Firefighter-EMT

City of Deerfield Beach•Usa, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Firefighter-EMT protects life and property through fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, fire prevention, training, and other emergency response activities. This is a founding-member opportunity in a new Fire Rescue Department: employees will help establish its culture, traditions, standards, and teamwork while serving the community. Work is performed under the supervision of departmental officers and in accordance with Fire Rescue policies, procedures, protocols, and medical direction. Employees are expected to use sound judgment, work effectively as part of a team, and respond safely and effectively to emergencies. Performance is evaluated through observation, review of reports and records, and overall job performance. The role involves skilled firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical duties in demanding conditions that may include significant physical exertion, heat, smoke, limited or zero visibility, hazardous environments, and sustained concentration. Firefighter-EMTs are assigned to staff a Rescue unit and provide care within the scope of their Florida EMT certification. That assignment continues until they obtain Florida Paramedic certification and complete departmental requirements for functioning as a Paramedic. Employees are not eligible for promotion to a higher rank until they have obtained that certification and completed applicable credentialing requirements. The position also involves training, inspecting and maintaining apparatus and equipment, maintaining station readiness, completing documentation, and participating in fire prevention, public education, community engagement, and other departmental activities. Shift work includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Overtime, emergency callbacks, declared-emergency assignments, training assignments, and other operationally necessary hours may be required.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Current State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, Certificate of Statutory Compliance, or Certificate of Training.
Current State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification.
Valid Florida driver license with any endorsement required by the City or Fire Rescue Department, and an acceptable driving record.
Current Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) certification, or equivalent training acceptable to Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue.
Meet City and applicable-law physical, medical, background, and other employment requirements.
Maintain all required licenses and certifications as a condition of employment.
If the candidate has less than three years of career firefighting experience: current and valid CPAT certification/card completed within one year of the application date, from a recognized testing agency or fire academy, in accordance with City and department requirements.
If the candidate has less than three years of career firefighting experience: current and valid Broward County Swim Test certification/card at the time of application.
Applicants subject to the CPAT and swim requirements must successfully complete and submit both certifications before proceeding to an in-person interview.
Knowledge of modern firefighting, rescue, fire prevention, salvage, and basic life-support medical principles, practices, equipment, and tools.
Knowledge of hazardous-materials awareness and emergency-response safety practices.
Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, EMS protocols, safety practices, and Incident Command System principles.
Ability to safely use, inspect, and maintain firefighting, rescue, EMS, and personal protective equipment.
Ability to act quickly, calmly, safely, and effectively in emergencies; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; and communicate by radio, verbally, and in writing.
Ability to observe, evaluate, and clearly and accurately report potentially dangerous conditions.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks for extended periods in adverse and hazardous conditions, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling persons, equipment, tools, hose, and other materials.
Ability to work effectively as a team member and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, City officials, partner agencies, and the public.
Willingness to work shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays, and to work overtime, emergency callbacks, declared emergencies, training assignments, or other operationally necessary hours.

Nice To Haves

Previous fire rescue, EMS, emergency response, or related public safety experience.
Additional fire service, rescue, hazardous materials, EMS, or technical certifications and training.
National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification.

Responsibilities

Respond to fires, alarms, emergency medical incidents, rescues, hazardous materials incidents, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
Perform fire suppression, including advancing and operating hose lines, connecting to water supplies, operating nozzles and appliances, and assisting with fire attack.
Conduct search and rescue in hazardous environments and assist in removing victims from structures, vehicles, waterways, and other situations.
Provide emergency medical care within the scope of a Florida EMT certification, including patient assessment, bleeding control, CPR, basic life support, and other authorized treatment.
Staff a Rescue unit and perform emergency medical duties until eligible to function as a Paramedic after obtaining Florida Paramedic certification and completing departmental requirements.
Perform forcible entry, ventilation, ladder operations, salvage, overhaul, and other fireground functions using appropriate tools and equipment.
Respond to hazardous materials incidents and perform assigned functions consistent with training, certification, and departmental procedures.
Inspect, clean, maintain, and ensure the readiness of firefighting, rescue, EMS, and personal protective equipment.
Participate in company, station, and departmental training, drills, critiques, physical fitness activities, and continuing education.
Assist with fire prevention, public education, community engagement, pre-incident planning, and station tours.
Clean and maintain apparatus, equipment, tools, work areas, and station living quarters.
Complete reports, records, patient-care documentation, equipment checks, and other departmental documentation accurately and on time.
Maintain knowledge of response areas, streets, hydrants, target hazards, policies, operational procedures, and EMS protocols.
Follow safety policies and practices, properly wear and maintain required protective equipment, and promptly report unsafe conditions, practices, injuries, or illnesses.
As a founding team member, contribute to developing the department’s traditions, standards, culture, and teamwork.
Perform other duties and emergency service assignments as needed, including during disasters or other emergencies.