Paramedic/Firefighter

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs responsible protective services by providing advanced life support. Supervises the rescue unit on call and serves as attendant in charge of patients. Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Works at stations responding to calls for emergency assistance, acting as attendant of the rescue unit on call or as firefighter on fire apparatus
• Provides emergency medical services using basic and advanced emergency life support and stabilization procedures at the scene of the accident or illness and during transport to medical facilities
• Performs rescue from life-threatening situations and assists in the protection of property
• Drives emergency vehicles and operates equipment
• Prepares and maintains records and reports on emergency responses and patient responses, including legal accountability
• Participates in training and education activities to keep informed and skilled in the latest techniques for advanced life support
• Engages directly in fire suppression activities
• Participates in fire, rescue and prevention training programs
• Monitors health, safety, and physical condition of personnel at fires or other hazardous sites
• Operates medical radio equipment
• Replenishes supplies and performs vehicle maintenance before and after calls

• Must adhere to all applicable Roanoke County and Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department policies and procedures. NON ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists in routine maintenance of building and grounds at assigned stations

• Provides emergency medical services training to schools, organizations and the public as requested

REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES

Education

Required: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

Preferred: Emergency medical services and firefighting experience.

Certifications/ Licenses

Required: Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license, have a good driving record not to exceed negative three (-3) demerit points, and comply with state regulations covering drivers of emergency vehicles (includes successful completion of a provided Emergency Vehicle Operators Course).  Must possess or become certified in accordance with National Fire Protection Association Standard 1001 for Firefighter Level II.   Possess an Intermediate or Paramedic Certificate valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must successfully complete provided Advanced Cardiac Life Support training becoming certified. Must complete Roanoke County’s ALS Medical Checkoff Program before serving as ALS attendant within twelve (12) months of employment.  Must maintain all required licenses/ certifications. The employee must maintain the required hours of Continuing Education (60 hrs Paramedic & 55 hrs Intermediate). Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) must be a part of the Continuing Education hours.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of emergency medical care and advanced life support techniques
• Skill in providing emergency medical care and advance life support
• Good knowledge of firefighting techniques
• Thorough knowledge of the geographical layout of the County, including the street and road network
• Ability to supervise other emergency medical services personnel, often under hazardous and stressful conditions
• Ability to manage major emergency medical services incidents making appropriate decisions with regard to patient care
• Ability to work together with others as a team
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to complete complex incident reports
• Some aptitude for mechanical work.

Additional Requirements

Must be nineteen (19) years of age; successfully complete a physical agility test; and be in excellent physical condition and maintain good physical fitness standards. Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results.Must also be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directs the activities of staff assigned to the rescue unit on call.

OTHER INFORMATION

Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefit package that includes:

• Progressive Flexible Leave Plan with cash-in option • Twelve paid holidays • Short Term Disability Insurance • Long Term Disability Insurance • Health, Vision and Dental Insurance • Life Insurance • Flexible Spending Accounts - Medical and Dependent Care • Virginia Retirement System - Membership in VRS is automatic upon hire into a covered   position.  County contributes and employees pay their membership contribution. • Deferred Compensation Plan with County Match • Employee Assistance Program • Credit Union Membership