FIREFIGHTER at City of Palatka – Palatka, Florida

Position Summary

This position responds to fires and emergency alarms with a company; lays and connects hose, holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical lines and extinguishers; removes persons from danger and administers emergency medical care to injured persons; performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of Department property; cleans quarters; makes minor repairs to equipment; participates in drills and attends training sessions; performs assigned fire inspections entailing checking building exits and the like for compliance with accepted fire safety standards or ordinances; drives and operates any and all equipment used by the Department for emergency or non-emergency use as assigned by the shift commander or superior officer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carries out the instructions and orders of all superiors.
• Attends classes, seminars, and other places of instruction, as needed to keep informed of developments in fire/rescue procedures.
• Completes reports and keep records, as directed by their superior officer.
• Responds to and provides assistance in emergency situations, including fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, rescue operations, public evacuations, auto accidents and other emergencies.
• Performs fire suppression duties as necessary to protect the lives and property of those in need of assistance.
• Provides basic, intermediate and advanced life support treatment to patients, as well as transportation to appropriate medical facility.
• Assesses the condition of patients and makes decisions regarding proper courses of action.
• Performs such duties as CPR, cardiac monitoring, medication calculation and administration, splint application, wound treatment, control of bleeding, monitoring and relaying of vital signs, oxygen and IV therapy administration, sterile suctioning, intubation, gastric lavage, defibrillation, ECG monitoring and the management of cardiac arrest and severe trauma patients.
• Performs extrication of victims from wreckage as necessary.
• Maintains communications with dispatcher, hospital personnel and other public safety agencies to receive and to transmit instructions involving patient care.
• Provides instructions to first responders and bystanders in the use of first aid equipment.
• Determines the need for back-up assistance.
• Assists in securing accident scenes as necessary, performing such duties as gathering information, preserving evidence and providing crowd/traffic control.
• Completes required records and forms documenting patient treatment.
• Follows established procedures for the handling, removal and disposal of hazardous materials in the event of a spill, leak, explosion or other emergency situation.
• Performs all duties in accordance with established protocol, policies and procedures.
• Operates a fire engine, ambulance and a wide range of life-saving /life supporting equipment, fire suppression equipment, hand and power tools, generator, extrication tools, safety gear, siren, medical instruments and supplies, two-way radio.
• Operates a computer and other basic office equipment as required.
• Maintains inventory of medical, fire and station supplies and equipment.
• Restocks equipment in preparation for subsequent responses and shifts; may order supplies as needed.
• Participates in vehicle, equipment, facility and grounds safety inspections, cleaning and maintenance.
• May be responsible for the security of controlled narcotics for use in medical responses.
• Participates in disaster preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery planning and implementation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices and procedures, including hydraulics.
• Knowledge of and skill in the operation and maintenance of various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting activities.
• Knowledge of the physical layout of the City including fire hydrant and street locations.
• Knowledge of first aid principles and skill in their application.
• Ability to operate heavy fire apparatus safely under emergency conditions.
• Ability to make mental calculations of pressures required in various situations.
• Ability to drive and operate all types of fire/rescue apparatus and vehicles.
• Ability to carry out critical or routine instructions and to perform accurately without hesitation even under emergency or hazardous conditions.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply information from diagrams, charts and gauges.
• Ability to understand, retain and apply appropriate written, verbal and demonstrated information to a variety of situations.
• Ability to analyze information from a variety of sources, assess a situation, draw valid conclusions and take appropriate action.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to give verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees and the public.
• Ability to accurately describe observations, circumstances and activities verbally and in writing.

Education and/or Experience:

• Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Completion of minimum standards as required by the State of Florida.
• A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Environment & Physical Requirements

• Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls.
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.
• Necessary to respond to an emergency in which walking, running, climbing, reaching, bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling 100 lbs. or more is required and the ability to respond quickly.
• The noise level in this environment is usually quiet but may be loud in rescue situations.
• At times, work will involve strenuous, extended exertion and an element of personal danger. Prompt and correct reactions are required even under critical, hazardous, and adverse conditions, which may cause considerable physical and mental stress.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel in this position.

An individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.