Firefighter-EMT-Basic

Primary Reason Why Classification Exists
To respond to both fire and emergency related medical calls for service
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class performs as a certified Firefighter and as an EMT-Basic. Emphasis of the work is on responding to emergency service calls and applying firefighting technology to extinguish fires, or provide emergency medical treatment, or a combination of both depending on circumstances of each response. Employees are dually trained as both Firefighters and EMT-Basic and the EMT portion is the lowest certification leading up to full performance as a Firefighter-EMT-Paramedic. Employees work 24 hour shifts at two (2) stations and are assigned to designated apparatus based on skills and qualifications. Work is supervised by a Fire Captain\EMT-Paramedic or other superior and is evaluated on the employees knowledge of firefighting and EMT-Basic services, initiative, and on-scene performance with directives.

• Inspect condition of systems/equipment at beginning of each shift including horns/sirens, turn signals, brakes, batteries, hoses, pumps, turnout gear, gurneys, and related equipment
• Inspect and validate inventory and expiration dates of all medical related supplies in med boxes and vehicular storage compartments
• Responds to emergency calls for fire and/or medical assistance; makes decision to request additional fire units if situation expands beyond initial call; directs fire apparatus to specific location to attack fire and gives orders to personnel to apply specific firefighting tactics; maintains in charge of the fire scene until and unless relieved by a senior fire official; uses prescribed tools and techniques for safe extrication of victims
• Renders basic to intermediate care to patients including providing IV solutions and various drugs and other defined treatments; obtains patient demographics and medical history if possible; transports patients to the requested or appropriate medical facility and observes patient while traveling; records changes in condition or vital signs & provides additional care as needed or directed by emergency room personnel or physician; provides reports of observations/treatment, equipment used, and changes in patient during transport
• Remains on-site until fire has been extinguished; conducts salvage of fire scene; makes note of suspicious elements which might be related to arson and alerts supervisors to conditions; completes fire scene reports for insurance purposes and/or as required by law
• Completes various forms and reports; documents activities on each call and actions taken
• Supplies unit with necessary fire and medical supplies before placing unit back in service
• Performs housekeeping duties (washing vehicles, cleaning station, etc)
• Studies street and road maps and networks for most efficient routes to possible emergency call locations; documents unknown street conditions and reports to communication center
• Helps train and evaluate new personnel and participates in applicable Fire and EMT techniques, standards, and equipment
• Interacts with the public, patients, medical professionals, and public safety personnel in a multitude of situations many of which are high stress and potentially life threatening
• Provides support services in Public Health emergencies including vaccinations, mass prophylaxis, and staffing mass clinics as needed and available
• Provides public relations services by exhibiting fire and EMT apparatus and services at schools, rest homes, shopping malls, and other public areas
• Performs related work as required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of fire science and applicable equipment and tactics employed to extinguish fires
• Thorough knowledge of emergency medical procedures and techniques including various medical supplies, drugs, solutions, and equipment used in emergency medical care
• Considerable knowledge of city/county geography and location of roads and streets
• Knowledge of radio communications equipment operation and procedures
• Skill in the response to and extinguishment of various types of fires and emergencies; skill in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in need of emergency medical care
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations
• Ability to demonstrate confidence and initiative while assigned to a specific unit
• Ability to safely operate designated fire and EMT vehicles at high rates of speed
• Ability to lift and manipulate substantial weights in the performance of duties whether it be equipment and gear, patients, or medical supplies
• Ability to interact with others in a tactful, courteous, and firm manner
• Ability to work cooperatively with coworkers, law enforcement personnel, and on-scene staff

• Must be 18 years of age, a high school graduate or have a GED
• Current NC drivers license without restrictions
• Current certification in NC as a Firefighter and an EMT-Basic

• NC Non-commercial class B drivers license with an acceptable driving record
• NC certification as Level II Firefighter, EMT-B, EMT-Defibrillation and Emergency Rescue Technician
• NC certified as an Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Hazmat (Hazardous Material Operation level training)

FLSA Status: Nonexempt (Section 7(k) of the FLSA provides that employees engaged in fire protection or law enforcement may be paid overtime on a work period basis. A work period may be from 7 consecutive days to 28 consecutive days in length. For work periods of at least 7 but less than 28 days, overtime pay is required when the number of hours worked exceeds the number of hours that bears the same relationship to 212 (fire) or 171 (police) as the number of days in the work period bears to 28. For example, fire protection personnel are due overtime under such a plan after 106 hours worked during a 14-day work period, while law enforcement personnel must receive overtime after 86 hours worked during a 14-day work period).