FIREFIGHTER

Firefighter/Paramedic Perform fire suppression and emergency medical services for the community. Assist in the maintenance of equipment and facilities. Protect lives and property through firefighting and EMS skills, and perform hazardous tasks under emergency conditions. Principal Duties and Responsibilities This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following examples do not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent. Perform fire suppression duties by responding to emergency fire calls, using various firefighting equipment, including fire hoses and apparatus for fire suppression. Assist advancing hose lines, making hydrant connections, directing water streams on fires performing rescues, and ensuring all property and lives are safe and secure. Operate hydraulic or pneumatic rescue equipment to trapped or endangered persons and forced entry into structures. Perform emergency medical services by responding to emergency calls, performing basic and advanced life support, providing inter-facility transfer locally and regionally, restocking, decontamination, and performing other duties as necessary to save lives. Conduct public tours of facilities, providing public education regarding fire, EMS and safety, maintaining continuing education and physical training. Perform light building and vehicle maintenance duties. Performs other duties as may be assigned. Minimum Qualifications, Experience, and Abilities: Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics: Knowledge Working knowledge of the mechanical principles involved in the efficient operation of fire apparatus and equipment. Knowledge of fire suppression, rescue techniques, and fire streams. Knowledge of department rules, regulations policies and procedures. General knowledge of EMS prehospital care for medical and trauma patients, equivalent to DSHS certification level. Knowledge of Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) codes and rules. Knowledge of Department of State Health Services (DSHS) codes and rules related to DSHS certification level. Knowledge of City maps and locations of streets and response routes. Skills Skill in operating and driving an ambulance and fire apparatus in a safe, proficient, and professional manner during non-emergency and emergency responses. Skill in firefighting, extrication techniques and equipment. Skill in the administration of emergency medical techniques, patient assessment and the use of specialized equipment. Skill in oral, verbal and written communications. Skill in use of a computer and proficiency with MS Office and other field related software. Abilities Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies and to direct the work of coworkers in emergency situations. Ability to inspect, use, operate and care for fire-fighting equipment. Ability to inspect, use, operate and care for EMS equipment, equivalent to DSHS certification level. Ability to maintain BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification as required based on DSHS certification level. Ability to swim proficiently and to demonstrate such in a swim test. Ability to gain physical strength and agility sufficient to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions. Ability to participate in the fire department's physical fitness program. Ability to work an irregular schedule, including weekends, evenings and holidays. Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance. Other Characteristics Ensure standards that meet or exceed the USFA Firefighter Code of Ethics and NAEMT Code of Ethics; Ensure high ethical standards; Exemplify professionalism, integrity, commitment and teamwork as a Firefighter of the Fire Department; Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids: Fire suppression equipment to include fire apparatus, rescue equipment, protective gear, PPE, SCBA, Rescue SRT gear, Extrication tools, and Fire tools. Emergency medical equipment to include Type I ambulance, stretcher, radio, medical supplies & medications, medical PPE, Computer related software including Electronic Patient Care Reporting Software, Fire Programs, iPad, iPhone, and radio equipment. Education, Certification and Experience Required: Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent. Possession of a valid Texas Class C driver's license. Valid BLS Healthcare Provider certification Must be a certified Firefighter with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Must be a certified Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at time of employment, Paramedic preferred If not a DSHS certified Paramedic when hired, the employee must enroll in the first offered Paramedic class and/or prerequisite classes and make a continuous, uninterrupted effort become a DSHS certified Paramedic. Employee must maintain Paramedic level certification during employment with the Kerrville Fire Department. Failure to meet the Kerrville Fire Department Paramedic requirements may result in termination from employment. No previous experience required. Physical and Environmental Conditions Duties are performed in both indoor and outdoor settings. The physical demands and work environment are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the principle duties and responsibilities (essential functions) of this position or which the employee will encounter. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to frequent standing, walking, lifting, climbing, reaching, kneeling, crawling, bending over and other intensive physical activity. The employee must have normal vision (corrected), hearing and the ability to communicate effectively. The employee, as an individual, must frequently lift and/or move objects or persons weighing up to one hundred (100) pounds, and more with assistance. The employee will work indoors and outdoors during inclement weather conditions, in extreme hot and cold temperatures, in darkness and around dust. The employee is frequently exposed to personal risk while working in dangerous and life threatening situations including fighting fires, performing rescues, hazardous material incidents, electrical hazards and driving or riding in a fire or EMS vehicle at high rates of speed. The employee is exposed to personal risk while working with persons in life-threatening situations, with serious injuries and illnesses, infectious diseases, and under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The noise level of the work environment ranges from generally quiet to loud.