Firefighter EMT Intermediate (Certified)

City of Suffolk•Fire Station 6, VA

10h

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs emergency response work involving firefighting, emergency rescue, and hazardous materials response. Responds to alarms; suppresses fires; performs rescues and hazardous-material containment or cleanup; and operates related equipment and apparatus. The role also involves training in emergency response methods and equipment use, inspecting and maintaining equipment, conducting fire inspections, and performing maintenance and custodial duties at the assigned fire station. The employee provides emergency medical care at the level authorized by certification, including EMT-Intermediate functions, patient assessment, stabilization, and advanced procedures within established protocols. The position also requires operating emergency vehicles, maintaining readiness of apparatus and supplies, documenting incidents and patient care, supporting public safety agencies, and providing fire-safety education and public service. The employee reports to a Fire Lieutenant or Captain. Continued employment is contingent on successfully completing the department-provided mini academy and Driver Pump Operator certification within one year of the effective start date.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED.
Successful completion of the probationary period from a certified Fire Fighter Recruit Academy, or at least 3 years of firefighting and emergency-response experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Valid driver's license.
Hold, or be able to acquire by reciprocity, Commonwealth of Virginia certifications in Firefighter II, HAZMAT Operations, Class III EVOC, and EMT-Intermediate.
Maintain current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications.
Obtain authorization to operate as an EMT-Intermediate after completing Suffolk Fire & Rescue's field training evaluation program.
Hold a Tidewater Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) regional sanctioning certificate.
Successfully complete the department-provided mini academy and Driver Pump Operator certification within one year of the effective start date to remain employed.
Knowledge of firefighting, fire prevention, rescue, and hazardous-material equipment and apparatus; emergency-response hazards and safety precautions; basic emergency medical procedures; extrication techniques; local streets, buildings, subdivisions, and hydrant locations; and departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to operate and care for emergency-response apparatus and equipment; analyze situations quickly; take effective action in emergencies; communicate clearly orally and in writing; prepare and maintain records; follow instructions; and establish effective working relationships.
Ability to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions and remain adaptable under stress and in emergencies.

Nice To Haves

VDFP Basic Pump or Driver Pump Operator certification.
International Trauma Life Support (ITLS), Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

Respond to fire, medical, hazardous-material, motor vehicle, disaster, rescue, and other emergency calls, following dispatcher instructions.
Maintain readiness for emergency response by checking equipment and supplies, testing apparatus, restocking vehicles, and preparing equipment after calls.
Protect life and property by suppressing fires; searching, rescuing, and extricating victims; performing forcible entry; ventilating buildings; and conducting salvage and cleanup work.
Drive, operate, monitor, and position emergency vehicles and apparatus, choosing suitable routes and driving safely in varying weather conditions.
Locate water supplies; deploy, connect, and operate hoses, nozzles, pumps, and related equipment; and manage used hoses.
Provide first aid and emergency medical care within certification, assess and stabilize patients, monitor vital signs, communicate with medical facilities, move patients, and complete required records.
Conduct patient assessments, determine the severity of illness or injury, identify life-threatening conditions, prioritize treatment, perform triage, and obtain patient histories and examination findings.
Perform EMT-Intermediate functions, including advanced cardiac and trauma care, airway management, cardiac monitoring and defibrillation, IV fluid resuscitation, medication administration, and authorized invasive or non-invasive procedures.
Inspect buildings for pre-fire planning, fire hazards, and compliance with fire-prevention ordinances, and inspect structures for stability.
Assist other public service agencies and organizations, including supporting law enforcement with traffic control and addressing public-service needs such as animal rescue and road hazards.
Use emergency vehicles, medical equipment, tools, and supplies; follow safety procedures; use safety equipment; and monitor the work environment for hazards.
Maintain vehicles, buildings, quarters, hydrants, apparatus, tools, and equipment; inspect and test equipment, perform routine servicing and cleaning, and report faults.
Prepare, complete, review, process, and maintain incident, patient-care, billing, maintenance, inspection, training, hydrant, and pre-fire-planning records and other documentation.
Communicate by telephone and two-way radio, relay information and messages, respond to service requests, and coordinate activities with supervisors, colleagues, dispatchers, agencies, medical providers, members of the public, and others.
Maintain positive public relations; provide fire-safety and prevention education; conduct blood-pressure checks; install smoke detectors; and participate in civic events.
Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, equipment, and professional developments; participate in fitness training and continuing education; and attend meetings, workshops, and seminars.
Perform Emergency Medical Technician and Cardiac Technician functions within certification and physician authorization, including basic life support, cardiac care, EKG monitoring and interpretation, and medication administration.
Perform general maintenance of the fire station, grounds, quarters, and related facilities.
Serve as an EMS skills preceptor and perform other related duties as required.
Be eligible for consideration for assignment to the Fire/EMS Training Bureau and Fire Marshal's Office.