Paramedic/Firefighter

City of University City • University City, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of a Captain, provides direct services, individually and as a member of a team in response to fire, rescue, hazmat, and other incidents. Additionally, a Paramedic Firefighter will respond to medical emergencies and provide pre-hospital ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT care to victims of injury or illness. A Paramedic Firefighter is ordinarily the highest medical authority at an emergency medical scene and as such, makes medical decisions based on standing orders, protocols and orders from on-line and off-line medical direction.

Requirements

• At least 21 years of age
• Must have high school diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Possess and maintain a valid state of residence driver's license
• Possess and maintain a good driving record
• Possess and maintain, as a condition of employment, a valid State of Missouri Paramedic license
• Possess a current and valid AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification
• Possess a current and valid AHA Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support certification
• Possess a current and valid AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification
• Possess a current and valid Basic Trauma Life Support, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, or International Trauma Life Support certification
• Physical agility test: St. Louis County Fire Academy graduate or physical agility certification (CPAT) prior to employment
• Demonstrate the ability to articulate and concisely communicate orally and in writing
• Familiarity with existing triage, treatment and patient transport protocols.
• Familiarity with standing orders provided by the fire department medical director.
• Proficiency in advanced life support procedures.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to exercise appropriate safety tactics in firefighting and medical emergencies.
• In addition to basic life support (BLS) skills, must be proficient in advanced life support (ALS) skills including but not limited to IV therapy, cardiac monitoring, advanced airway control and a variety of medication therapies.
• Ability to handle high levels of personal stress and to maintain composure under a variety of adverse conditions, including verbal and physical abuse, witnessing death and critical injuries and experiencing risk of personal harm.
• Knowledge of effective techniques and methods of fire suppression and control.
• Knowledge of hazardous substances and their control.
• Skill in the operation of the apparatus to be driven; skill in maintenance of equipment and fire station; skill in operation of fire and emergency medical service equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate of the St. Louis County Fire Academy preferred

Responsibilities

• Performs complex diagnostic and medical procedures including, but not limited to intravenous cannulation, endotracheal intubation, recognition of cardiac rhythms and arrhythmias, and the administration of various medications.
• Drives and operates fire apparatus as assigned, and/or operates as a member of an ALS engine or truck company.
• Accurately completes written and verbal reports on patient care as required.
• Performs a thorough, daily inspection and check of the apparatus to which he/she is assigned; notifies station officer of any condition requiring repair or maintenance; ensures that the inventory of supplies and equipment is complete; assures that apparatus, equipment, and records are maintained and in good order.
• Comprehends and documents complete and accurate patient histories.
• Checks medications and equipment daily to ensure proper control and inventory.
• Participates in firefighting duties as assigned and according to the Paramedic Firefighter's certification level as described in the minimum qualifications section and duties as outlined in this job description.
• Lays hose lines, operates nozzles, fire pumps and hydrants; utilizes fire extinguishers and performs other actions to suppress fire; operates hydraulic, pneumatic, and manual and power tools.
• Participates in salvage operations and post fire operations to limit damage from flames, smoke or water as required.
• Participates in drills and training evolutions as directed.
• Participates in fire and life safety inspections of commercial and multi-family residential properties.
• Cleans and performs general maintenance of fire equipment and fire stations.
• Responds to scenes of accidents or acute illness for which emergency medical care has been requested.
• Required to transfer, lift, and move patients while employing appropriate safety and lifting techniques.
• Responds to hazardous materials incidents at an awareness level and responds to other calls for assistance as requested by the public.
• Participates in public education programs in schools, civic groups and other locations as requested.
• Conducts departmental training sessions on topics related to the employee's job functions.
• Utilizes city computer system for patient care documentation, record keeping, pre-incident planning and other job-related functions.
• Drives and operates fire apparatus under the direction of the station officer and according to procedures as outlined in the University City Fire Department SOGs.
• Participates in daily physical training as instructed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Benefits

• Educational incentive pay up to $437 per year for each paramedic firefighter
• Liberal pension plan permitting retirement at age 50 with 25 years of service
• Vacation: Liberal vacation plan increasing with length of service
• Sick Leave: Up to 6 working days annually for actual illness accumulative to 42 days
• Educational tuition benefits: Up to $900/year for degree pursuit
• City pays majority of health insurance
• Uniform allowance of up to $600 per year
• Longevity Pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED