Firefighter EMT/A-EMT/Paramedic

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Fire/EMS Acting Officer, Lieutenant, or Captain, the Firefighter EMT/A-EMT/Paramedic performs specialized work in the prevention and suppression of fires and performs life support skills based on level of certification. The job is one that requires both physical and mental abilities to solve life-threatening problems.

Essential Functions:

• Responds to fire alarms, rescue, emergency medical, and other emergency calls.
• Performs fire ground activities, building evacuations, hydrant operations, search and rescue, interior/exterior fire attack, and rehabilitation activities.
• Drives and operates firefighting apparatus, ambulances, vehicles, and equipment.
• Provides prehospital care commensurate to certification level as defined by Kansas Board of EMS and local medical direction.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire department equipment and facilities.
• Completes appropriate records and reports.
• Attends drills and classes for fire and EMS training.
• Subject to call back on days off.
• Participates in fire and EMS prevention programs.
• Tests hose and hydrants.
• Maintains physical fitness.
• Maintains all required employment certifications.
• Makes home and building inspections and develops general evaluation of anticipated problems in case of fires.
• Directs and operates extrication equipment in removal of victims from wreckage and entrapment.
• Performs other duties as required to accomplish or enhance departmental mission.

Marginal Functions:

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned.

Position Requirements Based on Certification:

Firefighter/EMT

Starting Pay range: $20.54 - $21.79 hourly

Experience: Kansas EMT certification is required for this position, Firefighter 1 certification required within one year of employment. Employees in this position may be required to attend a paramedic course if paramedic levels fall below required levels. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must be able to obtain a Non-Commercial Class B driver’s license within one year of employment.

Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent educational experience required. EMT from an accredited post-secondary institution. Associate's degree preferred.

Decision Making: Decision making may be a factor in this position. Decisions include determining the proper methods and techniques needed for fire, EMS, and rescue activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Firefighter/A-EMT

Starting Pay range: $21.98 - $23.32 hourly

Experience: Kansas Advanced EMT certification and Firefighter 1 certification (within one year of employment) are required for this position. Must have valid driver's license, two to three years related experience and/or training preferred. Must be able to obtain a Non-Commercial Class B driver’s license within one year of employment.

Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent educational experience required. EMT-A from an accredited post-secondary institution. Associates degree preferred.

Decision Making: Major decision-making exists in this position as it pertains to patient care activities. Duties follow prescribed policies and procedures.

Supervisor Responsibilities: Directs patient care activities of EMTs and assisting Paramedics as required.

Firefighter/Paramedic

Starting Pay range: $25.16 - $26.70 hourly

Experience: Kansas Certified Paramedic and Firefighter 1 certification (within one year of employment) are required for this position. Must have valid driver's license, two to three years related experience and/or training preferred. Must be able to obtain a Non-Commercial Class B driver’s license within one year of employment.

Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent educational experience required. EMT-P from an accredited post-secondary institution. Associates degree preferred.

Decision Making: Major decision-making exists in this position as it pertains to patient care activities. Duties follow prescribed policies and procedures.

Supervisor Responsibilities: Directs patient care activities of EMTs, AEMTs, and assisting other Paramedics as required.

Position Requirements for All Levels of Certification:

Skills: A thorough knowledge in emergency medical care, fire suppression methods, rescue techniques and handling of hazardous materials. The ability to operate and maintain heavy apparatus and equipment. This person needs to have good writing and communications skills for dealing with patients and writing reports after the response.

Problem Solving: This position requires an ability to solve problems as they pertain to patient care, within certification guidelines, as well as minimizing life and property damage due to fire.

Accountability: Employee is accountable for his/her actions while performing the duties of the position. He/she is also accountable for performing these duties in a safe manner for his/herself, co-workers, the patients he/she serves, and the public.

Personal Relations: This position frequently requires interaction with patients, citizens, other departments of the city and county, and other allied health care providers. Therefore, this person will possess the ability to work with others, maintaining a high degree of professionalism and fulfilling the mission of our department.

Residency Requirement: None

Working Conditions: Firefighter/EMS Professionals are responsible for the skilled and technical work of firefighting entailing the combating, extinguishing and prevention of fires and the saving of life and property. As a prehospital Emergency Medical Services provider, the Firefighter/EMT/Paramedic is also responsible for providing treatment and care of the ill and/or injured. Depending on the location of the scene, the crew may navigate through rough terrain (in wooded areas), in/out of steep ravines, etc. They may be exposed to all weather conditions, bloodborne pathogens, toxic fumes, and hazardous situations. Due to the nature of the job, the firefighter is required to use considerable independent judgment and action in circumstances where it is not possible to refer to a superior for instructions.

Physical Requirements: Firefighter/EMT/AEMT/Paramedic’s physical job demands require occasional lift of up to 100 lbs. floor to knuckle; occasional lift of up to 40 lbs. floor to overhead; occasional carry of up to 100 lbs. 10 ft; occasional carry of up to 25 lbs., each hand, 100 feet; occasional vertical pull force of up to 80 lbs.; occasional vertical push force of up to 60 lb.; occasional horizontal pull force of up to 175 lbs.; occasional horizontal push/pull force of up to 75 lbs.; occasional grip force of up to 90 lbs.; occasional stair and ladder climb; frequent bend; occasional kneel/crouch; frequent forward reach; occasional overhead reach; occasional crawl; occasional run, frequent sit; frequent stand and frequent walk.

PDC Level: Very Heavy

This description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.