Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for protecting lives and property endangered by fires and other emergency situations. This position is also responsible for providing a high level of pre-hospital advanced emergency medical care to sick and injured patients of all ages at the scene, while en route and at the emergency department as needed.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Responds to fires; suppresses fires utilizing such fire-fighting equipment and rescue techniques as nozzle direction, building ventilation, and overhaul.
• Rescues fire and accident victims utilizing the appropriate extrication methods and equipment.
• Administers first aid and CPR.
• Inspects assigned apparatus and equipment; cleans, repairs, and performs routine maintenance on same.
• Drives emergency vehicles; establishes fire streams and monitors gauges.
• May serve as incident commander until relieved by a senior officer.
• May serve as Battalion Chief or Shift Captain in his/her absence.
• Performs housekeeping, building maintenance, and grounds keeping duties.
• Participates in and assists with training sessions.
• Flushes and maintains fire hydrants; tests hose and fire pumps.
• Prepares incidents reports, gas and vehicle maintenance logs, and other reports.
• Provides fire prevention information to the public; may assist with the teaching of fire safety classes.
• Performs fire preplanning.
• Performs all pre-hospital patient care in compliance with the Habersham County Emergency Services patient care protocols, as approved by the Emergency Services Medical Director.
• Performs daily inspections of ambulances and on-board supplies and equipment and restocks after each call.
• Completes the State required Patient Care Report on each call dispatched.
• Drives and controls an ambulance.
• Completion of monthly educational requirements and training, including Health Stream
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of firefighting, rescue, and extrication techniques.
• Knowledge of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Knowledge of local fire codes, as well as where to access state and federal fire code information as required.
• Knowledge of the geography, roads, buildings, and fire hydrant locations of the county.
• Knowledge of first aid and CPR principles and applications.
• Knowledge of appropriate personal protective equipment to use to protect from potentially infectious or hazardous materials and bloodborne pathogens.
• Knowledge of potential fire hazards.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of building construction and basic mechanics.
• Skill in the operation and use of fire equipment and apparatus.
• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in oral and written communication and interpersonal relations.

Firefighter I/ Paramedic, Emergency Services Page 2

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Emergency Services Director, Assistant Emergency Services Director or designee assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include local, state and federal fire codes, National Fire Protection association guidelines, State Office of EMS Standards, and local ordinances, building codes, departmental standard operating procedures and department-specific Infection Control guidelines. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related fire suppression, rescue, and equipment maintenance tasks. The variety of emergency situations contributes to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to protect lives and property through fire prevention and suppression activities. Successful performance helps insure the safety of community lives and property.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, fire and emergency victims, law enforcement personnel, utility company representatives, other emergency personnel, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• May be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals while performing job duties. Noise level may be high in certain situations.
• Regularly exposed to all types of weather conditions and in high/low precarious places.
• The work is performed with the employee sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching or stooping. The employee must be able to lift and carry light and heavy objects, climb ladders, use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and be able to distinguish between shades of color.
• The work is performed inside a fire station and outside at fire scenes. The employee is exposed to noise, dirt, machinery with moving parts, heat, smoke, hazardous situations, irritating chemicals, and inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.
• This position works 24 Hour shifts, but hours may be long and irregular; includes evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has functional supervision over volunteer firefighters in the absence of the Battalion Chief or Shift Captain.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid drivers license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association and the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Act.
• Paramedic Certification required.
• Current Paramedic registration in the State of Georgia.
• Current CPR, ACLS, and NIMS compliant.

Habersham Public Safety