Firefighter/Paramedic (Full Time)

JOB SUMMARY

The Firefighter protects life and property by performing fire suppression, advanced life
support (ALS) medical and trauma treatment, hazardous materials and fire prevention
duties. Maintains fire equipment, apparatus and facilities. Under general supervision of
a Company Officer, provides basic and advanced life support services to ill or injured
persons in accordance with the policies established by the South Padre Island Fire
Department and the Medical Control Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs fire suppression activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose and performing fire attack, containment and extinguishment tasks.
• Performs first responder activities including administering advanced life support (ALS) medical care.
• Participates in fire drills, attends classes in fire suppression, emergency medical, hazardous material and related subjects.
• Receives and responds to fire calls and alarms. Operates radio and other communication equipment.
• Participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants and other structures in fire prevention programs.
• Maintains fire equipment, apparatus and facilities.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment to include care for the grounds around the fire station.
• Assists in developing plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, firefighting hazardous materials and first responder activities.
• Performs rescues such as water, vehicle, trench, high angle, elevator, body recovery, confined space or any other rescue as needed.
• Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
• Performs basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) activities as an MICU ambulance crew member.
• Responds to medical emergencies; performs primary and secondary physical assessment of ill or injured persons.
• Treat patients in accordance with South Padre Island Medical Services Protocols and Fire Department policy.
• Operate radio-telephone equipment and communicates medical information to base hospitals, medical personnel and others.
• Respond to and perform skilled tasks at the scenes of emergency calls and non-emergency calls.
• Serves as a preceptor for paramedic and emergency medical technician trainees.
• Compile necessary reports and records.
• Presents programs to the community on safety, medical and fire prevention topics.
• Participate in Fire Prevention activities.
• Operates a variety of apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, and vehicles including lifting, hoisting emergency medical equipment and other EMS related equipment.
• Conducts daily inspections of condition and readiness of equipment; clean, wash, and service equipment, inspect, test, and maintain equipment, emergency lighting
• equipment, generators, rescue and first aid and related equipment; flow-test hydrants.
• Responds to miscellaneous emergencies; including rescues, flooding, and natural disasters, respond to non-emergency situations including elderly assists, vehicle and residential lockouts, and other non-emergency situations.
• Participates in physical training activities; aerobic and/or weight lifting routines.
• Assists in securing sites by directing traffic, clearing public, clearing landing zones for helicopter landing; setting up lighting and related activities.
• Responds to the orders and directives of incident commanders/superiors and carries out assignments per applicable practices, protocols, and guidelines.
• Maintain inventories of apparatus, equipment, and supplies.

SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists in department supervisory and administrative activities as assigned.
• Assists in training new employees as assigned.
• Attends classes that are required to maintain certifications.
• Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• Related work experience in firefighting/EMS or a related field is preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and experience, equivalency to be determined by the City.

Licenses or Certifications: (Required)

• Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) certified as an Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic or ability to obtain certification within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Obtain a Class B Driver’s License within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Firefighter certification.
• A valid state driver’s license.