Certified Firefighter

The following duties are typical for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Responds to emergency calls for fire suppression, medical assistance, hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, explosions, bomb threats, downed power lines, and other emergency situations: responds to instructions from dispatcher; and contacts appropriate related agencies as needed. Provides protection of life and property: suppresses, controls and extinguishes fires; performs search, rescue, extrication of victims, and forcible entries; assists individuals from burning structures; establishes openings in buildings for entrance, ventilation, or salvage; ventilates smoke and gas from buildings; performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris; assists with cleanup activities; and exercises control of emergency situations until relieved by a superior officer. Provides emergency medical care according to certification level, which may include basic first aid, checking vital signs, basic life support, patient assessment, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), immobilization, airway maintenance, triage, defibrillation, and/or other treatment: assists patient with own medications and administers authorized over the counter medications per local protocols; and implements infectious control procedures. Assesses impact of treatment: provides rehydration and first aid support during fireground activities; relays and receives medical information and instruction to/from hospital personnel; and provides emergency medical transport of injured persons, as necessary. Communicates with medical personnel at emergency treatment facility: obtains instructions regarding further treatment; arranges for reception of patients at treatment facility; and performs proper techniques associated with moving patients between incident site, stretcher, ambulance, and treatment facility bed. Participates in fire prevention, pre-fire planning, and other fire education activities: conducts fire safety programs, apparatus displays, and skills demonstrations; conducts tours of the fire station and fire trucks; and participates in community events and fundraisers. Maintains a state of readiness and preparation for emergency response: checks and maintains stock of equipment and supplies on fire vehicles and in fire station; reloads equipment and apparatus following response to emergency calls; assists in preparing apparatus for subsequent emergencies and in testing personal equipment, hoses and pumps, and other tools and apparatus; and ensures the emergency medical service equipment is properly stocked and operational. Operates, utilizes, and maintains various specialized firefighting equipment, power tools, hand tools, and supplies to complete work assignments, such as personal protective and safety equipment, extrication equipment, emergency medical equipment and supplies, fire suppression equipment, technical rescue and hazmat equipment, and other tools and equipment. Performs general maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, buildings, quarters, apparatus, equipment, and tools in operable condition: inspects and tests equipment; replaces fluids and greases equipment; replaces parts; washes and cleans equipment, cleans quarters, and performs grounds maintenance; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; and reports faulty equipment for necessary maintenance work. Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable regulations, policies, and procedures: maintains an awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends, and advances in the profession; participates in physical fitness training, training drills, and other continuing education activities; and attends shift meetings, workshops, and seminars as appropriate. Processes various documentation related to department or division operations within designated timeframes and according to established procedures: prepares, completes, receives, reviews, processes, forwards, or retains, as appropriate, a variety of forms, reports, correspondence, incident reports, daily activity logs, inventory counts, vehicle maintenance logs, patient care reports, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, the public, law enforcement, medical professionals, outside agencies and organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.