EMT/Paramedic - San Francisco Fire Department (H003)

This is a deep classification encompassing three levels: Level I EMT; Level II Paramedic and Level III Firefighter Paramedic. Depending on the level in the deep class, incumbents may perform basic life support duties on an ambulance (Level I EMT); perform advanced life support duties on an ambulance (Level II Paramedic); or respond to fire alarms engaging in firefighting activities and performing advanced life support duties (Level III Firefighter Paramedic).

The list established from this selection process may be used by the Fire Department to fill vacancies at Level I and Level II.

Detailed descriptions for Levels I and II are below. The descriptions are cumulative in that Level II may be required to perform the duties defined in Level I.

Level I - EMT

Under general supervision, responds to medical and other emergencies and engages in life support and life-saving activities; performs emergency medical service (EMS); maintains equipment; staffs and drives an ambulance to provide initial emergency medical care in a pre-hospital setting; evaluates and administers advanced first aid, basic life support and life maintenance measures in accordance with Emergency Medical Service Agency (EMSA) policies and procedures, including CPR, definitive therapeutic care at the scene of an emergency or during transport of persons; provide community health screening and other non-emergency health services;  protects the privacy of patients treated by SFFD, safeguards patient information and uses and discloses patient information in accordance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the privacy practices of SFFD; may perform duties of either driving ambulances, EMT attendant and other related duties as assigned. Works a 40-hour week, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays; shift to be determined by operational requirements. Incumbents must maintain superior physical strength, agility and stamina to carry out the intense physical duties of the position.

Level II - Paramedic

In addition to the above, required to provide advanced emergency medical care to victims of fire and activities for saving lives and property, including medical scene size-up, establishing medical command post, reporting to incident commander or EMS Captain and implementing medical Incident Command System (ICS); supports rescue activities in a variety of situations; renders first aid, treatment for shock, cardiac compression, resuscitation, and prevention of blood loss; responds to trauma or medical emergencies; performs primary and secondary evaluation of patients to assess conditions, triages in major disasters; administers proper procedural emergency treatment; institutes emergency care and/or advanced life support to stabilize patient conditions, including cardiac pulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation, drug administration, invasive procedures and definitive therapy; as part of EMS response, conducts hazard assessment of residences, places of business, public assemblage, schools, and hospitals to ensure compliance with fire codes, ordinances, laws and regulations, and refers potential hazards/violations to appropriate Fire Department division; participates in training and physical fitness programs as required.