DCFEMS seeks Firefighter Paramedic - $62k to $105k

Job Summary

This position is in the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS). DCFEMS provides fire suppression, technical rescue, fire prevention, education, and pre-hospital care and transportation services to people within the District to protect life and property. DCFEMS firefighter paramedics can work in a fast-paced, high call volume jurisdiction with unique and high-profile special events related to its status as the Nation’s Capital. The Department’s diverse mission also gives firefighter paramedics the opportunity to apply for positions in all four of its disciplines throughout their careers. Firefighter/Paramedic is assigned to one of approximately thirty-three fire stations throughout the District of Columbia. The incumbent will primarily travel by Medic Unit and Fire Unit in a prompt and efficient manner in response to calls for emergency medical care of critically ill or injured patients 

Duties and Responsibilities

Incumbent assesses, evaluates and stabilizes patient’s condition at the site of emergency. Initiates and maintains advanced life support treatment under direction of the Medical Director, and/or Platoon supervisor. Incumbent performs an initial and detail/focus assessment, including current medical history and physical examination in accordance with medical protocols. Monitors and interprets an electrocardiogram (EKG). Stabilizes critically ill injured patients through the application of advanced life Support techniques such as incubation, peripheral intravenous insertion, defibrillation, and administration of pharmaceutical agents etc. Draws blood samples for blood glucose determination and for other indications when necessary. Prepares and administers intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous medications. Extricates injured and/or entrapped patients by safely employing prescribed techniques and appliances. 

Drives a medic unit to a specific address or location of an emergency, choosing the most direct and expeditious route in a timely and safe manner, maintaining life support care during transportation to the appropriate hospital emergency department. Utilizes detection instruments for gas, heat, radiation or smoke. Operates and maintains various power tools such as saws, ventilation fans, extrication devices and others. Protects property from damage with salvage covers. Stops oil, steam, gas or water leaks and removes excess water. Removes debris and rubbish and, to the extent possible, restores the security of the property. Rescues and frees victims in tunnels, pipes, excavations, etc. Extricates victims from high places, elevators, electrical contact, hazardous areas, machinery, etc. Incumbent performs as a firefighter responding to known and unknown emergency calls at minimal response time. Upon arrival at emergency location, relays conditions, life hazards and exposures to commanding officer. Incumbent makes forcible entries. Recognizes conditions that may lead to back-draft. Controls public utilities; positions and raises serial ladders or platform; climbs or descends ladders, carrying hose lines and equipment. Makes openings for ventilation and performs overhaul operations. Drives and operates firefighting apparatus of significant complexity, including pumps, aerial ladder trucks, and rescue trucks. Performs daily inventory checks and routine maintenance on firefighting apparatus. Drives a vehicle to the scene of an emergency following a predetermined route or selects an alternate route when necessary. Positions the vehicle, considering factors such as wind direction, water sources, hazards from falling structures, etc. Operates pumps, foam generators, handiness, wagon pipes, ladder pipes, monitor nozzles, and other similar equipment; determines proper principles of hydraulics to water flow friction and friction loss.