Firefighter Paramedic (Certified)

City of Suffolk•Suffolk, VA

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs advanced emergency response work involving firefighting, emergency rescue, hazardous-material response, and advanced life support. Operates emergency vehicles, apparatus, tools, and medical equipment; trains in emergency response operations, patient care, and equipment use; and may serve as an emergency medical supervisor, back-up EMS supervisor, or EMS skills preceptor. The position also involves equipment inspections and maintenance, fire inspections, station and grounds upkeep, documentation, public education, and coordination with public safety and medical personnel. When serving in an acting supervisor position, the employee reports to a Battalion Chief. The employee must complete the department-provided mini academy and obtain Driver Pump Operator certification within one year of the effective start date. Authorization to operate as a Paramedic is contingent on completing Suffolk Fire & Rescue’s field training evaluation program. The role may involve duties not specifically listed when they are reasonably incidental to the work.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED.
Successful completion of a probationary period from a certified Fire Fighter Recruit Academy, or at least three years of firefighting and emergency-response experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Valid driver's license.
Hold, or have the ability to acquire by reciprocity, Commonwealth of Virginia certifications in Firefighter II, HAZMAT Operations, Class III EVOC, and Paramedic.
Current certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
Tidewater Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) regional sanctioning certificate.
Must be authorized to operate as a Paramedic after completing Suffolk Fire & Rescue’s field training evaluation program.
Complete the department-provided mini academy and obtain Driver Pump Operator certification within one year of the effective start date.
Knowledge of firefighting, fire prevention, rescue, hazardous-material response, emergency equipment, operational hazards, safety precautions, emergency medical procedures, and extrication techniques.
Ability to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions, respond effectively under stress, analyze emergencies quickly, and operate and care for emergency apparatus and equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively, follow instructions, prepare records and reports, and establish effective working relationships.

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 emergency calls involving fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, vehicle accidents, natural disasters, explosions, bomb threats, rescues, downed power lines, and other incidents.
Maintain readiness by checking and restocking equipment and supplies, testing apparatus, reloading equipment after calls, and preparing vehicles for subsequent emergencies.
Protect life and property by suppressing fires, conducting searches and rescues, extricating victims, making forcible entries, ventilating buildings, performing salvage work, and assisting with cleanup.
Drive, operate, and monitor emergency vehicles and apparatus; select routes and position vehicles and equipment for effective response.
Locate water supplies; deploy, connect, operate, and retrieve hoses, nozzles, and pumps; and direct water or chemicals onto fires.
Provide first aid, basic and advanced life support, patient stabilization, assessment, triage, treatment, monitoring, and transport-related assistance within the employee’s certification level and established protocols.
Perform paramedic care, including cardiac and respiratory emergency care, airway management, trauma care, medication administration, IV fluid resuscitation, defibrillation, and authorized invasive or non-invasive procedures.
Inspect buildings for pre-fire planning, hazards, ordinance compliance, and structural stability.
Assist other public service agencies, including law enforcement, and perform assigned public-service tasks such as traffic control, animal rescue, and road-hazard cleanup.
Use emergency vehicles, medical equipment, tools, and supplies while following safety procedures and monitoring the work environment.
Inspect, test, clean, maintain, and repair vehicles, buildings, stations, hydrants, apparatus, equipment, and tools; report faulty equipment for maintenance.
Prepare, review, process, and maintain incident, patient-care, inspection, maintenance, training, and other required records and documents.
Communicate by telephone and two-way radio, relay information, respond to requests, and coordinate activities with supervisors, colleagues, dispatchers, partner agencies, medical personnel, patients, and the public.
Provide public education and support positive public relations through fire-safety information, blood-pressure checks, smoke-detector installation, parades, and civic events.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, policies, procedures, equipment, and professional practices; participate in physical fitness training, continuing education, meetings, workshops, and seminars.
Perform EMT and cardiac technician functions as authorized by certification and physician direction.
Perform general maintenance of fire-station facilities, grounds, quarters, and related equipment.
Perform other related duties as required.