Job Description for a Firefighter/Paramedic
The firefighter/paramedic position combines the duties and responsibilities of both professions. Many metropolitan fire departments require applicants to have an emergency medical technician or paramedic certification before applying. This is extremely hazardous, physically demanding work. Firefighter/paramedics are trained to respond to all types of fires and medical emergency situations. Fire departments are usually first responders to fires or traffic accidents and by combining these two professions they will increase victims' survival chances.
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Education Requirements
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Fire departments offer training for firefighters and this requires a high school diploma or equivalent. An applicant with some post-secondary education will have an increased chance to be hired. Most of these courses last several weeks with classroom instruction and practical training. They are taught firefighting techniques, fire prevention and the control of hazardous materials. They will learn emergency medical procedures as well as how to use axes, chain saws, ladders, fire extinguishers and other equipment. Many fire departments are requiring applicants to have emergency medical technician certification. Some offer classes in their academy while others will allow applicants a year's time to acquire the certification.
Paramedic courses are generally taught at community colleges and some vocational schools. These are usually one or two years and result in an associate's degree. They must then pass a state board examination or an examination from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Most states require paramedics to renew their license every two years and some states or departments have continued education requirements.
Firefighter/paramedics must first become certified as paramedics before applying to the fire department. When accepted they will go to the department fire academy to be trained as firefighters. Most fire departments have a probationary period for new trainees.
Job Duties
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The duty of a firefighter/paramedic is to protect the public by putting out fires and responding to medical emergencies. They are responsible for rescuing trapped and injured victims from fires, traffic accidents and other disasters. They perform specific duties assigned by a superior officer and work together as a team. As firefighters they will connect hoses to hydrants, carry hoses, enter burning buildings and operate pumps to regulate the flow of high-pressure water through hoses. They may use axes, chainsaws, ladders and other equipment to fight fires. Firefighters perform search-and-rescue operations and apply emergency medical attention. They ventilate burned buildings and attempt to salvage the contents. They must write reports of their activities at the end of their shifts.
As paramedics they will assess and treat injured victims. They will establish airways, stabilize and prepare victims for transport. A paramedic may administer medicines orally or intravenously, read electrocardiograms, and use a defibrillator when necessary. They can administer oxygen, and apply dressings and splints. Paramedics can assist women in labor and perform uncomplicated deliveries. They can assess and treat burns.
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Advancement
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Firefighter/paramedics can receive promotions in their fire department through job evaluation examinations and continued education to become engineer, fire lieutenant, fire captain, battalion chief, deputy chief and fire chief. Most fire departments require a candidate to have a bachelor's degree before they can be promoted above battalion chief. An associate's degree is required by the National Fire Academy for certification as an executive fire officer. They may become paramedic supervisors, emergency operations managers, administrative or executive directors of emergency services. Many will decide to teach, dispatch or become physicians assistants. Firefighter/paramedics may continue their education to become registered nurses, medical doctors or other health care workers. Some will find work in sales and marketing of emergency medical equipment.
Employment Outlook
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Firefighter/paramedics should have excellent job opportunities as more departments require their applicants to be cross-trained. As more people move into or nearer to cities there will be an increased demand for firefighter/paramedics. As our population increases and ages there is more need for these professional services.
Earnings
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Jobmonkey.com reports that the average yearly salary for a firefighter/paramedic during 2009 was $78,000.
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References
- Photo Credit firefighter on ladder image by jmk1111 from Fotolia.com
