Lateral Paramedic Firefighter

The City of Tumwater

Tumwater is a vibrant community, rich in history, community, and opportunity.

Nestled into the base of Puget Sound, Tumwater is the southern gateway to the Seattle/Tacoma metropolitan area. It’s just a little over an hour from the Pacific Ocean beaches, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier with beautiful landscapes of prairie, river, estuary, and lush green trees. With its central location, Tumwater is a picturesque Northwest community with convenient access to arts, cultural and outdoor recreation.

Our vision is to create a future that is highly livable with diverse and engaged residents, a strong economy, and a healthy natural environment. Safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and a sense of community pride make Tumwater a great place to live, work, and play.

The Opportunity

PARAMEDIC DUTIES:

Responds to alarms as a member of the medic unit team and performs fire scene rescue or patient extrication as necessary; performs a thorough physical exam and/or elicits the patient's medical history.

Operates under written standing orders from a physician, initiates basic and advanced life support in cases of cardiac arrest, acute respiratory insufficiency, status seizure, diabetic emergency, drug overdose, obstetrical emergency, shock or any life-threatening emergency warranting emergency medical intervention; works with paramedic partner to formulate a plan of treatment and execute treatment.

Consults via telephone with the physician in emergency medical situations where specific judgment calls or situations go beyond the scope of the standing orders.

Responds to alarms as an emergency medical van driver, transports patient to hospital.

Completes accurate patient reports for use by the hospital emergency department staff; presents patients to the hospital staff and may assist with or continue patient care when department staff is exceeded by patient load.

Attends classes and in-service training to maintain paramedic skills; completes monthly skills monitoring by working in hospital emergency and operating rooms; prepares for and takes bi-annual recertification examinations.

Maintains, cleans and restocks medical van and equipment.

Instructs or assists in the instruction of classes for the general public and local schools on topics such as CPR, first aid and emergency medical treatment operations.

FIREFIGHTER DUTIES:

Responds to alarms as a member of an engine company; lays and connects hose and nozzles and directs water streams; uses a variety of equipment in extinguishing fires; maintains radio contact with communications center at fire station.

Ventilates burning structures; performs salvage operations such as placing salvage covers and removing water and debris.

Complete accurate reports of all emergency incidents during assigned shift.

Participates in inspections of building and other structures as a part of the fire prevention program.

Performs general maintenance work to fire department buildings, grounds and equipment; clean and wash walls, floors, and windows; clean, polish, and test equipment, and other related tasks to assure that the facilities are presentable to the public and that fire suppression equipment and apparatus is in a constant state of readiness.

Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of emergency medical treatment.
• Knowledge of safety regulations in Chapters 296-305 WAC and departmental rules/regulations and policies and practices applied to fire suppression, fire prevention, fire safety inspection, natural or man-made disasters and other related fire science fields.
• Knowledge of 2-way radio use in conformance with FCC rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of salvage and overhaul operations and methods.
• Knowledge of the ordinances and regulations involving emergency vehicle operations.
• Knowledge of pharmacology of all drugs carried in Medic One vans.
• Knowledge of medical terminology; basic knowledge of fire hazards relating to different types of building materials, including electrical systems and chemical properties of building materials.
• Ability to use, operate and maintain emergency medical equipment, including emergency vehicles, MAST pants, cardiac monitors, pacemakers and defibulators.
• Ability to perform life-saving techniques such as intracardiac injections, endotracheal intubations or cricothyroidotomies and intravenous therapy.
• Ability to administer correct dosages and types of drugs.
• Ability to use, operate and maintain firefighting equipment and tools, including ladders, hose, heavy-duty and portable fire apparatus.
• Ability to think clearly, to reason and reach quickly and calmly in hazardous and potentially life-threatening situations.
• Ability to perform hazardous tasks requiring strenuous physical exertion for extended periods of time in cramped surroundings, and hot smokey environments with limited visibility and at times at considerable heights.
• Ability to memorize the geography, street, hydrants and building locations in the City of Tumwater as well as individual characteristics of building, including construction, hazards and built-in protection devices.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, plans and diagrams of floor plans.
• Ability to recall facts and conditions observed while under severe physical and/or emotional stress.
• Ability to complete an Emergency Medical Technician course and to apply knowledge and skills gained; to use tact, understanding and judgment in dealing with the public in fire suppression, prevention ad medical aid situations.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with supervisors and co-workers.

• Currently employed in a full-time, paid, firefighter/paramedic position.

• Must have been employed with the current public safety employer for a period of no less than a period of 24 consecutive months as a firefighter/paramedic and must have successfully completed a probationary period. 

• Currently possess a valid Washington State Paramedic Certification or a National Registered Paramedic Certification.

• Have successfully completed IFSAC Firefighter 1.

• Ability to meet physical, medical and background standards for firefighter/paramedic as established by the City of Tumwater.

• Currently have, or the able to get a valid Washington State Driver's License.

• Must maintain the level of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to qualify for Paramedic recertification exam as required by Washington State RCW 18.71.005, WAC 248-15 and the Thurston County MPD. 

• Successfully complete pre-employment medical exam performed by a licensed physician to establish fitness for duty and approval to wear and use an SCBA and pass a psychological exam performed by a licensed doctor. 

Working Conditions: 

Physical Requirements: Work is often performed in an office and field settings. Specific physical requirements and typical working conditions for this position are on file in the Administrative Services Department. 

The City of Tumwater is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), committed to a diverse workforce. Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Salary : $9,436 - $10,888