentor for new employees

 

2.     Maintains vehicle and ALS equipment.

2.1   Oversees and performs inspections, cleaning and decontamination of vehicle, medications, and equipment at beginning of shift and after each call to ensure response readiness.

2.2   Maintains proper functioning of equipment and medical inventory records as necessary.

2.3   Submits equipment repair reports when needed and performs safety checks of medical supplies and equipment.

2.4   Maintains vehicle in safe and proper working conditions.

 

3.     Performs fire suppression.

3.1   Ability to use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

3.2   Perform minor field maintenance to SCBA

3.3   Ability to perform common fireground skills and tasks with little or no direct supervision.

3.4   Select correct tools for various tasks, transport and operate hand and power tools.

3.5   Follow directions of Section Leader, Company Officer or Incident Commander and function as a team member.

3.6   Recognizes scene hazards and communicates hazards to superiors.

3.7   Recognizes and is able to use proper safety equipment.

3.8   Operates fire department communications equipment, rely and record information.

 

4.     Performs Emergency and Non-Emergency Driving Operations

4.1   Must be able to remain calm and drive in a safe manner

4.2   Thorough knowledge of all applicable state and local driving laws

4.3   Thorough knowledge of all departmental rules and regulations pertaining to driving

4.4   Knowledge of the effects of vehicle control such as, braking reaction time, load factors, general steering reactions, speed and centrifugal force

4.5   Knowledge of vehicles dimensions and turning characteristics

4.6   Must be able to judge vehicle clearances, front and rear, height and width

4.7   Knowledge of the principles of skid avoidance, night driving, negotiating railroad crossings, and weight and height limitations for both roads and bridges

4.8   Safe vehicle operation during emergency and non-emergency conditions, operation under adverse environmental or driving surface conditions

4.9   Safe vehicle operation and operation of passenger restraint devices

 

5.     Performs specialized rescue

5.1   Knowledge of techniques used in vehicle extrication, confined space and water rescue.

5.2   Knowledge of hazards to firefighters engaged in vehicle extrication, confined space and water rescue.

5.3   Knowledge of latest design in vehicle construction and how they apply to vehicle extrication.

5.4   Ability to use specialized rescue equipment for vehicle extrication, confined space rescue and water rescue.

5.5   Ability to rescue victims, other firefighters or self from a body of water.

 

6.     Miscellaneous Duties

6.1   Knows and understands department rules, regulations and SOP’s.

6.2   Maintains fire department vehicles and equipment.

6.3   Maintains fire department buildings and grounds.

6.4   Maintains thorough working knowledge of streets, highways, and address numbering system in the city.

6.5   Operates department vehicles per federal, state, and local laws and in a manner consistent with department policies.

6.6   Ability to use free time productively with little or no direct supervision.

6.7   Assumes the duties of the next higher-ranking position in their absence.

6.8   Performs related duties as required.

Work Environment: Exposure to various illnesses and diseases, exposure to physically threatening patients or other individuals. Exposure to but not limited to bodily fluids, bloodborne and airborne diseases, viruses, and communicable diseases. Exposure to extremely unhealthy living conditions at patient’s dwellings, including no utilities, or extremely limited lighting.

 

Exposure to fire, fumes, airborne particles and other respiratory hazards, toxic or caustic chemicals, electrical hazards, dirt, mud, and weather extremes. Risk of serious injury or death and requires the use of protective clothing and the strict observance of safety precautions and procedures.

 

 

All identified duties are essential

Portage Fire Department Hiring & Applicant

Information Guide

The Portage Fire Department seeks dedicated, professional individuals to join our team. This

guide outlines the hiring process and provides important information about appearance standards

so applicants know what to expect before employment.

Hiring Process Overview

Applications

· Applications are accepted year-round.

Hiring Process Schedule

· Up to three hiring processes are conducted each year, as needed.

· Processes are scheduled in March, July, and November.

Minimum Requirements to Apply

· High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

· Valid Driver’s License.

Requirements Prior to Interview

· Swim Test and Aerial Climb successfully completed within the last 365 days.

· Completion of the online test and interview questions.

· Certified as at least an EMT-B, or currently enrolled in an EMT course.

· Minimum combined score of 60 on the online test and interview.

Merit Board Interview

· Applicants will participate in a Merit Board Interview with at least two board

members present.

· Questions may be sourced from the Public Safety Answers (PSA) process.

· The applicant’s overall PSA score will be factored into rankings as an additional

interview score.

Hiring List Eligibility

· To be placed on the hiring list, applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 70%.· Scores are based on:

o Previous work history.

o Certifications and/or degrees.

o Interview score (including PSA scoring).

Job Offer Requirements

· Minimum certification of Indiana EMT-B or ability to obtain reciprocity.

· Valid CPAT card within the last 365 days.

· Age requirement: at least 18 years old, and less than 40 years old, unless already

enrolled in the INPRS '77 plan.

