PURPOSE: The Firefighter Paramedic may be stationed at any Colerain Fire Station and will serve as a first responder to critical medical and fire related incidents.

SCOPE: The primary function of a Colerain Township Firefighter is to protect the community from disaster and emergency situations, including house and building fires, and promote an environment of public safety within the Fire Department's response area. This position also participates in fire prevention and inspection activities, equipment and quarters maintenance, and training dealing with all phases of fire suppression, prevention, inspection, rescue and emergency operation, and Emergency Medical Services.

ESSENTIAL ROLES & RESPONSIBLILITIES: May include, but not limited to the following:

• Communicates clearly and effectively utilizing various types of radios.

• Wears a self-contained breathing apparatus, fire gear, protective head gear and other gear that may weigh over twenty-five pounds or more, for long periods of time during fire and EMS operations.

• Fire suppression and all fire suppression operations.

• Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water and removing debris.

• Responds to and renders assistance in all emergency situations.

• Cleans and inspects equipment and apparatus after returning from a fire, prior to the start of shift, or as the job requires.

• Inspects equipment and apparatus and notifies superior officer of any defects.

• Makes minor repairs to equipment and apparatus, performs routine preventative maintenance tasks, and keeps records of such action.

• Keeps fire station, equipment and grounds in a clean and orderly condition.

• Participates in training activities and instructional sessions.

• Acquires and retains a thorough knowledge of the township including streets, buildings, water supply, unusual hazards and related items.

• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with Colerain Township and Colerain Fire Department’s, policies and procedures.

• Works in a safe manner and reports unsafe activity and conditions.

• Adheres to responsibilities concerning safety and injury prevention.

• Performs various public information or educational tasks and activities at local schools, churches, and other public venues which may include education in the arena of both fire and EMS.

• Respond to emergency calls for specialized service such as hazardous materials, confined spaces rescue, extrication and technical rescues, that include high angle, below grade, swift water, trench and collapse rescues.

• Works with Social Services in areas related to emergency and non-emergency response, by assisting victims and relatives of victims of traumatic events, drug addiction, emergency and non-emergency senior care; psychiatric care, and community risk reduction activities as necessary.

• Works with other agencies such as the Health Department, Police Department, and local Hospitals to ensure resident safety in the home.

• Respond to medical and or traumatic emergency calls and provide basic medical or advanced treatment as required.

• Communicates with local hospitals and other healthcare providers for the continuity of patient care.

• Completes patient care reports for every patient as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code, Colerain Fire Department’s Policies and Procedures Manual, and per the general standard of care expected of each employee.

• Adheres to the Southwest Ohio Medical Protocols and keeps a working knowledge of the protocol during update periods through training and education.

• Maintains a high level of understanding and knowledge of emergency medicine, emergency care, and all EMS operations, while having the desire to continue to learn new techniques, medical treatments, and any other continuing education as the job requires.

• Performs all job duties and functions that are expected under the auspices of the Ohio EMT and/or Paramedic Scope of Practice and performs under the direction of the Southwest Medical Protocols that have been established.

CRITICAL SKILLS / EXPERTISE:

• Shall be capable of operating both as a member of a team and working independently at incidents of uncertain duration.

• Shall be capable of physically and emotionally coping with highly stressful situations.

• Shall be capable of using a variety of hand tools.

• Shall be capable of using a self-contained breathing apparatus.

• Shall be capable of working in a hazardous environment and being exposed to the many hazards encountered on a fire, medical, and any other emergency scene.

• Shall be capable of operating portable fire extinguishers.

• Shall be capable of working with ropes and tying certain knots used in the fire service.

• Shall be capable of handling highly pressurized fire hoses.

• Shall be capable of safely operating portable power equipment, such as a chain saw.

• Shall be capable of clearly communicating on a two-way radio, and on the telephone.

• Shall be capable of passing the department’s job-related physical performance evaluation.

• Shall have the ability to medically treat all patients without bias to sex, age, race, culture, religion, etc.

• Detect the presence of fire and/or smoke using the senses of sight, smell, or touch.

• Visually inspect buildings and fire equipment and visually examine the physical conditions of accident victims.

• Possess sufficient visual acuity in order to function optimally in dense smoke and darkness.

• Sufficiently hear instructions and commands while wearing protective headgear at fire and emergency scenes.

• Shall have acute hearing in order to locate somebody during a search and rescue, when a verbal or electronic signal is emitted.

• Balance on ice, oil, and water slick surfaces as may be encountered in the course of firefighting and rescue operations, and fire safety inspections.

• Understand the theories of fire science, fire safety and prevention, and emergency medical training, and apply theoretical knowledge on a practical level.

• Work cooperatively with subordinates, supervisors, and the public under extremely stressful conditions, including situations of a life-threatening nature.

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies, and the public.

• Utilize personal computers, including word processing software, calculator, copy and fax utilities, phone, mobile phone, mobile and portable radios, and automobiles.

EDUCATION, LICENSING & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Must have a minimum of a State of Ohio Firefighter Level I certification.

• Must have a current State of Ohio Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Paramedic certificate or currently be an EMT – Basic enrolled in an approved paramedic training program at the time of application.

• A successfully hired candidate possessing a State of Ohio Firefighter Level I certificate and or currently an EMT – Basic enrolled in an approved paramedic training program shall be a State of Ohio certified Firefighter Level II and or Paramedic by the end of the employee’s probation date.

• Must possess a valid State issued automobile driver’s license.

• Must have successfully completed the Colerain Fire & EMS Physical Performance Evaluation no more than twelve (12) months prior to the assessment process.

• State of Ohio EMT –Paramedic certification.

• State of Ohio Fire or EMS Instructor certification.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and talk or hear. The employee will occasionally be required to manipulate, handle, feel, reach, push, and pull with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop or crouch.

• Shall be capable of working in a very dark, hot, and dangerous environment.

• Shall be capable of climbing ladders ranging from 16-feet to 110-feet.

• Shall be capable of carrying ground ladders.

• Shall be capable of dragging, carrying, and connecting fire hose.

• Shall be capable of opening and closing a fire hydrant.

• Shall be capable of driving large fire department vehicles.

• Shall be capable of operating fire apparatus pumps and equipment.

• Bend, crouch, and stoop up to one half hour at a time in order to tend to accident victims in tight spaces, such as those encountered in damaged automobiles and in other rescue settings.

• Walk, run, and jump as needed to respond to a fire, auto accident, home or industrial accident or other emergency situation.

• Step vertically three feet without assistance to enter a fire vehicle.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required of this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This employee must successfully pass the department’s physical fitness and medical evaluations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee occasionally works in hot, outside weather conditions and occasionally encounters dirt, dust, heat, fumes, and odors as well as mechanical, chemical, electrical and fire hazards.

• Exposure to extreme heat and toxic smoke.

• Exposure to potential building collapse.

• Exposure to cuts bruises sprains, fractures and any other injury that might occur on an emergency scene.

• Exposure to electrical hazards – electrocution hazard.

• Exposure to severe stress that could cause a fatal heart attack or stroke.

• Exposure to extreme weather conditions that could cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, frostbite or any other weather-related injury or illness.

• Potential for exposure to contagious diseases including but not limited to hepatitis and aids.

• Exposure to dangerous and hazardous materials.

• Exposure to any and all such hazards that might be encountered while responding to, and working at a fire, EMS, rescue, hazardous materials disaster or any emergency scene.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while working in the office, or moderately noisy while working in the field.

Type: Part-time