Firefighter/ EMT-B in Spicewood, Texas at TRAVIS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERV

1102.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A firefighter is responsible for safely conducting suppression, rescue, medical and other job- related duties in a safe

and controlled manner as directed by chain of command or standing policy and procedures. Additionally, the

firefighters maintain operational readiness by performing daily checks and minor repairs/preventative maintenance

on equipment. A firefighter will respond to medical emergencies and provide pre-hospital care to victims of injury

or illness at a credentialed level of care.

1102.2 SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Firefighters receive supervision from their lieutenant in most typical situations. On occasion, they may receive

direction from a driver in the event authority is delegated to the driver by the company officer or command. Some

instances may find firefighters as leaders of a group or team and will be expected to conduct themselves in

accordance with department policy and procedures as a guide.

1102.3 INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Firefighters meet with Fire Department staff and representatives of other agencies. Firefighters also interact with

citizens and the public on a regular basis and conduct activities related to the Fire Department’s Mission Statement

in their respective areas. These interactions occur during routine operations, emergency operations, training classes

and exercises, inspections, and educational or informational presentations.

1102.4 COMPLEXITY

A firefighter’s job involves complex emergency scene tasks, which must be accomplished correctly and rapidly,

often without taking the time to reference procedures and policies.

1102.5 EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The duties listed below illustrate the various types duties expected of all Firefighters at TCESD8. The Pedernales

Fire Department expects all employees to seek job-specific education and training. A minimum expectation of duties

includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Responds to incidents as assigned, including but not limited to fire, medical, and rescue alarms.

Properly selects and uses fire suppression nozzles, hose lines, appliances, and adapters.

Lays hose lines and operates nozzles, pumps and hydrants; utilizes fire extinguishers and performs other

actions to suppress fire.

Correctly selects and uses fire extinguishing agent.

Participates in salvage operation and post-fire operations; properly uses salvage covers, floor runners and

other related equipment to reduce property damage from heat, smoke, fire, gases, and water.

Assures that equipment and records are maintained and in good order.

Operates heavy extrication equipment such as struts, air bags, hydraulic tools, cutters, spreaders, and other

types of extrication equipment.

Functions as a Step-Up driver when required.

Participates in drills and training evolutions as directed. Maintains appropriate certifications.

Participates in assigned committees as directed.

Participates in fire and life safety inspections of commercial and residential properties; checks operating

condition of hydrants.

Participates in pre-incident planning.

Cleans and performs general maintenance of equipment and stations

Responds to scenes of accidents or acute illness for which emergency medical care has been requested.

Maintains ability to transfer, lift and move patients while employing appropriate safety and lifting techniques.

Responds to fire, rescue, hazardous materials, and other calls for assistance as requested.

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.

Correctly utilizes department-owned computer systems and programs for patient care documentation, incident

reporting, record keeping, and other job-related functions.

Participates in daily physical training and maintains physical conditioning necessary to perform job functions.

Performs related duties as required.

1102.6 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

High School Diploma/GED/or equivalent

Commissioned TCFP Firefighter

Current TDSHS EMT-B certification (minimum)

Possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver license (Minimum Class B)

Courage to be safe course completion

Federal Highway Administration Traffic Incident Management Program or TCFP approved equivalent course

completion

Firefighter Cancer Awareness Training

1102.7 NECESSARY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

Working knowledge of fire and medical equipment, including ladders, tools, SCBA, etc.; knowledge of

proper care and maintenance of equipment.

Knowledge of rescue and extrication techniques.

Knowledge of district streets, geography and target hazards.

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Ability to professionally communicate verbally and in writing, including preparation of clear and concise

reports.

Ability to exercise appropriate and safe judgment related to tactics of firefighting, rescue, hazardous

materials, and emergency medical services.

Working knowledge of fire department policies and procedures, and the Incident Command System.

Working knowledge and use of applicable EMS techniques at credentialed level.

Ability to assist an ambulance crew as deemed necessary or as assigned.

Working knowledge of safe and effective use of both fixed and portable tools and equipment.

Ability to complete assigned duties.

Ability to present a professional image.

Ability to cooperate with the public, presenting oneself as a calm, knowledgeable, efficient, and effective

public servant.

Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and cooperatively with a team and/or

committee.

Ability to maintain physical endurance and agility necessary to carry out job requirements.

Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control and adapt to stressful situations.

Ability to organize time and resources effectively, define problems, deal with a variety of situations, plan

work and establish priorities.

Ability to properly select, apply, and completion of necessary reports and data entry.

Ability to safely and appropriately use Personal Protective Equipment.

Ability to properly use and implement overhaul and ventilation equipment.

Ability to appropriately use and apply extrication and rescue tools.

Ability to proper place and use ladders for both station maintenance and incident activities.

Knowledge of PFD Standard Operating Guidelines.

Ability to perform other relative duties as assigned.

1102.8 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Fire apparatus (brush truck when assigned), SCBA, fire pumps, hoses, and other standard firefighting equipment,

ladders, medical first response equipment, radios, personal protective gear, computers, and rescue equipment ( at

trained level).

1102.9 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully

perform the essential functions of this job.

In addition to the physical demands of the job as listed below the employee must complete the , department’s annual

SCBA consumption drill as described in Travis County ESD 8 Standard Operating Guidelines. The employee must

also be cleared for duty as determined by a physician through required annual medical screening evaluations.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk and hear; stand; walk;

use hands to manipulate, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The

employee is required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell. Specific vision abilities

required for this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception,

and the ability to adjust focus.

1102.10 WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while

performing the essential functions of this job.

The employee regularly works in outdoor weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day

and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to

hearing alarms and hazards associated with firefighting, rescue, and rendering emergency medical assistance,

including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents, and oils.

The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high precarious places and is

occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals,

risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except

during certain firefighting, rescue, or medical activates when noise levels may be loud.

The employee will be required to work 48 hours and up to 72 hours continuous shifts. During this time the

employee may experience several interruptions of sleep, meals and/or other activities. The employee will be

expected to perform essential job functions despite the potential for fatigue resultant from extended shift work.

1102.11 TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Firefighters live and work in a fire station on 48 - hour tour. Firefighters typically work two days (48 hours) and

then have four days (96 hours) off. Personnel may also be assigned various other work schedules in accordance with

the district’s needs. This work environment includes many of the same amenities of a home, including kitchens,

showers, bed, etc. In this environment, Firefighters will perform routine day-to-day activities, such as maintaining

equipment and apparatus, meeting with supervisors and co-workers, planning and scheduling work, participating in

station chores, etc. Outside of the fire station, Firefighters must perform essential job functions in all weather, noisy

conditions, and under extreme emergency conditions such as fires, hazardous materials, auto accidents, etc

1102.12 SECONDARY DUTIES

1. Completion of Relief Driver/Operator packet and training

2. Operation as a Relief Driver/Operator as deemed necessary by command staff.