Important Notes

· Candidates must obtain all required certifications and completions within 60 days of the

hiring list being certified, or they will be removed from the list. Removal does not

prevent reapplying in future processes.

· Employment is contingent upon a background check, medical evaluation, and

psychiatric evaluation.

Applicant Information: Grooming & Appearance Standards

To maintain professionalism and safety, all employees must follow the Portage Fire

Department’s grooming and appearance standards. Applicants should review these standards

before beginning the hiring process.

1. Hair

· Must be fully concealable within protective hoods without interfering with proper fit of

headgear or SCBA facepiece.

· Length must not interfere with EMS duties or pose contamination risks.

· May be secured in a bun, ponytail, or braid, using accessories such as ties, clips, or

barrettes.

· Hair must be neat, clean, and of a natural color (brown, blonde, black, white, gray, or

red). Unnatural colors (blue, green, purple, bright red, etc.) are not permitted.

· Wigs or hairpieces are allowed if they meet these standards and do not create safety

hazards.

2. Facial Hair

· Must comply with OSHA CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection.

· Any hair interfering with the SCBA seal must be clean-shaven at the start of each shift.

· Must meet the same grooming standards for color and style as head hair.3. Tattoos, Body Art, and Brands

· Prohibited if prejudicial to good order, discipline, or professionalism, or if they bring

discredit to the department.

· Not allowed: nudit

Knowledge Requirements

• Detailed understanding of BLS patient care and handling.
• Sufficient knowledge of ALS procedures to assist Paramedics.
• Comprehensive understanding of fire behavior and suppression techniques as per NFPA Level II standards.
• Knowledge of water rescue, vehicle extrication, and confined space rescue techniques.

Physical Demands

This position requires considerable physical exertion, including:

• Climbing ladders and stairs.
• Lifting and carrying objects over 50 pounds.
• Crawling in dark, confined spaces.
• Dragging or carrying victims and equipment.
• Forcibly entering locked structures.
• Breaching wood and masonry walls.
• Performing all tasks while wearing full protective gear.
• Requires endurance, agility, and strength in extreme conditions, including high heat, low visibility, confined spaces, and rapid decision-making under pressure.

Note: The above list is not exhaustive; additional physical demands apply.

Paramedic Requirements

Employment Standards: High school education, or equivalent

                                           Indiana drivers license

                                      Clean driving record for acceptance from city insurance carrier

                                           Ability to attend seven week fire academy

                                    Indiana Certified Paramedic, or eligible for Indiana reciprocity

                                           Acceptance from sponsoring hospital to function as a Paramedic

 

Experience Necessary: None

 

Knowledge Required: Detailed knowledge of patient care and handling as they apply to Basic and Advanced Life Support. Detailed knowledge of fire behavior and suppression techniques as they apply to a NFPA level II firefighter. Sufficient knowledge of different rescue techniques such as water rescue, vehicle extrication and confined space. Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification, BTLS, PALS and PHTLS certifications preferred.

 

Physical Demands: Work requires considerable and strenuous exertion such as extending and climbing of ladders, climbing stairs, lifting objects over 50 pounds, crouching or crawling in dark restricted spaces, pulling hose lines into buildings and around various obstacles, carrying equipment to all areas of the fireground including upper floors and roofs, forcing entry into locked structures, breaching wood and masonry walls, dragging or carrying victims or other firefighters to safety, penetrating walls, ceilings or other concealed areas. All of these critical tasks must be carried out while wearing full protective clothing. The critical physical demands are not limited to this list; the complete list of physical demands would be too lengthy to list.

 

 Portage Fire Department

AERIAL LADDER CLIMB

Purpose:

This test meets the requirements stated in Indiana Code 36-8-3.2. This portion of the

testing procedure tests for fear of heights (acrophobia).

Instructions:

While wearing a safety harness, helmet and gloves, while attached to a safety line the

applicant will climb the aerial ladder until you touch the designated rung. The applicant

will then climb down to the base of the ladder.

The applicant will keep his/her hands and feet in contact with the ladder rungs. The

applicant will not rest their hands on or use the sides of the aerial device.

Safety:

If at any time during the ladder climb the applicant does not wish to continue, snap the

hook from the safety belt to one of the rungs of the ladder. The applicant will be assisted

down the ladder.

Ladder setup:

Height: 70 feet

Incline: 70-degree angle

Time limit:

3 minutes is the time limit for this event. If the evaluator feels at any time the applicant

has stopped climbing and isn’t capable of completing the climb without assistance that

shall be considered a failed attempt.

Scoring:

Pass/Fail

Fail Criteria:

· Unable to complete the task without assistance

· Not touching the top rung of the ladder

· Skipping any ladder rungs while ascending or descending

· Stopping during the test

· Not completing within defined time limit

Updated April 28, 2025

Portage, IN 46368