Description:

WCFD#1 is seeking career-minded professional resident firefighters to serve the community while they earn their credentials and gain experience. Resident FF/EMTs with WCFD#1 may expect to gain professional development, leadership development, IFSAC certifications (up to Fire Officer 1), NWCIG Red Card certification to FF2 (task book certifications available), WA EMT-B certification endorsements (SGA, BLS Evaluator, etc), EVIP instructor, water rescue/tech rescue awareness and operations certifications, IFSAC Instructor (1 up to 3), CPR 1st Aid Instructor certification, TIMs certifications, CPAT prep and interview/testing preparation instruction.

Resident firefighters provide emergency assistance and protective services to citizens. They are trained and equipped to protect life and property threatened by disaster, fire, explosion, hazardous materials, illness, accidents and other hazards. Activities include emergency prevention, emergency and non-emergency response, training, and maintenance of apparatus, equipment, fire station and grounds. They perform a wide range of emergency work under adverse environmental and strenuous physical conditions. There is frequent potential for exposure to toxic chemicals, extreme heat, and infectious disease which require the use of protective equipment such as heat resistant clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and medical masks, gloves and gowns.

A valid and current Washington State EMT certification is required or must be obtained within the probationary period with the District.

Firefighters may be required to drive emergency apparatus and perform special firefighting, pre-hospital medical care, rescue work or other skills acquired by work experience and specialized training programs.

Volunteer Firefighter/EMTs are on call for emergency call back and may work up to (8) paid 12-hr shifts. Resident Firefighters live at Station #82 and work up to (10) 12-hr shifts per month- 6 of which are paid. Career Firefighters work a scheduled shift and are available for emergency call back for major incidents and special circumstances.

Firefighters must meet District requirements for training and response attendance.


SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to assigned supervisor. Receives training and performs work according to verbal and/ or written instructions from an officer of higher rank. Firefighters exercise considerable independent judgment in emergency situations.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Responds to fires and other emergencies. Places equipment; lays and connects hose; operates fire apparatus and their pumps; communicates by radio; directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, safety belts, lines and hooks; uses self-contained breathing apparatus, saws, axes, and other tools; performs ventilation tasks on and above ground; and performs salvage and overhaul operations; uses ropes and related equipment for special rescue situations. Identifies, isolates and mitigates hazardous material incidents.

2. EMTs are required to provide patient care, establish a treatment plan and make transport decisions at the BLS level. EMTs will work within the Whatcom County BLS protocols under the direction of the MPD and will work under emergency directions from ALS and Medical Control. Provides basic and/or advanced life support medical assistance to citizens in non-emergency and emergency situations where life may be endangered. Sets up and/or operates equipment for splinting, bleeding control, respiratory support, defibrillation, cardiac monitoring, intravenous therapy and medications.

3. Maintains contact with communications center and other responders to report initial observations, progress on handling incidents, request assistance, and receive orders and instruction on handling event(s). Utilizes the incident command system.

4. As qualified and appropriate to the incident, drives fire apparatus, drives medical aid vehicles or pilots boat. Determines appropriate response routes to the emergency. Transports patients to hospitals or other destinations.

5. Participates in the development and delivery of emergency prevention programs.

6. Responds to various service calls providing assistance to citizens in situations that are not life threatening, such as requests for physical assistance, flooded basements, and complaints about unsafe or illegal burning.

7. Participates training program drills and exercises. Instructs job skills to others. Researches, compiles, organizes and presents information at training and drill sessions.

8. Periodically tests facility, equipment, apparatus and fire protection systems and maintains records of test information.

9. Performs general and preventative maintenance on apparatus, equipment and facilities to ensure proper function and reliability.
Volunteer Category: Firefighter, EMT