Firefighter

As member of a fire suppression and life safety team, participates in a team's response to a wide range of emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and other incidents. Operates specialized equipment, apparatus, machinery, and tools. Conducts fire inspection and prevention activities.

Fire Fighters are required to possess an EMT I certification; higher levels of EMT certification allows a Fire Fighter to perform a variety of medical procedures and practices. Those with certification above EMT I, are eligible to work on medic units.

The basic differences between the EMT certification levels are: EMT I is involved in providing basic life support and is knowledgeable of automatic cardiac defibrillation techniques. EMT II provides for fluid therapy and functions as medic unit driver. EMT IV is the fully skilled technician (paramedic) and is in charge of patient care, treatment and transportation decisions. A minimum of one EMT IV must staff each medic unit.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED:
Under supervision of chief officer; receives technical supervision of Fire Captain or Fire Lieutenant.

Does not supervise.

Knowledge of:

Fire behavior, suppression and control strategies, hazards and techniques, such as control, prevention and extinguishment of various types of fires.

Principles of ventilation and smoke removal.

Basic rescue techniques and operations; advanced knowledge if member of a special team.

Primary and secondary fire search and rescue techniques.

Evacuation techniques and procedures.

Foam application principles and procedures.

Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; principles of Incident Command System.

Procedures dealing with fire fighting and emergency rescue; station and apparatus resource manuals; emergency driving laws; and codes pertaining to fire prevention..

Fire fighter safety and survival practices.

Radio techniques and procedures.

Ropes, knots, and hoisting.

Fire stream practices (hand lines and master streams).

Flammable, hazardous, explosive, toxic materials and building construction for fire protection and fire hazards.

Building construction and affects of fire and water on structural stability and integrity.

Salvage, overhaul and property conservation techniques.

Water distribution systems; electrical systems; alarm system; heating/ventilation systems.

Assigned district, including water mains, building structures, and sprinkler systems, topography of land, and special hazards in district.

Fire prevention codes, regulations, standards, and inspection techniques.

Basic life support practices.

Basic fire detection principles, arson and fire investigation, and fire cause determination.

Airport fire/rescue activities, equipment and tactics, if assigned to airport station.

Specialty team operations (i.e., haz mat, water rescue, high angle rescue) and how to assist teams.

Principles and properties of hazardous materials.

Operation and maintenance of fire fighting/rescue apparatus and equipment.

When serving as EMT, knowledge of patient assessment, initiating medical procedures and basic life support techniques and medicines; medical protocols and new medical techniques and equipment, and documenting condition and assistance provided.

Mainframe and personal computer systems as applicable.

Ability to:

Perform duties assigned at incident site and for emergency and non-emergency situations.

Rapidly analyze problems and make decisions as to appropriate response within scope of orders from company officer.

Work effectively with others and as an integral part of fire suppression and emergency response team.

Use judgment in operating equipment within defined strategy and procedures; knows how to use equipment in different situations.

Prepare for various emergency response situations and handle stressful situations and traumatic incidents.

Determine best course of action and proper mode of response according to direction, policy, and chain of command.

Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with a diverse range of people; deal effectively with verbal and physical confrontations.

Understand and carry out orders.

Be prepared to instantly respond to emergency situations.

Perform strenuous work under adverse conditions, such as heat, smoke, physical discomfort, confined spaces and various heights and hazardous environments.

Maintain composure and confront stressful situations and affects of repeated exposure to traumatic situations.

Maintain fitness required for position.

Operate special equipment and apparatus.

Use resource manuals.

Identify mechanical problems of apparatus and equipment and explain to mechanic.

Perform duties involving strenuous physical exertion and elements of personal danger; move heavy and awkward objects and people.

When serving as EMT, ability to assess medical emergencies and provide initial treatment.

Maintain required records.

Acquire required certifications and credentials issued by the Ionia State Fire Standards and Accreditation Board (FSAB) and Ionia State Department of Health.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

High school degree and two years experience in firefighting, emergency medicine, or related fields (e.g. building construction, heavy equipment operation, etc.); OR Associate of Science degree in fire science or emergency medicine.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintain an appropriate, valid Ionia Driver license.

Possession of EMT I certification or higher, obtaining EMT II certification within two years of employment.