This is fire paramedic work supervising through subordinate fire paramedic lieutenants the activities of fire paramedics engaged in emergency medical assistance work. Directing city-wide fire paramedic operations is of major significance to the work. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level officer.

• Advises on proper paramedic methods and techniques; goes to the site to resolve problems concerning treatment, crowd control, complaints and related matters.
• Makes assignments of paramedics and officers to companies and platoons; reassigns personnel to provide coverage or for administrative reasons; cooperates with company officers to determine task assignments within fire stations.
• Meets with city and state physicians and officials to review medical treatment practices and drug administering protocol; suggests changes to improve practices and techniques.
• Determines problems areas and arranges for remedial training with appropriate medical officials; arranges for training of new employees by recommending assignments and providing individual instruction; directs the instruction of paramedics in changes to practices and protocol.
• Prepares reports and maintains records; requisitions supplies; keeps abreast of developments in paramedic equipment and supplies and recommends purchases.
• May perform emergency medical work on occasion due to unavailability of subordinate paramedics or officers.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• methods, materials and techniques stated in or taught in conjunction with the drug therapy protocol.
• vital signs and symptoms pertaining to the physical condition of person 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 cardiopulmonary 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.
• supervisory methods and techniques.
• the use of hypodermic and intra-venous needles and other equipment.
• the use of portable electrocardiograph and defibrillator equipment.
• the interpretation of monitor electrocardiograms.
• the application of bandages, splints, and stretcher-carrying techniques.
• the use of a variety of oxygen equipment.

• supervise a city-wide paramedic operation.
• make judgmental decisions when alternative courses of actions are present.
• prepare written reports and maintain records concerning paramedic unit operations.
• 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.
• 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, state authorities, medical personnel and the general public.

EDUCATION

• Completion of an intensive training program conducted by the Fire Department in advance Life Support practices and techniques, especially in the mastery of established protocol for drug therapy and cardiopulmonary and respiratory resuscitation techniques.

• Two years of current experience as a Fire Paramedic Lieutenant.

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

• Possession of certification as a Paramedic issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Fire Paramedic Captain.
• 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 Captain.

PAY RANGE: 307
Class Established: 10/1983
Latest Spec. Revision: 11/1990

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