Firefighter/EMT

City of Fairfax•Va 22030, VA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Fairfax is accepting applications for the position of full-time career Firefighter/EMT. This essential emergency position involves skilled firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires to protect life and property. Work also involves routine maintenance of fire department equipment, apparatus, and quarters. Employees of this class perform hazardous tasks under emergency conditions, which may require strenuous exertion under such conditions as fire, heat, smoke, and cramped surroundings. A major portion of time is spent studying and presenting material relative to methods and techniques of fire prevention, fire suppression, technical rescue, and operation of fire equipment and apparatus, providing life/fire safety education to the public, and in performing routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment. Work is evaluated by an officer with a review by a battalion chief.

Requirements

Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Firefighter II or equivalent Pro-board/IFSAC certification
Certification by the Commonwealth of Virginia as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (or able to obtain Virginia reciprocity)
VDFP Hazardous Material Operations or equivalent Pro-board/IFSAC certification
VDFP Emergency Vehicles Operators Course II or equivalent Pro-board/IFSAC certification
A valid vehicle operator's license
NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 certifications
High School graduation or GED equivalent supplemented by specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one year of college in fire science, fire suppression, or closely related field.
Completion of required emergency medical technician training or any equivalent combination of training and experience
Knowledge of and ability to provide emergency medical care and treatment of illnesses and injuries as defined by the rules, regulations, and policies set forth by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services, City of Fairfax Operational Medical Director, and the City of Fairfax Fire Department.
Knowledge of modern fire and rescue principles, practices, and procedures.
Knowledge of the operating and maintenance requirements of the various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting activities.
Knowledge of the physical layout of a fire hydrant and street locations in the response area of the City of Fairfax Fire Department.
Skill in the operation of fire and EMS equipment, tools, and apparatus and in making minor adjustments and repairs.
Ability to operate and maintain BLS EMS equipment, apparatus, and tools.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification by the Commonwealth of Virginia as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic.
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient information.
Ability to analyze emergency situations and adopt effective courses of action following accepted practices under emergency conditions.
Ability to drive and operate fire, rescue, and emergency medical vehicles under routine and emergency conditions.
Ability to read and understand policies, rules, instructions, and written material of the Fire Department.
Ability to use portable and mobile radios, mobile phones, and mobile computer terminals located in emergency apparatus.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions, exercise good judgment under stress, and deal effectively with the public.
Ability to maintain accurate records, both written and computer-generated, and prepare reports.
Ability to speak and write effectively.
Ability to meet such medical/physical requirements as may be established by a competent authority.
Must possess and maintain a good driving record.
Must sign and adhere to a “no tobacco use” contract as a condition for employment and of continued employment.
Must successfully complete NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800 within the time limits established by the Fire Chief.
Successful completion of any required firefighting and/or emergency medical training as established by the Chief of the Department or their designee in the prescribed time frame.

Responsibilities

Responds to fire alarms and other emergency incidents, controls and extinguishes fires, protects life and property.
Responds to emergency situations with EMS and fire companies; operates cutting torches, hydraulic jacks, extrication tools, rope equipment, forcible entry tools, and other equipment carried on the apparatus as required.
Responds to water and ice emergencies.
Participates in a continuing program of training and instruction; participates in drills, demonstrations, and classes; receives training in the operation of fire equipment, EMS equipment, and apparatus.
Conducts general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire stations, buildings, grounds, fire apparatus, auxiliary equipment, and tools.
Completes and submits fire incident reports.
Evaluates and provides efficient and immediate emergency care to the ill or injured in the field, an EMS unit and/or at the hospital, if needed to the level of certification.
Reports vital information regarding care and condition to medical facility/personnel receiving patient.
Transports patients in need of further definitive care to an appropriate medical facility.
Provides medical care as appropriate under the direction of a licensed physician or as authorized by the operational medical director in the City of Fairfax Fire Department’s policies and procedures.
Operates emergency medical equipment as required.
Completes handwritten and/or computer-generated EMS reports in a complete, clear, concise, accurate, and efficient manner.
Maintains the EMS unit in a clean, well-stocked, and ready status in order to respond to calls.
Verbally communicates with patients, co-workers, and hospital personnel using radios and phones.
Selects hose/nozzle, depending on the type of fire, and directs a stream of water or chemicals onto the fire.
Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to the upper level of buildings or to assist individuals from burning structures.
Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, uses available manual and/or mechanical tools; and may deactivate electrical power to prevent explosions or other fire hazards.
Participates in salvage operations, such as removing and covering furniture, mopping floors, and cleaning debris.
Performs overhauling operations to ensure the fire is completely extinguished and no walls or other structures are in danger of falling.
Replaces broken or ruptured sprinkler heads to prevent unnecessary water damage.
Maintains all records, forms, and reports as required.
Completes building preplans as assigned.
Provides public education on fire safety.
Must work overtime as required.