Firefighter / Paramedic

Northwest Fire Protection District•Rockford, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Northwest Fire Protection District is seeking dedicated, highly skilled Firefighter/Paramedics to provide advanced emergency medical care and professional fire protection services to the communities we serve. This position combines the responsibilities of a licensed Illinois Paramedic with those of a professional firefighter, requiring sound clinical judgment, technical proficiency, and a commitment to exceptional customer service. Firefighter/Paramedics respond to emergency medical incidents, fires, vehicle crashes, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, public service calls, and other emergencies. Members are expected to uphold the District's values of integrity, professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement while delivering compassionate, high-quality care.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Illinois Licensed Paramedic in good standing.
Affiliation with Mercyhealth EMS (within 1 month)
Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal Basic Operations Firefighter certification.
Valid Illinois Driver's License.
Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS CPR certification.
Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
Current PHTLS or ITLS certification.
Ability to successfully complete department orientation and probationary requirements.
Deliver high-quality Advanced Life Support patient care using sound clinical judgment.
Remain calm and make effective decisions during high-acuity emergencies.
Communicate professionally with patients, families, coworkers, hospitals, dispatchers, and allied agencies.
Operate ambulances, fire apparatus, rescue equipment, and medical devices safely.
Work effectively as part of a team while demonstrating leadership and accountability.
Maintain proficiency in advanced EMS skills, firefighting techniques, and rescue operations.
Utilize electronic patient care reporting systems and department technology effectively.
Lift, carry, drag, or move patients and equipment weighing over 100 pounds with assistance.
Perform physically demanding firefighting and rescue activities while wearing structural firefighting PPE and SCBA.
Climb ladders, crawl, kneel, stoop, bend, reach, and work in confined spaces.
Operate for extended periods in hazardous environments, adverse weather, and extreme temperatures.
Meet all applicable medical, physical fitness, and respiratory protection requirements.
Background investigation
Criminal history check
Driving record review
Drug screening
Post-offer medical examination
Physical ability assessment (if required)
Verification of certifications and licensure

Nice To Haves

National Registry Paramedic (preferred or required if applicable).
Advanced Technician Firefighter
Fire Apparatus Engineer/Operator training
Incident Command System (ICS 100, 200, 700, 800)
Previous career, combination, or volunteer fire service experience

Responsibilities

Respond to emergency medical calls and provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) care in accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Regional EMS, and District protocols.
Perform comprehensive patient assessments and formulate appropriate treatment plans.
Establish and maintain advanced airways, including supraglottic airway placement and endotracheal intubation (when authorized by protocol).
Perform cardiac monitoring, 12-lead ECG interpretation, defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, and other approved ALS procedures.
Establish intravenous and intraosseous access and administer medications within the Illinois Paramedic scope of practice.
Manage medical, traumatic, pediatric, obstetrical, psychiatric, and critically ill patients.
Collaborate with receiving hospitals and provide concise radio reports and patient handoffs.
Assist with quality improvement initiatives and participate in continuing education.
Complete accurate electronic patient care reports (ePCRs) and maintain complete EMS documentation.
Respond to structure fires, vehicle fires, wildland fires, and other fire emergencies.
Perform fire attack, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, water supply, and exposure protection.
Operate fire apparatus, pumps, hose lines, ladders, hydraulic tools, and firefighting equipment.
Utilize self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and personal protective equipment (PPE) safely and effectively.
Participate in pre-fire planning, inspections, and community risk reduction activities.
Respond to vehicle extrications, technical rescue incidents, hazardous materials emergencies, and other specialized rescue operations.
Operate rescue equipment and assist in scene stabilization.
Participate in rescue training and specialty team operations as assigned.
Inspect, clean, test, and maintain ambulances, fire apparatus, medical equipment, SCBA, tools, and station facilities.
Ensure readiness of medications, controlled substances, medical supplies, and equipment.
Complete assigned station duties and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
Participate in department drills, continuing education, and mandatory training.
Represent the District professionally during public education and community outreach events.
Complete incident reports, EMS documentation, narcotic accountability records, equipment inspections, and training records accurately and promptly.
Maintain compliance with District policies, OSHA regulations, IDPH requirements, EMS System standards, HIPAA, and applicable state and federal laws.
Participate in quality assurance, quality improvement, and peer review activities.