Description

Definition: Under the general supervision of the Lieutenant, this position is responsible for performing entry-level firefighting and providing paramedic-level emergency medical care. This position entails combating, extinguishing and preventing fires; responding to and rendering aid during natural and manmade disasters; providing public education and training, and responding to and providing paramedic level treatment in medical emergencies. The position is designed to help the Town's Fire Department respond effectively to all emergencies.

Essential Functions of the Job: The listed examples may not include all duties performed by the person in this position. Duties may vary from time to time and are at the discretion of the Chief. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability.

• Respond to request for emergency medical assistance in a department vehicle
• Provide on-site care to patients of accidents, heart attacks, strokes and other medical and traumatic incidents
• Respond to alarms of fire, medical and non-medical emergencies
• Provide direct hands-on support to paramedics with transport ambulance provider
• Remove person(s) from danger by extricating patients from vehicle accidents, prepare for transport to a hospital, and administer paramedic level life support to injured persons
• Maintain inventory of drugs, narcotics and equipment daily to ensure proper control
• Performs Advanced Life Support (ALS) level of service and provides other assistance as required
• Performs duties as a certified Paramedic according to criteria and standards set forth by State requirements and the Department
• Completes emergency medical and fire training necessary to maintain certifications
• Completes written and verbal reports on patient care
• Administers medical drugs to ensure proper care and all required documentation
• Participate in fire drills and attend classes in firefighting, emergency medicine, hazardous materials, fire containment methods and techniques, handling emergencies, fire inspection methods and standards and related subjects
• Communicates in person, via telephone, and/or via two-way radio providing information and assistance or responding to requests for assistance
• Responds to fire alarms, connects hose, holds nozzle and directs water streams
• Forces entry of premises for firefighting, rescue and salvage operations, uses chemical fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, and other equipment
• Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings
• Performs salvage operations such as throwing covers, sweeping water and removing debris
• Physically able to perform all duties wearing a complete set of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
• Performs hazardous tasks, under emergency conditions, requiring extreme strenuous and physical labor, such as, bending, crouching, stooping, crawling, and climbing in buildings and close quarters for extended periods under some unfavorable climatic conditions of extreme heat, humidity, or freezing temperatures, and frequently lifting objects weighing 50 to 100 pounds
• Performs duties in environments of dense smoke, extreme heat and fire
• Participate in flow testing fire hydrants, which involves taking caps off hydrant and opening hydrant to check water flow
• Performs general maintenance to fire department property including but not limited to cleaning walls and floors, washing and drying hoses, mowing yard, washing windows, and otherwise maintaining quarters
• Perform such other duties as may from time to time be designated or required by the Chief.

Required Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of fire prevention, federal, state and Town regulations, ordinances, and codes as applied to firefighting and prevention
• Knowledge of geographic area of the Town
• Knowledge of the techniques, procedures, practices and equipment used in emergency medical assistance at the Paramedic level
• Knowledge of firefighting equipment and its intended uses
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Town employees, peers, subordinates, supervisors, and representatives of cooperating agencies and the public
• Ability to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and rapid adjustments
• Ability to operate heavy power tools including extrication equipment
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to lift, carry, push and/or pull heavy objects and materials
• Ability to wear heavy protective clothing for extended periods of time
• Ability to climb ladders and perform firefighting and rescue operations from various heights including roofs
• Ability to receive directions and effectively complete those directions
• Ability to exercise good judgement in evaluating situations and recognize and mediate unsafe conditions or situations
• Ability to apply rules and regulations as they relate to job duties
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and other basic computer operations as well as the ability to learn software programs utilized by the department and town. Required

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess a valid driver's license in the State of Tennessee with "F" Endorsement.
• Must possess State of Tennessee Firefighter I, or above certification.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Tennessee Emergency Medical Technician- Paramedic license.
• Must successfully complete within one (1) year of employment a Firefighter II certification issued by the State of TN Commission on Fire Fighting.
• Any equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Special Requisites:

• Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or any misdemeanor that involved force, liquor, or drug laws. Applicants who have military service must possess an "Honorable" discharge.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, pollen, odors, chlorine gas, methane gas, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, fumes, hazardous materials, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim light, toxic agents, disease or pathogenic substances.
• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of color, sounds, depth, texture and visual cues or signals.