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CITY OF EUGENE
Revision Date: Mar 1, 2005 |
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DEFINITION:
As member of a fire suppression and life safety team, participates in a team's response to a wide range of emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and other incidents. Operates specialized equipment, apparatus, machinery, and tools. Conducts fire inspection and prevention activities.
Fire Fighters are required to possess an EMT I certification; higher levels of EMT certification allows a Fire Fighter to perform a variety of medical procedures and practices. Those with certification above EMT I, are eligible to work on medic units. The basic differences between the EMT certification levels are: EMT B is involved in providing basic life support and is knowledgeable of automatic cardiac defibrillation techniques. EMT I provides for fluid therapy and may function as medic unit driver. EMTP is the fully skilled technician (paramedic) and is in charge of patient care, treatment and transportation decisions. A minimum of one EMT I and one EMT P must staff each medic unit. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED: Under supervision of chief officer; receives technical supervision of Fire Captain or Fire Lieutenant. Does not supervise. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - DUTIES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:
General Fire Fighting and Emergency Response Duties
Responds to emergency situations and performs fire suppression activities, medical assistance and other specialized rescue activities in a team environment. Works within the chain of command and follows orders, rules, policies, standard operation procedures (SOP's), safety practices, and detailed directions; makes rapid decisions as to appropriate action if required. Operates diverse equipment, such as hoses, nozzles, breathing apparatus, a variety of hand tools and power equipment, saws, types of fire extinguishers, ventilation equipment, specialized rescue and extrication equipment. Performs hose evolutions in the structural, wildland and wildlane/urban interface environment. Assists in routine maintenance and inspection of apparatus, equipment and tools. Assists in preparation of pre-emergency plans and development of information resources about industrial, commercial and multiple dwelling occupancies, and other target hazards; participates in building familiarization tours. Recognizes and preserves evidence pertaining to fire cause and point of origin; assists with fire cause determination under direction of a company officer and/or Deputy Fire Marshal. Performs fire prevention and fire code inspections; understands fire codes and ordinances, and answers questions from public. Participates in fire and other emergency/rescue and special operations drills, and training; keeps up-to-date on methods, policies and procedures; takes periodic written and practical exams. Participates in the inspection and maintenance of fire hydrants. Teaches basic fire prevention and life safety techniques at schools and at public venues; conducts tours. Participates in providing specialized training to probationary fire fighters. Participates in the maintenance of fire station and grounds. Operates department computer systems, programs and other automation as applicable. If assigned to Airport, performs aircraft rescue and firefighting duties. May assist in special operations at the first responder level, e.g., hazardous materials, technical rescue, and water rescue, or participate as team member. May act-in-capacity as Fire Engineer; operates diverse types of apparatus, such as a telesquirt, engine, water tenders, brush engines, quints, medic units, specialized vehicles, and ladder trucks. Actively support and respect diversity in the workplace. Performs related duties as required. EMS related duties: (NOTE: The emergency medical service duties listed below are general in nature and are not a detailed description of duties authorized for each certification level.) Performs life saving initial patient assessment and administers medical treatment, at the basic, intermediate or advanced life support level as determined by the employee's certification level. Assesses, initiates, and documents treatment for injured, ill, or infirmed patients. Performs lifting and moving of patients without causing additional injury. Performs vehicle stabilization and extriaction activities. Checks and maintains medic unit equipment and supplies. Completes various reports of accident scene and patient care, such as pre-hospital medical care report. Operates various equipment such as suction units, cardiac monitor defibrillators, stretchers, medical instruments/supplies and devices, etc. If certified as EMT I or P assists higher certified paramedic in patient care, assessment, packaging and transportation. If certified as EMT I or higher, may be assigned to medic unit and function as medic unit driver. If certified as EMT P, may be assigned to medic unit and functions as paramedic in charge of patient care, treatment, and transportation decisions. QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
Fire behavior, suppression and control strategies and techniques, hazards and techniques, such as control, prevention and extinguishment of various types of fires. Principles of ventilation and smoke removal. Basic rescue techniques and operations; advanced knowledge if member of a special team. Primary and secondary fire search and rescue techniques. Evacuation techniques and procedures. Foam application principles and procedures. Wildland and Wildland/Urban Interface fire suppression and control techniques and procedures. Special Operations principals and techniques at the first responder level for: Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, Water Rescue. Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; principles of Incident Command System. Procedures dealing with fire fighting and emergency rescue; station and apparatus resource manuals; emergency driving laws; and codes pertaining to fire prevention. Fire fighter safety and survival practices. Radio techniques and procedures. Mobile computer techniques and procedures. Ropes, knots, strapping and hoisting. Fire stream practices (hand lines and master streams). Flammable, hazardous, explosive, toxic materials and building construction for fire protection and fire hazards. Building construction and affects of fire and water on structural stability and integrity. Salvage, overhaul and property conservation techniques. Water distribution systems; electrical systems; alarm system; heating/ventilation systems. Assigned district, including fixed water delivery systems, building structures, and sprinkler systems, topography of land, and special hazards in district. Buildings, topography, and target hazards. Fire prevention codes, regulations, standards, and inspection techniques. Emergency medical services practices and procedures for the level of EMS certification. Basic fire detection principles, arson and fire investigation, and fire cause determination. Airport fire/rescue activities, equipment and tactics, if assigned to airport station. Specialty team operations (i.e., hazmat, water rescue, technical rescue) and how to assist teams. Principles and properties of hazardous materials. Operation and maintenance of fire fighting/rescue apparatus and equipment. Knowledge of patient assessment, initiating medical procedures and treatment and medicinces; medical protocols and new medical techniques and equipment, and documenting patient condition and level of care provided. Department computer systems and automation as applicable. Ability to: Perform duties assigned at incident site under emergency and non-emergency situations. Rapidly analyze problems and make decisions as to appropriate response within scope of orders from company officer. Work effectively with others and as an integral part of fire suppression and emergency response team. Use judgment in operating equipment within defined strategy and procedures; know how to use equipment in different situations. Prepare and respond to various emergencies, maintain composure during stressful situations, and operate at traumatic incidents. Determine best course of action and proper mode of response according to policies, procedures and direction, while operating within the chain of command. Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with a diverse range of people; deal effectively with verbal and physical confrontations. Understand, follow and carry out orders. Be prepared to instantly respond to emergency situations. Perform strenuous work under adverse conditions, such as heat, smoke, physical discomfort, confined spaces and various heights and hazardous environments. Maintain composure and confront stressful situations and affects of repeated exposure to traumatic situations. Maintain the personal fitness level required to adequately perform the duties of the position. Operate special equipment and apparatus. Use resource manuals. Identify mechanical problems of apparatus and equipment and explain to mechanic. Perform duties involving strenuous physical exertion and elements of personal danger; move heavy and awkward objects and people. Perform patient assessment at medical emergencies and provide initial and on-going treatment. Maintain required records. Acquire required certifications and credentials issued by the Department, Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and Oregon State Department of Health. Experience and Training Guidelines: Experience/Training: High school diploma and two years experience in firefighting, emergency medicine, or related fields (e.g. military service, public safety, nursing, relevant public service, building construction, heavy equipment operation, etc.); a two-year related degree is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of and ability to maintain an appropriate, valid Oregon Driver's license.* Possession of EMT I certification or higher. *In order to be authorized to operate a motor vehicle in Oregon, Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355). |
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