Overview

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to respond to fire and medical emergencies to safeguard life and property, including fire scene management and providing advanced life support (ALS) to ill or injured individuals. This role primarily focuses on advanced medical care, serving as paramedic support for fire-related emergencies as needed. Duties vary depending on the situation and are assigned under the direction of the Fire Chief. Paramedics in this role handle diverse emergency scenarios requiring specialized skills and quick decision-making.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Respond promptly to fire, medical, hazardous materials, rescue, motor vehicle, natural disaster, explosion, bomb threat, terrorism, and other emergency calls.

  • Maintain readiness by inspecting and stocking fire apparatus, testing hoses and pumps, and preparing equipment for emergency responses.

  • Protect life and property by performing fire suppression, rescue operations, and victim extrication; climb ladders, ventilate buildings, and conduct salvage and cleanup activities.

  • Operate and monitor fire and emergency vehicles, selecting optimal routes to emergencies and positioning equipment safely and efficiently.

  • Manage water supplies, lay and operate hoses, and direct water or chemical streams to control fires.

  • Provide advanced emergency medical care, including BLS, ALS, ACLS, pediatric and obstetric care, trauma management, cardiac monitoring, defibrillation, fluid resuscitation, and medication administration under approved protocols.

  • Stabilize patients at the scene, transfer them safely to ambulances, and coordinate care with receiving medical facilities.

  • Inspect buildings for fire hazards, pre-fire planning, and compliance with prevention codes.

  • Assist other public safety agencies and perform community service tasks such as traffic control, hazard cleanup, and animal rescue.

  • Operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on firefighting and medical equipment, including SCBA, hydraulic tools, and emergency medical instruments.

  • Maintain accurate records and reports for patient care, fire incidents, maintenance logs, and inventory.

  • Participate in continuing education, training, and public outreach, including fire safety programs, smoke detector installation, and community events.

  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, medical personnel, law enforcement, and the public.

  • Follow all safety policies and ensure compliance with state and local regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Completion of vocational or technical training in emergency medical care.

  • Must meet Georgia state requirements for Paramedic certification or equivalent training/experience.

  • Certified as a Georgia State Firefighter I and able to qualify as an In-Service Instructor within one year.

  • Current ACLS, BLS, and PALS certifications.

Special Requirements:

  • Valid Georgia Paramedic license and Georgia Firefighter I or II certification.

  • Regular participation in continuing education to maintain certifications.

  • Valid Georgia driver’s license with appropriate endorsements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to assess, analyze, and prioritize data and emergency situations.

  • Skilled in persuasion, coordination, and leadership in high-pressure scenarios.

  • Proficient in operating complex emergency and firefighting equipment.

  • Competent in mathematical calculations, including fractions, percentages, and interpreting graphs.

  • Ability to follow written, oral, and diagrammatic instructions with minimal supervision.

  • Sound judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in dynamic and unpredictable situations.

Physical Requirements

  • Exertion of up to 100+ pounds of force occasionally and over 50 pounds frequently to lift, carry, or move objects, including people.

  • Hearing and verbal communication skills to receive, process, and relay critical instructions.

  • Mental acuity for rational decision-making under stress.

  • Repetitive hand/wrist movements and close visual acuity for reading, data entry, and operating equipment.

Work Environment

Work involves exposure to challenging and hazardous conditions, including:

  • Fire, smoke, fumes, hazardous materials, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, and extreme temperatures.

  • Traffic, loud noises, bright or dim lighting, toxic agents, infectious diseases, and potential animal or human threats.

  • Rapidly changing and unpredictable emergency environments requiring quick adaptation and high attention to safety.

About City of Forest Park

Forest Park, Georgia is a growing city dedicated to public safety, community services, and resident well-being. The city promotes a safe, inclusive, and vibrant environment where people can live, work, and thrive.