Firefighter - EMT F1

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Duty 1. Conduct Salvage and Overhaul - Identify strategies to protect property.  Use salvage covers or smoke fans, locate smoldering fires, and assess damaged structures for safety.  Remove property to protect from damage, remove excess water, and perform cleanup as necessary.

• Cover holes with the proper materials to protect property from weather and elements.
• Deploy salvage covers or smoke fans to protect equipment and property.
• Identify potential danger areas, such as holes in the floor, or areas that are structurally weak.
• Lift, carry, push, or pile property to protect it from further damage.
• Locate and extinguish hidden fires and smoldering embers, prior to placing fan in service.
• Place sprinkler, standpipe, and alarm systems back into service.
• Recognize and identify types of building collapse.
• Remove excess water and debris after a fire.

• Tear down or shore up weak or damaged structures such as floors, ceilings, roofs, etc.

  Duty 2. Identify and Contain Hazardous Materials – Safely identify and contain hazardous materials including chemicals, explosives, and biological and radioactive substances.

• Contain hazardous materials according to relevant policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Identify methods of neutralizing or containing hazardous materials.
• Identify safety zone surrounding hazard area.
• Identify types of hazardous materials involved in incidents.
• Isolate hazard area from further contamination.
• Operate from safe distances.
• Recognize visual physical/chemical indications of hazardous materials.
• Remove hazardous fluid leaks from vehicles at motor vehicle collisions.

• Take appropriate actions to prevent a hazardous materials incident from occurring.

  Duty 3. Improve Department - Carry out a continuous effort to improve operations and work processes.  Work cooperatively and jointly to provide continuous improvement and customer-driven service. Duty 4. Inspect, Inventory, and Maintain Apparatus and Equipment - Examine equipment and apparatus to ensure proper functioning and/or adequate supply on a daily basis.  Make or recommend necessary minor repairs, and report loss, damage, or theft.

• Inventory tools and equipment before leaving fire or emergency scenes and upon return.

• Properly stow equipment on apparatus for storage and transport.
• Inspect, clean, and polish tools, equipment, and apparatus.
• Check and report running condition of tools, equipment, and apparatus.
• Perform minor repairs and maintenance of tools, equipment, and apparatus.
• Test and maintain communication, protection, and rescue equipment.
• Turn in tools and equipment in need of repairs.
• Report lost, stolen, or damaged tools and equipment with headquarters.
• Replenish supplies, such as medical supplies, oxygen tanks, chemical extinguishing agents, etc.
• Inspect and maintain ladders.
• Inspect fire extinguishers.
• Inform officer in charge of units of activities which must be performed before apparatus can be put back in service.
• Participate in annual pump and ladder test.
• Participate in annual hose test.
• Participate in quarterly testing of hose, in which water is made to flow through hose to prevent it from drying out.
• Make mental or written note of all equipment that is removed from apparatus.
• Conduct radio check in the morning.
• Turn on water to insure that hydrant is working properly.
• Insure that hydrant is visible by cutting any weeds growing around it.
• If hydrant is not working properly, notify the proper authorities.
• Note the location of new hydrants.

• Maintain a record of the location and type of all hydrants.

  Duty 5. Interact with Supervisors - Interact and work together with supervisors on a regular basis.

• Maintain good working relationships with supervisors.

• Listen and respond to verbal orders from fire officer/incident commander at an emergency scene.
• Offer suggestions on tactics to fire officer/incident commander.
• Communicate with fire officer/incident commander using the radio.
• Participate in analysis or critique of firefighting or other emergency activities.

• Contact supervisory personnel to discuss problems or obtain information.

  Duty 6. Interact with the Public - Interact and work with businesses and citizens in the community.   Interact with victims, family members, and witnesses at emergency scenes.

• Refer citizens to appropriate public agencies or services.

• Interact and work with community agencies.
• Maintain a friendly, helpful attitude toward the public.
• Attend neighborhood and community meetings and other functions.
• Calm injured or upset victims at emergency scenes.
• Comfort distraught witnesses at emergency scenes.

