OXFORD FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT
Firefighter/EMT
Oxford Maine
Nature of Work:
Works under the general direction of the Fire Chief as part of a team. Firefighter/EMT’s receive
direct orders from a supervisor who indicates the general work to be performed and outlines the
services to be provided. While an employee receives work instructions on the job, employee
exercises independent judgment and initiative in the provision of service within the Incident
Command System and may serve as incident commander when required in the absence of a
superior officer.
Employee of this class is responsible for a variety of fire service related activities, technical fire
ground activities; operating firefighting & EMS apparatus and equipment, and performs primary
emergency medical treatment at the incident scene and during transport to the proper level health
care facility, maintains firefighting & EMS equipment and apparatus, and prepares Fire & EMS
reports and records.. Work involves responding to fire and rescue calls drives emergency
vehicles to calls; operates fire apparatus; lays and connects hoses; holds nozzles and directs
water or foam streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines
and other equipment. Work involves treatment of all medical conditions from life-threatening to
routine. Employee performs initial medical assessment, establishment of treatment, and the
monitoring of the patient during transport. Work is performed under the direction of the Fire
Chief, his/her designee, and is monitored by the State licensing agency. Work is reviewed
through discussion, observation and reports.
Environment:
Firefighter/EMT’s are alerted to calls by an alarm tone or pager and are expected to respond,
without delay. Work is performed under typical emergency conditions consisting primarily of
operations at fires, emergency medical calls, accidents, potential explosions, and hazardous
emergencies. Work may be performed under stressful conditions, poor weather and during
nighttime. Work may involve considerable personal danger, including exposure to fire, toxic
substances, environmental and other hazards.
May occasionally operate light trucks, power and hand tools, pneumatic tools, medical
equipment, personal computers, portable pumps, extraction tools, portable generators, hose, air
packs, fire suppression turnout gear and standard office equipment.
Most contact is with a supervisor for the purpose of receiving work assignments and instructions.
Other contact is with co-workers for exchanging information about the work at hand and
completing tasks at a fire scene or emergencies. Employees make periodic contact with the
public identifying and reporting potential safety hazards, supplying general information or
assistance, and regular contact with fire victims or persons in need of medical attention. Contact
is in person, in writing and by telephone.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Performs fire suppression, rescue, emergency & non-emergency medical service, hazardous
materials and disaster response to protect lives, property and the environment; performs all other
OXFORD FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT
related or similar work as required. Responds to emergency calls, operating the emergency
vehicle safely and with sound judgement.
Requirements of Work:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various
types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not
exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the
position.
Drives and operates heavy fire apparatus including pumpers and aerial ladder. Drives and
operates ambulances, service vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
Evaluates the situation upon arrival at the scene and makes an initial assessment of the situation.
Operates power, electrical and other firefighting, EMS and rescue equipment including hydraulic
and air operated rescue tools, power saws, pressure ventilators, generators, portable pumps,
forcible entry tools and other Fire & EMS equipment.
Provides emergency medical care at emergency and non-emergency scenes as a Maine licensed
emergency medical provider. Initiates emergency medical care including consulting with
medical resources. Maintains treatment during transport until relieved by medical staff at the
receiving medical facility.
Participates in fire safety programs for the public and in schools. Performs all assigned
community outreach programs.
Maintains apparatus, tools, and equipment in accordance with departmental procedures.
Attends training programs and meetings in town and with outside agencies as required.
Training and Experience Required:
Must hold and maintain a valid Maine EMS license (Paramedic & Advanced EMT preferred),
certification as an NFPA 1001 Firefighter I, EVOC and CPR certification.
Education and Experience:
High School Degree or equivalent; minimum of 18 years of age, hold a valid Maine Driver’s
License, must be insurable under the Town's vehicle insurance coverage, have a minimum of 6 months
active field experience (1 year preferred).
Knowledge:
Working knowledge of firefighting principles and practices as well as emergency medical
techniques and rescue procedures. Working knowledge of occupational hazards and of safety
precautions to be exercised to ensure safe operation of fire & EMS vehicles and equipment to
assure the safety of fellow workers and the public.
OXFORD FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT
Ability:
Ability to interact in a positive and effective manner with employees and the public. Ability to
execute oral and written instructions in a precise manner. Ability to receive, understand, relay
and follow oral and written instructions. Ability and willingness to learn and employ additional
skills and techniques. Ability to understand and employ the town and departmental policies.
Ability to acquire such knowledge during a reasonable working period. Ability to command and
control emergencies under emergency conditions. Ability to perform mathematical calculations
and to interpret results. Ability to perform prolonged physical labor under hazardous and adverse
emergency conditions.
Skill:
Excellent employee and public relations skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks. Good judgment,
motor operating skills and able to maintain effective staff and customer relations. Skill in use of hand
tools, power equipment, and in the use of self-contained breathing apparatus.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
Moderate to heavy physical effort for prolonged periods required in connection with fire, rescue, and
emergency medical services. Physical demands may require regular pushing, pulling, lifting and dragging
of objects more than 100 pounds. Physical agility required to access all areas of a fire or emergency
scene. There is likely to be a great deal of standing, walking, crouching, crawling, ladder climbing, and
talking or hearing; use of hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls and to reach with hands
and arms, bending and climbing and working in lit and unlit areas. Must be able to hear normal sounds,
distinguish sound as voice patterns, and communicate orally. Specific vision requirements include close
vision and the ability to adjust and focus. Performance of duties and use of equipment is often conducted
in hazardous conditions, and must be watchful at all times for potential safety hazards to themselves and
other personnel. Must be able to work in confined areas with little or no visibility while wearing
protective clothing and SCBA and breathing compressed air. Must be able to work at elevated heights
from ladders and structures. Must be able to maintain composure and carry out responsibilities under
pressure.