PAO Bridge Program

Definition

El Dorado County Fire is looking for motivated, career-minded Paramedic Ambulance Operators (PAO) who are ready to expand their skills, embrace the fire service, and become firefighter paramedics. The Firefighter Paramedic Bridge program provides a pathway for PAOs to attain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for California Firefighter I certification. ## Essential Job Functions In addition to Firefighter I curriculum, Firefighter Paramedic Trainees will train on agency specific firefighting duties that include protecting life and property in the suppression of structural, wildland and other types of fires, auto extrication, technical rescue, Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical care/transport and all-risk emergency situations.

Under direct supervision by a District company officer, the Firefighter Paramedic Trainee will be assigned to a fire station following a four week academy for up to 12 months while working to complete the California SFT Firefighter I Task Book and El Dorado County Fire District probationary firefighter standard evaluations. Once completed with CA OSFM FF 1, the Trainee will participate in a state certified manipulative and psychomotor testing process. Successful completion of the California Firefighter I certification is required within the 12-month period. ## Minimum Qualifications **Experience: **

Currently employed as a Paramedic Ambulance Operators (PAO) with the El Dorado County Fire Protection District.

**Application Pre-requisites: **

• Currently working as an accredited Paramedic in El Dorado County

• Successful completion of ‘Suppression’ pre-employment physical

  **Successful Completion Requirements (within one year of appointment): **

• Valid California Commercial Class B license with Air Brake and Tank Endorsement or California Class C with Firefighter Endorsement

• SFT Firefighter I Certification
• 1A: Structure
• 1B: Hazardous Materials
• 1C: Wildland
• SFT Fire Control 3: Structural Firefighting
• SFT Driver Operator 1A
• SFT Driver Operator 1B
• SFT Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician
• ICS-100, ICS-200
• FEMA IS-700, IS-800
• S-130
• S-190
• L-180
• HAZ-MAT FRO/FRA

• All District Training Standards as outlined in the El Dorado County Probationary Firefighter Binder

  **District Provided Training (for above completion requirements): **

• SFT Firefighter I Certification

• 1A Structure
• 1B Hazardous Materials
• 1C Wildland
• SFT Fire Control 3: Structural Firefighting
• SFT Common Vehicle Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician
• S130
• HAZ-MAT FRO/FRA

• All District Training Standards as outlined in the El Dorado County Probationary Firefighter Binder

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of fire suppression, rescue, and fire prevention.

• Advanced Life Support patient care within the paramedic scope of practice.
• Applicable federal, state, and county EMS laws and regulations, including HIPAA.
• Safe operation and maintenance of fire apparatus, tools, and equipment.
• Documentation, billing, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Applicable laws, codes, policies, and incident-command procedures.

Ability to:

• Perform the full range of suppression and Advanced Life Support duties competently under stressful emergency conditions.
• Operate firefighting and EMS equipment safely and effectively.
• Read, interpret, and apply technical material, policies, and procedures.
• Comprehend and follow written and oral instructions and act decisively under emergency conditions.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports and complete documentation within required software platforms.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, allied agencies, and the public.
• Pass an annual physical performance requirement and perform duties requiring physical strength, endurance and agility.
• Maintain physical fitness appropriate to assigned duties.
• Work shifts, overtime, weekends and holidays.