Essential Functions

Essential functions are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. The following list of essential functions provides students with an overview of the skills required of members of the fire service:

• Respond to calls for emergency and non-emergency needs and services.
• Keep fire station, equipment, and grounds in a clean and orderly condition.
• Participate in training activities and instruction sessions.
• Perform various public information or education tasks.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with local policies and procedures.
• Follow safety policy and practices and adhere to responsibilities concerning safety prevention, reporting, and monitoring as outlined in a department’s safety handbook.
• Respond to emergency calls for specialized service such as hazardous materials, confined space rescues, and extrication and technical rescues that include high angle, below grade, swift water, trench, and collapse rescues.
• Communicate conditions at an emergency scene to other firefighters and to emergency response crews.
• Make quick and smart decisions in an emergency.
• Carry heavy equipment and move debris at an emergency site.
• Carry victims who are injured or cannot walk.