Firefighter Paramedic

About the role

Under general supervision of department officers, a Firefighter/Paramedic maintains the assigned station, apparatus, equipment, and supplies in a state of readiness, mentors and trains other Fire and EMS division crewmembers, and serves as a strong leader. The role involves responding to medical emergencies to provide prehospital Advanced Life Support care, performing firefighting, rescue, and hazardous material duties, and acting as the highest medical authority at emergency medical scenes.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex diagnostic and medical procedures, including intravenous cannulation, endotracheal intubation, recognition of cardiac arrhythmias, and administration of medications.
• Drives and operates emergency apparatus as assigned.
• Accurately completes written Fire and EMS reports and relays verbal reports on patient care to hospital emergency departments.
• Comprehends and documents complete and accurate patient histories.
• Utilizes the City computer system for patient care documentation, record keeping, pre-incident planning, and other job-related functions.
• Mentors, trains, and orients crew members on Fire & EMS operations; conducts departmental training sessions.
• Performs thorough daily inspections of assigned apparatus; notifies station officer of any condition requiring repair or maintenance.
• Ensures inventory of supplies, equipment, and medications is complete; maintains apparatus, equipment, and records.
• Cleans and performs general maintenance of emergency medical and fire equipment and fire stations.
• Participates in firefighting duties, including laying hose lines, operating nozzles, pumps, and hydrants; using fire extinguishers and other suppression tools.
• Participates in salvage operations and post-fire operations to reduce property damage.
• Engages in drills and training evolutions as directed.
• Conducts fire and life safety inspections of commercial and residential properties; checks hydrant operating conditions.
• Responds to scenes of accidents or acute illness for emergency medical care; transfers, lifts, and moves patients using appropriate safety techniques.
• Responds to hazardous material incidents at an awareness level and other public assistance calls.
• Participates in public education programs for schools, civic groups, and community areas.
• Drives and operates fire apparatus under the direction of department officers.
• Participates in daily physical training.
• Performs related duties as assigned by the Fire Chief or designee.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Minimum of one year of experience as a certified EMT.
• Certification and licensure as a Paramedic by the State of South Dakota and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NR-P must be maintained throughout employment).
• Must maintain national and state-mandated continuing education requirements, including current American Heart Association (AHA) certifications in BLS, ACLS, and PALS.
• South Dakota Critical Care Paramedic Endorsement within one year of hire.
• Certified South Dakota Firefighter within six months of hire (Pro Board and IFSAC accepted).
• Valid South Dakota Driver License.
• Completion of the Department’s emergency ambulance driving class within two weeks of hire.

Skills

• Familiarity with triage, treatment, and patient transport protocols.
• Familiarity with standing orders provided by off-line medical director.
• Proficiency in advanced life support procedures and medical terminology.
• Ability to follow written and oral communication; strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in advanced life support (ALS) skills, including IV therapy, cardiac monitoring, advanced airway control, and medication therapies.
• Ability to handle high levels of personal stress and maintain composure under adverse conditions.
• Working knowledge of fire control programs, techniques, and methods of fire suppression and control.
• Skill in operating and maintaining fire and emergency medical service equipment.

Tools and Equipment Used

• Fire pumps, SCBA, hoses, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, vehicle, personal protective gear, personal computer.
• State of South Dakota’s required equipment for paramedics, including defibrillators, medical suction equipment, cardiac monitors, intubation equipment, IV and medication administration equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Frequently required to sit, communicate, stand, walk, reach with arms, and use hands to manipulate objects, tools, or controls.
• Occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must frequently lift objects weighing 50-100 pounds and move objects between 20-50 pounds for short distances.
• Must perform duties requiring pulling of 40 pounds or more, such as removing hose from apparatus or pulling ceilings.
• Must pass the department’s annual Physical Agility Test (PAT) and a fit-for-duty physical and job function test following an offer of employment.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Regularly works in outside weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts.
• Often performs duties in emergency and stressful situations.
• Exposed to hazards associated with firefighting and emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, and liquid chemicals.
• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in high or precarious places, and is exposed to wet or humid conditions, fumes, airborne particulates, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• Noise levels are usually moderate but may exceed normal range during firefighting or EMT/Paramedic activities.
• Required to work lengthy continuous shifts with potential interruptions to sleep, meals, and other activities.
• Expected to perform essential job functions despite potential fatigue from extended shift work.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, life, and retirement.