Firefighter - Advanced EMT

Performs difficult protective services work in regard to emergency medical services and fire suppression; engages directly in providing basic life support and stabilization procedures at the scene of a medical emergency and during transport to medical facilities; engages directly in fire suppression activities and response to fire related incidents as required; does related EMS, Fire and emergency services work as required.  Responsible to Incident Commander on scene and/or any Bedford County Fire & Rescue Officer.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:  **

• Acts in the capacity of A-EMT/Firefighter.
• Provides basic life support and other EMS stabilization procedures.
• Performs rescue from potentially life-threatening situations.
• Assists in the protection of property via fire suppression and other fire related activities.
• Assists with Hazardous Materials Incident responses.
• Prepares accurate records and reports as required for EMS and Fire related responses.
• Operates emergency equipment as certified and required.
• Assists in maintenance of equipment related to the County EMS/Fire Service
• Assists in maintenance of buildings and grounds related to the County EMS/Fire Service.
• Assists in maintenance of vehicles related to County EMS/Fire Service.
• Assists in maintenance of water distribution appurtenances related to fire suppression.
• Replenishes supplies and materials as needed for County EMS/Fire Service.
• Assists in fire and safety inspections/investigations of public and private property as required.
• Assist in providing EMS, Fire, and General Safety training to the public.
• Assists in providing EMS, Fire and Hazardous Materials training to volunteers.
• Accomplishes all tasks and activities as appropriately assigned or requested by management in reference to EMS, Fire and Emergency Services.  
• Participates in employee meetings and training as needed.
• Performs special projects as assigned.
• Meets attendance requirements and maintains the highest level of dependability.  
• Consistently demonstrates ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, and reprioritizes work as necessary.  

Requirements

**Education / Experience:  **

Must possess education equivalent to graduation from high school; a minimum of 1 year pre-hospital experience; 

Knowledge / Skillsand Abilities: 

Extensive knowledge of emergency medical care and basic life support techniques; working knowledge of firefighting techniques; ability to work cooperatively with other emergency services personnel under hazardous and stressful conditions; ability to assist in managing emergency medical services incidents making appropriate decisions in regard to patient care; actively performs fire suppression and property protection; ability to foster and maintain positive working relationships with volunteer personnel and the public; have an aptitude for mechanical and manual work and be in excellent physical condition.

Must be willing and able to develop a working knowledge of all aspects of Emergency Service activities within Bedford County and be willing and able to complete various tasks associated with the provision of these services.

Certifications /Licenses: 

• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license with 2 years driving experience and acceptable driving record. 
• Must possess a Virginia Emergency Medical Technician – Advanced
• CPR certification
• NIMS – ICS 100, 200 & ICS 700, 800 certifications
• Virginia Department of Fire Programs Firefighter 1 and/or Firefighter II
• Virginia Department of Fire Programs Hazardous Materials Operations certification
• Must have MAYDAY Firefighter Down certification (or must obtain within one year)
• EVOC certification

Continuation of employment will be dependent on maintaining certification requirements.

Physical / Mental Demands:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential   functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities.  

Employment will be pending on successful completion of a physical examination in regard to acceptable standards of the general physical condition of the applicant as defined by the NFPA for similar positions.  This is heavy work requiring exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 

Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word level; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, peripheral vision, visual inspection involving small defects and /or  small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work and observing general surroundings and activities.

Ability to mentally and emotionally deal with emergencies that may result in severe injury or the loss of human life.

Environmental Factors:

The worker must be able to work in all weather conditions and is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibrations, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils.  The worker may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and infectious agents and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.  

Special/Additional Requirements:

Subject to a complete criminal history background search and drug screening with acceptable results.  Additionally, must be able to pass a psychological and physical assessment with satisfactory results.

Candidate must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

This position is designated as essential personnel.  In accordance with the County's personnel policy, essential personnel are critical to the continuation of key operations and services and are expected to report to work, unless otherwise directed by management, in all weather conditions.