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.

General Fire Fighting and Emergency Response Duties Responds to emergency situations and performs fire suppression activities, medical assistance and other specialized rescue activities in a team environment. Works within the chain of command and follows orders, rules, policies, standard operation procedures (SOP's), safety practices, and detailed directions; makes rapid decisions as to appropriate action if required. Operates diverse equipment, such as hoses, breathing apparatus, a variety of hand tools and power equipment, saws, types of fire extinguishers and their use, ventilation equipment, specialized rescue and extrication equipment. Performs foam operations; performs hose and ladder evolutions. Assists in routine maintenance and inspection of apparatus, equipment and tools. Assists in preparation of pre-fire plans and development of information resources about industrial, commercial and multiple dwelling occupancies, and other target hazards; participates in building familiarization tours. Recognizes and preserves evidence pertaining to fire cause and point of origin; assists with fire determination under direction of a company officer and/or Deputy Fire Marshal. Performs fire prevention and fire code inspections; understands fire codes and ordinances, and answers questions from public. Participates in fire and other emergency/rescue drills and training; keeps up-to-date on methods, policies and procedures; takes periodic written and practical exams. Participates in the inspection and maintenance of fire hydrants. Teaches basic fire prevention techniques at schools; conducts tours. Participates in providing specialized training to probationary fire fighters. Participates in the maintenance of fire station and grounds. Operates mainframe computer or personal computer as required. If assigned to Airport, performs aircraft rescue and firefighting duties. May assist special teams, such as hazardous materials, high angle rescue, and water rescue teams or participate as team member. May act-in-capacity as Fire Engineer; operates diverse types of apparatus, such as a telesquirt, engine, water tenders, and ladder trucks. Performs related duties as required. EMS related duties: (NOTE: The emergency medical service duties listed below are general in nature and are not a detailed description of duties authorized for each certification level.) Performs life saving initial patient assessment and administers medical treatment, either basic or advanced, as determined by the employee's certification level. Assesses, initiates, and documents treatment for injured, ill, or infirmed patients. Performs lifting and moving of patients without causing additional injury. Performs vehicle extraction activities. Checks and maintains medic unit equipment and supplies. EMS related duties: Completes various reports of accident scene and patient care, such as pre-hospital medical care report. Operates various equipment such as suction units, cardiac monitor defibrillators, stretchers, medical instruments/supplies and devices, etc.. If certified as EMT I or II, assists higher certified paramedic in patient care, assessment, packaging and transportation. If certified as EMT II or higher, may be assigned to medic unit and function as medic unit driver. If certified as EMT IV, may be assigned to medic unit and functions as paramedic in charge of patient care, treatment, and transportation decisions.

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.