• Provide assistance and comfort to families of victims.

  Duty 7. Maintain and Expand Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Study and practice to maintain and expand skills, abilities, and knowledge of up-to-date, job-related techniques through formal and informal class work, training, and on-the-job experience.

• Maintain current license and certification requirements.

• Maintain knowledge of current fire codes, new firefighting techniques, and new equipment.
• Maintain knowledge of department organization, procedures, protocols, regulations, etc.
• Maintain knowledge of emergency medical and first aid techniques.
• Maintain knowledge of local conditions (e.g., street closures, new construction, etc.).

• Participate in physical fitness evaluations.

  Duty 8. Perform Emergency Medical Services and First Aid - Perform triage, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, wound evaluation and treatment, and other first aid and life-saving techniques.

• Perform functions of a certified EMT or First Responder.

• Conduct primary assessment of victims (e.g., check for consciousness, breathing, injury location, etc.).
• Treat injuries (e.g., burns, shock, bleeding, fractures, etc.) using first aid and emergency care techniques.
• Administer Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Perform the Heimlich maneuver.
• Assist with childbirth delivery.
• Administer oxygen.

• Carry and/or transport victims.

  Duty 9. Perform High-Rise Rescue and Firefighting - Safely and effectively perform rescue and/or firefighting operations involving high-rise buildings.  Use forcible entry, ventilation, exposure protection, and related techniques as necessary.

• Combat spread of potentially toxic smoke from high-rise fires.

• Determine the stability of roof, floor, and other supporting structures.
• Locate the seat of fire and extensions (particularly vertical) in smoke-filled high-rise structures.
• Make forcible entries into high-rise buildings, using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Maneuver through involved high-rise structures wearing full turnout gear and SCBA.
• Perform triage and evacuation in high-rise structures.
• Protect exposed structures, equipment, and other firefighters from fire by applying water.
• Recognize possible areas of fire spread.
• Utilize aerial ladders, when appropriate, to gain access to the fire.

• Ventilate high-rise structures using appropriate tools and equipment.

  Duty 10. Perform Hose Operations - Perform various hose operations such as line advancement, coupling and uncoupling hoses, attaching hose appliances, determining required pressures, and repairing damaged hose.

• Connect to standpipe or sprinkler connection.

• Hook up soft suction hose or other supply hose.
• Advance rolled or folded sections of hose at ground level.
• Advance dry hose lines at ground level.
• Advance charged hose lines at ground level.
• Attach various hose appliances to hose (e.g., nozzles, wyes, siamese, foam eductors, etc.).
• Open and close hydrants.
• Couple and uncouple hoses.
• Open and close hose clamps.
• Operate charged hoselines.
• Operate deck gun, monitor, or other master stream appliances.
• Load or unload hose sections from apparatus.
• Replace damaged hose sections.
• Use hose jacket or clamp on burst or damaged hose.
• Test and inspect hose sections.
• Rotate hoses on apparatus.

• Inspect and maintain hose couplings.

  Duty 11. Perform Industrial Rescue and Firefighting - Safely and effectively perform rescue and/or firefighting operations involving industrial structures and facilities such as refineries, factories, etc.  Use forcible entry, ventilation, exposure protection, and related techniques as necessary.

• Combat spread of potentially toxic smoke from industrial fires.
• Determine the stability of roof, floor, and other supporting structures.
• Establish and utilize lifelines (tag lines).
• Locate the seat of fire and extensions in smoke-filled structures.
• Make forcible entries into buildings, using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Maneuver through involved structures wearing full turnout gear, SCBA, and/or other proper gear.
• Protect exposed structures, equipment, and other firefighters from fire.
• Recognize possible areas of fire spread.

• Ventilate structures using appropriate tools and equipment.

  Duty 12. Perform Other Duties - Perform other related duties as assigned. Duty 13. Perform Routine Station Chores - Perform standard station chores, including cleaning and general station upkeep.

• Clean and maintain station living quarters.

• Maintain supply of daily used goods (e.g., cleaning supplies, groceries, etc.).
• Engage in various cleaning activities around station which are performed quarterly (ex: waxing and buffing floors, cleaning walls).

• Perform weekly cleaning chores around station and ground (ex: cutting grass, scrubbing apparatus room floor, cleaning kitchen).

  Duty 14.   Perform Structural Firefighting - Safely and effectively perform firefighting operations in structural fires such as commercial and residential buildings.  Use forcible entry, ventilation, exposure protection, and related techniques as necessary.

• Determine the stability of roof, floor, and other supporting structures.

• Evacuate if separated from a hoseline.
• Locate the seat of fire and extensions in smoke-filled structures.
• Make forcible entries into buildings, using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Maneuver through involved structures wearing full turnout gear and SCBA.
• Protect exposed structures, equipment, and other firefighters from fire by applying water.
• Recognize possible areas of fire spread.
• Ventilate structures using appropriate tools and equipment and methods.

• Utilize accountability system (such as, PASS tags).

  Duty 15. Protect Exposures - Recognize potential dangers of fire spread and take steps to protect life, property, equipment, and apparatus from exposure to fire or other dangers.

• Recognize possible avenues of fire spread.

• Protect the outside of exposed structures by applying water.
• Protect Firefighters and equipment by applying water.

• Evacuate people from exposed structures.

  Duty 16.   Report for Duty as Assigned – Report for duty at the assigned work location, on time and ready to work.

• Communicate with supervisor about anticipated tardiness or absences due to illness, injury, jury duty, etc.

• Report to duty with appropriate assigned equipment.
• Report to duty when mandatory recall procedures are in place.
• Report to work fit for duty, ready to work.

• Report to work on time, at assigned work location.

  Duty 17. Respond to Non-Emergency Calls - Respond to calls involving lock-outs, flooded basements, elevator malfunctions, and similar situations.

• Respond to false or accidental alarms.

• Respond to non-emergency calls at commercial sites (e.g., stopped elevators, etc.)

• Respond to non-emergency calls at residential sites (e.g., leaking pipes, lock-outs, etc.).

  Duty 18. Respond to Various Emergency Situations – Ride and/or drive vehicle to emergency scene (including fire, medical emergencies, and hazardous chemical releases).

• Help select the best route to an emergency scene using information from maps, traffic reports, etc.

• Learn and maintain knowledge of response area in order to determine the fastest and safest routes to an emergency scene.
• Locate the scene of a fire or emergency and secure a safe position.
• Perform turnout duties while receiving incoming alarms.
• Prepare for response by putting on protective clothing and loading all required equipment.

• Wear seat belts.

  Duty 19. Search for and Rescue Victims – Locate and provide treatment for victims at the scene of an emergency.

• Conduct confined space rescue - locate and dig to free victims trapped in tunnels, pipes, sewers, excavations, etc.

• Extricate trapped victims using tools such as pry bars, drills, jacks, and hydraulic extrication tools.
• Locate and dig to free victims trapped in tunnels, pipes, sewers, excavations, etc.
• Move heavy objects to free trapped victims.
• Perform elevator rescues.
• Perform ice rescues using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Perform high-angle rescue; remove trapped persons from high elevations (e.g., cliffs, towers, rooftops) using ropes and appropriate equipment.
• Perform structure or vehicle stabilization to effect a rescue.
• Perform surface and sub-aquatic search, rescue and recovery.
• Perform trench rescues.
• Rescue drowning persons using poles, ropes, life rings, or other equipment, such as boats and SCUBA gear.

• Work in confined spaces.

  Duty 20. Suppress Fire at the Scene of an Emergency – Perform all activities necessary to suppress/extinguish fire.

• Climb ladders.

• Crawl/walk on roofs and floors.
• Operate equipment to open holes and windows to supply adequate ventilation.

• Focus streams of water and/or chemicals toward a fire.

  Duty 21 . Temporarily Assume a Higher Rank - Temporarily take on responsibilities and perform duties that are usually handled by incumbents of a higher rank.

• Serve as an acting Driver/Engineer.
• Temporarily assume the rank of officer (Lieutenant or Captain).
• Become familiar with and learn job duties of the next grade.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Acceptance of Diversity - The ability to respect and work cooperatively with co-workers and others without regard to such characteristics as their gender, race, beliefs, or cultural background.
• Appearance and Demeanor - The ability to maintain a neat, well-groomed, physically fit, and professional appearance and demeanor.
• Attention to Detail - The ability to recognize and attend to the details of tasks and situations and to demonstrate a commitment to accuracy.
• Awareness and Alertness - The ability to remain mentally focused and aware of one's surroundings, avoiding distractions, and concentrating on the tasks at hand.  The ability to attain a high level of alertness quickly from a state of sleep.
• Compassion and Sensitivity - The ability to demonstrate sympathy towards people in need and a sincere interest in helping those people.  An awareness of the effects of one's decisions and actions on other people and the ability to accurately read other people's emotions and feelings.
• Computer Skills - Knowledge of and ability to effectively use departmental software and the ability to complete required forms on computers (including utilizing Microsoft Word and the CAD System).
• Conflict Resolution Skills - The ability to identify individual and organizational conflicts, facilitate communication between involved parties, negotiate, and achieve effective resolution to conflicts.
• Courage and Assertiveness - The willingness to work under dangerous or adverse conditions, despite the threat of physical harm.  The ability to demonstrate self-confidence and self-reliance, and to take appropriate action when required.
• Creativity and Resourcefulness - The ability to apply original thinking to find unique ideas and approaches to situations and to identify and make use of available resources.
• Decision Making and Decisiveness - The ability to develop and consider alternatives for dealing with situations and to readily make a decision or render a judgment.
• Dependability and Reliability - The ability to consistently meet obligations and commitments regardless of the circumstances.
• Effectiveness Under Stress - The ability to remain calm, think clearly, and function effectively while under stressful conditions.
• Emotional Maturity and Stability - The ability to maintain a level temperament, and to recognize, distinguish among, and manage one's own emotions and impulses.
• Ethics, Integrity, and Honesty - The ability to maintain high standards of ethical conduct, even when faced with temptations, and to hold others accountable to those same standards.  Includes the ability to remain loyal to others in the face of adversity.
• Fairness and Objectivity - The ability to remain unbiased and open-minded, and to defer judgment until the necessary information has been obtained.
• Fire Apparatus - Knowledge of the various controls, gauges, and operating techniques, as well as manufacturer's specifications of various fire apparatus (pumpers, tankers, rescue vehicles, aerial apparatus, etc.)
• Fire Extinguishment Systems - Knowledge of various extinguishment systems found in buildings (standpipes, sprinklers, etc.) and how to supply those systems.
• Firefighting Equipment - Knowledge of proper use and care of equipment used in emergency response situations (protective gear, breathing apparatus, extinguishers, ladders, hoses, rescue equipment, etc.).
• Firefighting Tactics - Knowledge of firefighting tactics such as extinguishment, forcible entry, rescue, safety, overhaul, etc.
• First Aid and Emergency Care - Knowledge of techniques for providing first aid, stabilizing victims, and providing first responder care before hospital transport.
• Flexibility and Adaptability - The ability and willingness to adapt easily and quickly to changing environments, work duties, or other job requirements.
• General Physical Characteristics, Strength, and Endurance - Having acceptable levels of eyesight and hearing, strength, endurance, coordination, and other general physical characteristics required to perform the job.
• Hazardous Materials - Knowledge of first responder management strategies for hazardous materials incidents, and the ability to recognize and evaluate hazardous materials and determine necessary courses of action.
• Hydraulics Principles - Knowledge of the principles of fireground hydraulics, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to calculate the required pressures and volumes for various hoses, nozzles, and connections.
• Incident Command System - Knowledge of the basic terminology associated with the Incident Command System, as well as the ability to carry out the functions of an incident commander at appropriate incidents.
• Interpersonal Skills - The ability to relate well and get along with others, and respond to people in an emotionally appropriate manner.
• Judgment, Reasoning, and Common Sense - The ability to use common sense, judgment, and logic to think through situations and draw conclusions.
• Learning and Memory - The ability to learn, retain, recall, and apply information that is essential to the job, such as pre-incident plans and routes, verbal instructions and commands, as well as information from reference materials such as codes and policies.
