FIREFIGHTER/EMT

POSITION: Firefighter/EMT DATE: August, 2024 DEPARTMENT: Fire Department FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt SUPERVISOR: Deputy Chief(s), Fire Chief UNION: BPFA SUPERVISES: None PAY GRADE: Per CBA

GENERAL SUMMARY This role involves skilled firefighting work, including combating and preventing fires, responding to emergencies, and maintaining fire department equipment and facilities.   The job requires training in protecting life and property through firefighting and rescue operations. Employees must learn to operate equipment and perform hazardous tasks under challenging conditions, often requiring strenuous effort. While firefighting and rescue are the primary responsibilities, much time is spent on drills, studying techniques, and routine maintenance of fire department property.   In addition to firefighting, duties include providing emergency medical treatment and transportation for the injured. Employees must maintain a State of Maine Advanced EMT license through ongoing training and education.   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS* Emergency Response and Rescue Operations ·        Responds to fire alarms, drives equipment to fires; operates pumps and auxiliary equipment; lays and connects hose; holds nozzle and directs fog or water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, power saws, and other specialized equipment. ·        Enters hazardous environments for detection, suppression, and rescue of victims. ·        Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows and skylights or by chopping holes in roofs and floors; removes persons from danger; administers first aid to injured persons; performs salvage operations such as placing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris. ·        Ability to carry injured people from houses, cars, etc. ·        Ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights. ·        Ability to enter dwellings through windows during emergencies requiring the protection of life and property. ·        Ability to operate all fire and ambulance apparatus.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance ·        Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire department property; cleans and washes walls and floors; makes repairs to property and equipment; washes, hangs, and dries hoses; washes, cleans, polishes, and tests apparatus. ·        Skill in operating emergency vehicles. ·        Skill in the use, operation, and care of firefighting equipment. ·        Ability to carry equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus equipment.

Training and Knowledge Acquisition ·        Attends training courses; reads and studies assigned materials related to firefighting and prevention and emergency medical techniques. ·        Participates in fire drills and attends classes in firefighting and emergency medicine. ·        Receives training related to ambulance work, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, splinting of fractures, oxygen therapy, and advanced life support techniques. ·        Knowledge of the street system and physical layout of the Town. ·        Ability to learn a wide variety of firefighting duties and methods within a reasonable working test period. ·        Ability to learn a wide variety of emergency medical techniques. ·        Ability to learn quickly the principles and practices of firefighting and rescue.

Communication and Coordination ·        Relays instructions, orders, and information and gives the location of alarms received from the dispatcher. ·        May perform assigned fire inspections, checking fire escapes, building exits, and related structures and appurtenances for compliance with fire prevention ordinances. ·        Performs telephone and dispatching duties as assigned. ·        At times works closely with nurses and doctors and some emergency room work. ·        Ability to read, write, speak English, and understand and follow oral and written instructions. ·        Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

Other Duties & Responsibilities ·        Perform other related duties as required.   The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING REQUIRED ·        Graduation from a standard high school or vocational school. ·        Must have current EMT- Advanced or Paramedic License ·        Successful completion of the Firefighter I & II within two years of hire. ·        Physical strength and agility and freedom from disabling defects; and the ability to meet such specific physical requirements as may be established by the Personnel Board and Fire Department Rules and Regulations. ·        Ability to maintain composure during extremely demanding periods. ·        Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies. ·        Ability to use personal computers ·        Valid driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS The working conditions/physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working Conditions - While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and interpret situations; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with officials and the public. Physical Demands - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands and have finger dexterity, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. Firefighting and EMS work can be very physical. Must be able to carry injured people from houses, cars etc. Must be able to carry and climb heavy aluminum ladders and work at considerable heights. Must be able to operate fire apparatus and ambulances. Must be able to work in confined spaces under little to no vision while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus. Must be able to carry and operate gas powered saws and other portable lifesaving equipment.   The Town of Brunswick considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, ancestry or national origin, age, physical or mental handicaps, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.   * External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.