Firefighter / EMT

At a Glance

• Position Title: Career Firefighter/ EMT-B
• Salary: $62,000 Plus Benefits
• Direct Supervisor: Captain
• Position Type: Full-Time
• Retirement Plan: PERF 77
• FLSA: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Firefighter/EMT responds to fire and medical emergencies for the purpose of saving lives and protecting property. The position also supports a wide range of Department programs and events as assigned.

Reporting relationships. The Firefighter/EMT is assigned a work schedule determined by the Department and reports directly to a Captain or Acting Captain during their shift. The Captain/Acting Captain guides the daily work of the Firefighter/EMT, with the Fire Chief setting overall work priorities and conducting formal performance evaluations in consultation with the captain(s) and chief officer staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Firefighter/EMT performs a combination of emergency and non-emergency duties. The following represent the essential duties of this position. Additional related duties may be performed as assigned and is not an all-inclusive list of duties.

• Responds to a wide variety of fire incidents such as brush fires, vehicle fires and structure fires. Examples of duties: driving apparatus, implementing initial scene operations, operating pumps, ventilating roofs, raising ladders, conducting rescues or extrications, conducting fire attacks, and assisting with salvage and overhaul.
• Responds to a wide variety of emergency medical incidents. Provides medical care to patients consistent with EMT training. Supports affiliated EMS agencies/units on emergency responses.
• Assists on incidents requiring special operations, consistent with the level of training and as determined by the department guidelines and procedures.
• Makes necessary adjustments or changes to operating equipment such as generators, foam units and similar equipment for performance as required for emergency operations.
• Performs daily truck checks. Check’s engine fluids daily and inspects pumping equipment, ignition, batteries, brakes, and other equipment to ensure that the apparatus is in good working condition. Reports defects, participates in the routine maintenance and basic mechanical repair of fire apparatus as directed.
• Assists with the coordination of emergency operations, e.g., requesting information over the radio, restricting access to hazardous areas, and being alert for unsafe conditions.
• Performs Fire Prevention related duties such as fire inspections, public fire safety presentations, fire extinguisher classes, smoke detector installations, pre-planning, and other department supported functions.
• Assist fire investigators with support functions in the process of a fire investigation.
• Operates a wide variety of firefighting tools to include but not limited to cutting torches, saws, power jacks, rescue tools, and hand tools.
• Inspects and maintains department apparatus, equipment, property, and facilities.
• Utilizes apparatus to pump water at fires with safe and effective pressures, ensuring that suction or intake hoses and fire attack hose lines in emergency operations are properly and safely utilized.
• Decontaminates apparatus, equipment, and clothing exposed to potential airborne bloodborne diseases.
• Writes clear and concise reports.
• Demonstrates positive behavior in support of department policies, as well as the department’s mission, values, goals, and objectives.
• Maintains a good level of physical and mental fitness, is physically and mentally mission ready.
• Attends and participates in formal training and instruction sessions in firefighting methods, first aid and other fire department training activities. This includes bimonthly training sessions.
• Knowledge of the physical layout of the district, including fire hydrants and street locations. Ability to utilize maps, electronic equipment, and map books to arrive at emergency scenes quickly and safely.

Knowledge and Performance Abilities Required

• Knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices, and procedures, including hydraulics, building construction, and fire protection systems.
• Knowledge of rescue and basic emergency medical principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of the operating and maintenance requirements of the various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, firefighters, other agency employees and the public.
• Ability to wear Firefighting Turnout gear, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and any other essential personal protective equipment.
• Ability to make entry into burning or hazardous structures/areas to engage in firefighting, lifesaving, property protection activities as required by applicable industry standards or codes.
• Ability to make proper entries into reporting software utilized by the department and can fluently utilize computers, typewriters, iPads, tablets, telephones, and cell phones, as directed.
• Ability to perform basic and routine mechanical work involved in maintaining fire apparatus, equipment, and tools.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain and/or improve knowledge, skills, and abilities, unassisted.

Additional Examples of Work Performed

Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire station buildings and grounds, cleans, waxes, polishes, and otherwise maintains assigned equipment and quarters; participates in a continuing program of training and instruction, including attendance at scheduled drills and classes. This job description is not all inclusive and the employee may be required to perform activities not listed above. The description is a general description of expectations of a firefighter/EMT.

Tools and Equipment Used

Included but not limited to, fire apparatus and fire pumps, hoses, ladders, axes, pike poles, self-contained breathing apparatus, other standard firefighting equipment, radio, pager, personal computer, telephone.

Physical Requirements

This position requires heavy physical work and the ability to lift, crawl, walk, run, or climb, while wearing heavy protective gear weighing approximately 50 lbs.; The ability to function in life or death situations relying on sight, hearing, smell and touch to make critical decisions while maintaining the safety of others and self; ability to accept risk of bodily injury/death in performance of duties; ability to face exposure and take precautions against: carcinogenic dusts, toxic substances, infectious agents, and the visual/emotional shock of burn/trauma victims. This position requires medical certification for use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Indiana Certified as a Firefighter I and Firefighter II, meeting the requirements of NFPA 1001 – Professional Firefighter Qualifications.
• Certified according to the NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Competencies for a First Responder at the Operations Level.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS)/Incident Command System (ICS), 100, 200, 700, and 800
• Must have current certification or licenses by the State of Indiana as a certified EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) or Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician with the ability to obtain Indiana certification within 60 days.
• Must possess a valid Indiana Class C driver’s license and be insurable by the department’s insurance carrier beginning and throughout employment.
• Certified Driver Operator-Pumper or equivalent within 1st year of employment.
• Knowledge of the operating and maintenance requirements of the various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting activities.

All certifications must be recognized by the State of Indiana.

Special Requirements

• Must be able to pass a physical examination meeting NFPA 1582 requirements and PERF 77 requirements before hire and maintain physical requirements throughout employment.
• Must pass a drug and alcohol test before hiring and consent to random testing throughout employment.
• Criminal Background, physical and mental health evaluations meeting fit for duty requirements, and driver’s license with favorable report will be required.
• Pass the annual Department Physical Ability Test (DPAT).
• Pass annual self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) confidence course.
• Pass annual driver’s obstacle course and pump operator requirements as set by the department.