• Manual Dexterity - The ability to use hand-eye coordination and fine muscular control to perform small or precise movements.
• Mathematical Ability - The ability to perform the basic mathematical calculations that are used on the job in a timely and accurate manner.
• Mechanical Comprehension - Knowledge of basic mechanical principles, such as force and leverage, and basic mechanical ability and understanding of mechanics.
• Motivation and Initiative - The ability to develop and maintain an interest in work-related activities without prompting, and to willingly take on tasks and responsibilities.
• Oral Communication Skills - The ability to speak effectively, articulately, and tactfully, to clearly convey thoughts and ideas, to use good listening skills, and to understand the meaning of words and phrases.
• Personal Influence and Responsibility - The ability and willingness to take actions with an expectation that the outcomes of events are within one's control and influence and the willingness to accept the consequences of one's decisions and actions.
• Policies, Procedures, and Organization - - Knowledge of the fire department's policies and operating procedures for a variety of emergency and non-emergency work situations, including basic safety guidelines and regulations, as well as knowledge of department organization and resources (emergency response procedures, station rules, chain of command, paperwork, etc.).
• Positive Attitude - The ability to maintain a positive outlook toward one's work, exhibit a constructive sense of humor, and treat others, both within and without the organization, in a positive manner.
• Reading Comprehension - The ability to read and understand written materials such as reference manuals, training materials, and correspondence.
• Respect for Rules and Authority - The ability to follow orders, rules and regulations, and to show respect toward those with more experience or those in positions of authority.
• Response Area - Knowledge of local streets, traffic patterns, building layouts, pre-incident plans, as well as hydrant and other water source locations within local response area.
• Safety Consciousness - The ability to focus on and help others create a safe work environment, use safe behavior at all times, and teach others about the importance of safety.
• Service Orientation - The ability to demonstrate a genuine interest and concern for the welfare of the community and its citizens and a willingness to participate in community affairs.
• Teamwork and Cooperation - The ability to work as a member of a team, doing one's fair share of work, using input and assistance from others, and putting group goals above individual goals.
• Water Supplies - Knowledge of the most efficient ways to use available water supply systems, as well as knowledge of suitable emergency water sources.
• Work Ethic - The ability and desire to complete work tasks in a quality and timely manner, including effort, initiative, drive, perseverance, and passion for one's work.

Minimum Educational and Training Requirements

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the occupational field, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association and the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Act. Possession of or ability to readily obtain appropriate state EMS certification. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Physical Requirements

The work is typically performed while standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee must frequently lift light and heavy objects, climb ladders, use tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must be able to distinguish between shades of color.  The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and cold or inclement weather.  The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Balancing – maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
• Feeling – perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
• Grasping – applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
• Handling – picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
• Hearing 1 – perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
• Hearing 2 – receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound.
• Kneeling – bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
• Lifting – raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.
• Manual Dexterity – picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
• Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug.
• Pushing – use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward.
• Reaching – extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion – substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
• Speaking – expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
• Stooping – bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.
• Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word
• Talking 2 – shouting to be heard above ambient noise.
• Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
• Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.
• Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
• Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment.
• Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts.
• Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.

Minimum Requirements At least 18 years of age A United States Citizen Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor within three (3) years Successfully pass both the background check and physical examination. Applicant must have visual acuity Must be of sound physical and mental health Successfully complete the Candidate Physical Apptitude Test - CPAT Not have been convicted of a felony