Firefighter (Paramedic)

Veterans Health Administration • Perry Point, MD

30d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a Firefighter (Paramedic) in the Fire Protection Section at the Veterans Maryland Healthcare System, Perry Point, MD. The Fire Protection Section is responsible for fire prevention, fire protection and fire suppression activities. This is not a virtual position; you must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location. Duties may include, but are not limited to: Utilizing all sources of information to investigate and determine the nature of the person's illness or extent of emergency. Performing initial and continuous patient assessment, as well as physical examination to determine patient care methods. Taking, recording, and monitoring patient's vital signs. Ascertaining from patient or bystanders the patient's significant medical history, drug history and history of current event. Managing respiratory and cardiac emergencies to include performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or application of automatic external defibrillation (AED). Establishing communication with receiving facility and providing appropriate information through verbal report of patient condition and treatments provided, as well as estimated arrival time. Employing proper emergency medical techniques, treatments, and equipment to stabilize the patient and initiate transport as soon as possible. Preparing appropriate patient care reports and ensuring documentation is appropriately filed. Responding to fire alarms or other emergencies and calls for assistance from both the Medical Center and the surrounding communities. Functioning as driver/operator and being responsible for the efficient and safe operation of fire and rescue apparatus. Operating the Medical Center's emergency communications center and ensuring that all fire alarms, supervisory alarms, and other emergency communications equipment are continuously monitored. Performing fire safety inspections of the Medical Center on a quarterly basis to identify and eliminate actual or potential fire hazards, including inspecting fire extinguishers for proper type, placement and operating condition, and inspection of fire detection and suppression systems. Performing as a first responder to hazardous materials incidents occurring on station and performing as a team member in determining the materials/chemicals involved, the degree of life hazard and potential environmental impact. Performing other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Must complete all required steps in the process, including the application, questionnaire, and an online assessment.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment.
• A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
• Proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Must possess and maintain a current and valid state-issued driver's license.
• Current and valid Firefighter I Certification in accordance with NFPA 1001.
• Current and valid Firefighter II Certification in accordance with NFPA 1001.
• Current and valid Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Certification in accordance with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
• Current and valid Fire Apparatus Operator (Driver/Operator) Certification in accordance with NFPA 1002.
• Current and valid Hazardous Materials Operations Certification NFPA 472.
• Experience that demonstrated the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position. Such duties may include (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.
• Experience must be fully documented in your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week to be credited.
• Applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment (unless previously served as a Federal employee in a covered position and can complete 20 years of service by age 57).
• Must meet the medical standards described at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/

Nice To Haves

• Fire Inspector I Certification and Fire Inspector II Certification in accordance with NFPA 1031 (must be obtained within two (2) years of employment for continued Federal employment).

Responsibilities

• Utilizes all sources of information to investigate and determine the nature of the person's illness or extent of emergency.
• Performs initial and continuous patient assessment, as well as physical examination to determine patient care methods.
• Takes, records, and monitors patient's vital signs.
• Ascertains from patient or bystanders the patient's significant medical history, drug history and history of current event.
• Manages respiratory and cardiac emergencies to include performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or application of automatic external defibrillation (AED).
• Establishes communication with receiving facility and provides appropriate information through verbal report of patient condition and treatments provided, as well as estimated arrival time.
• Employs proper emergency medical techniques, treatments, and equipment to stabilize the patient and initiate transport as soon as possible.
• Prepares appropriate patient care reports and ensures documentation is appropriately filed.
• Responds to fire alarms or other emergencies and calls for assistance from both the Medical Center and the surrounding communities.
• Functions as driver/operator and is responsible for the efficient and safe operation of fire and rescue apparatus.
• Operates the Medical Center's emergency communications center and ensures that all fire alarms, supervisory alarms, and other emergency communications equipment are continuously monitored.
• Performs fire safety inspections of the Medical Center on a quarterly basis to identify and eliminate actual or potential fire hazards, including inspecting fire extinguishers for proper type, placement and operating condition, and inspection of fire detection and suppression systems.
• Performs as a first responder to hazardous materials incidents occurring on station and performs as a team member in determining the materials/chemicals involved, the degree of life hazard and potential environmental impact.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed