Firefigher Job Duties
Firefighters for the Unified Fire Authority perform the following duties:
- Responds to alarms;
- performs basic life support;
- provides appropriate medical care at emergency scenes;
- records and documents pertinent information related to the emergency incident;
- interacts with other agencies in a professional and cooperative manner;
- performs under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion in the face of such handicaps as smoke, heat and cramped conditions;
- performs in working conditions which involve such events as chemical spills, explosions, floods, and electrical hazards;
- responds to fire alarm and other emergencies;
- drives fire apparatus to the scene;
- operates two-way radio in apparatus;
- records address and details from radio;
- firefighting, extinguishing and rescue operations while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus;
- raises, climbs and operates from ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings;
- ventilates burning buildings by opening roofs and floors;
- performs “post-fire” operations, including laying salvage covers, sweeping and pumping water, and removing debris at fire scene;
- locates and removes victims trapped in burning, smoke filled buildings;
- calms distraught victims, relatives or spectators at emergency scenes;
- extricates trapped and injured victims from auto accidents;
- assists the fire crew in performing routine inspections of business establishments, fire hydrants, etc.;
- inspects and cleans apparatus and equipment;
- performs daily and weekly maintenance of fire division buildings, grounds and equipment;
- participates in frequent training sessions to maintain basic firefighting skills and also to keep up-to-date on any new technical developments in the Fire Service.