FIRE SERVICE PARAMEDIC LIEUTENANT

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is fire paramedic work on a rotating or assigned shift supervising fire paramedics engaged in emergency medical assistance work. Supervising, training and evaluating fire paramedics and rescue personnel is of major significance to the work. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher-level officer. An employee in this class has responsibility for all emergency medical work on a fireground. Work is performed in only partially controlled weather conditions and involves moderate physical effort.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Observes performance of paramedics, corrects improper techniques and unsafe practices; details methods and techniques for non‑standard operations; trains subordinates in new techniques or refresher sessions; evaluates readiness of subordinates; generally supervises and advises paramedics in the performance of the following duties:

Drives to scene of emergency in response to call; evaluates the situation and contacts by radio the doctor on duty at the base hospital for medical directions, or takes action, when necessary; contacts fire units to provide equipment such as ladders or hydraulic pliers for use in extricating patients before or after treatment, or police units to provide crowd control or other assistance.

Observes vital signs of patients by checking respiration, pulse, blood pressure, etc.; uses portable electrocardiograph to monitor heart activity; examines body for fractures, wounds, signs of fever or symptoms; contacts the base hospital by radio for medical direction, or, when absolutely necessary, evaluates signs and decides on course of action.

Cleans wounds and applies bandages; treats burns; uses a variety of splints to set suspected broken bones; treats for shock; delivers children, especially under emergency conditions, and treats mother of child.

Gives injections, including intra‑venous injections, of a variety of drugs based on radioed base hospital physician's instructions or according to established drug therapy protocol; injects drugs in treatment of cardiac problems, drug abuse, burns, trauma, diabetic shock, seizures, and other conditions.

Uses drugs and cardio‑pulmonary resuscitation techniques, oxygen equipment, and a 400 ‑joule defibrillator to treat cardiac arrest; uses drugs, oxygen equipment, resuscitators and suction devices to treat respiratory problems.

Takes refresher training and instruction in new treatment techniques, protocol changes, and the use of new drugs, materials and equipment.

Prepares individual reports on each treatment given, drugs dispensed, location and identity of patient and receiving hospital, and special problems encountered; requisitions drugs, materials and equipment as needed.

Maintains equipment and supply stocks in emergency vehicle; regularly cleans motor vehicle; performs first echelon maintenance on assigned emergency vehicle; performs assigned housekeeping duties in station.

Performs administrative duties; prepares reports and records; inspects apparatus, equipment, and station house area; requisitions supplies and processes equipment repairs; conducts investigations; conducts in‑service training sessions.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• methods, materials and techniques stated in or taught in conjunction with the drug therapy protocol

• vital signs and symptoms of physical condition of persons requiring emergency treatment

• practices, materials and techniques used in the emergency treatment of burns, wounds and other physical trauma

• practices, materials and techniques used in the emergency treatment of cardiac problems and cardiac arrest, especially in the application of cardio‑pulmonary resuscitation techniques, drug therapy and defibrillation

• practices, materials and techniques used in the treatment of respiratory problems and respiratory arrest, especially in the application of resuscitation techniques and drug therapy

• actions and effects of assigned drugs

• practices, materials and techniques used in the treatment of shock, problem childbirth deliveries, illness, strokes and drug abuse

SKILL IN:

• the use of hypodermic and intra‑venous needles and other equipment

• the use of portable electrocardiograms

• the interpretation of monitor electrocardiograms

• the application of bandages, splints, and stretcher‑carrying techniques

• the use of a variety of oxygen equipment

ABILITY TO:

• learn supervisory methods and techniques

• make judgmental decisions when alternative courses of actions are present

• follow medical directions in the treatment of medical emergencies

• understand and interpret established protocol for drug therapy, the measurement of cardiac activity, defibrillation, and the treatment of respiratory problems

• drive an emergency vehicle with caution and speed commensurate with the safety of traffic lanes and the patient

• complete required records and documents accurately concerning application of emergency treatment

• quiet a patient to hasten proper treatment and install confidence in groups of people in the vicinity to prevent unwarranted interference

• establish effective working relationships with other fire units, police personnel, medical personnel and the general public

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 01/20.)

EDUCATION:

Completion of an intensive training program conducted by the Fire Department in advanced life support practices and techniques, especially in the mastery of established protocols for drug therapy and cardiopulmonary and respiratory resuscitation techniques

AND

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:

Two years of current experience as a Fire Service Paramedic.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of a State certification as a Paramedic during tenure of employment as a Fire Paramedic Lieutenant.

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Fire Paramedic Lieutenant.

Class Established:

10/83

Spec. Revisions:

8/90

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC: 12/19

Ad Board: 01/20