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, and are responsible for all other duties as assigned. The following list of essential functions provides students with an overview of the skills required of firefighters:

• Responds to fire alarms and extinguishes fire.
• Responds to calls for emergency medical services and renders first aid.
• Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
• Responds to and renders assistance in emergency cases.
• Cleans and inspects equipment and apparatus after returning from a fire.
• Inspects equipment and apparatus and notifies superior officer of any defects.
• Makes minor repairs to equipment and apparatus, performs routine preventative maintenance tasks, and keeps records of such action.
• Keeps fire station, equipment, and grounds in a clean and orderly condition.
• Participates in training activities and instruction sessions.
• Acquires and retains a thorough knowledge of the city, including streets, buildings, water supply, unusual hazards, and related items.
• Performs various public information or education tasks.
• Enters inspection, training, and (on occasion) fire and emergency medical service calls into the records management systems.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with local policies and procedures.
• Works in a safe manner and reports unsafe activity and conditions.
• Follows safety policy and practices and adheres to responsibilities concerning safety prevention, reporting, and monitoring as outlined in a department’s safety handbook.
• Responds to emergency calls for specialized service such as hazardous materials, confined spaces rescues, and extrication and technical rescues that include high angle, below grade, swift water, trench, and collapse rescues.
• Deals with social service related areas of emergency response by assisting victims and relatives of victims of traumatic events.