MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 3170
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND Grade: F3
CLASS SPECIFICATION
FIREFIGHTER/RESCUER III
DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is full-performance level work in fire suppression, fire prevention, communications,
training, rescue, and emergency medical care. Personal contacts are with other
fire/rescue and emergency medical personnel to coordinate firefighting and rescue
efforts; with supervisors to receive assignments and resolve problems; and with
the public to provide information, fire safety education and emergency assistance
as required.
An employee in this class is fully proficient in all aspects of fire suppression,
fire prevention and communications activities, conducting emergency rescues
and providing emergency medical assistance while continuing to maintain proficiency
through continued training. The work performed affects the rescue and safety
of individuals and the preservation of structures and physical property. Work
is performed in accordance with established policies and procedures and requires
initiative and resourcefulness, rapid analysis of problems and emergency situations
and judgment in the selection of the appropriate course of action from many
alternatives. Work, which is performed on a rotating shift, requires periods
of strenuous physical effort and involves exposure to heat, dirt and other very
unpleasant conditions. An employee in this class is exposed to the risk of serious
injury, requiring the use of protective clothing and the strict observance of
safety precautions and procedures. Work is performed under direction and is
reviewed for compliance with instructions and established procedures.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Drives and operates emergency apparatus on a regular basis under emergency and
non-emergency conditions.
Responds to and participates in firefighting, rescue, auto extrication, hazardous
material incidents, medical emergencies, and other emergency operations as required.
Provides efficient and immediate care to the critically ill or injured at the
scene of the incident and during transport until the patient is transferred
to the care of other medical personnel.
Uses specialized firefighting tools, appliances and equipment; lays and connects
fire hoses and nozzles; operates fire pumps and directs water streams; raises
and climbs ladders.
Conducts and instructs in-service training and classroom instruction including,
but not limited to, firefighting evolutions, hazardous materials, ladders, hose
practices, apparatus practices, and other subjects as required.
Inspects dwellings, buildings and hydrants and conducts fire prevention and
fire safety activities designed to promote public awareness.
Attends required fire/rescue training sessions to maintain required level of
proficiency.
Receives radio and telephone fire, rescue, emergency medical and related calls
and relays calls for assistance by radio, telephone, or other alarm device to
the appropriate fire department, rescue squad, or other agency.
Makes forcible entry to perform rescues and to meet emergency situations.
Performs salvage operations at scenes of fires; performs overhauling operations
to ensure fire extinguishment and to prevent structural collapse.
Returns automatic fire suppression systems to service after activation, including
the replacement of fire sprinkler heads.
Performs rescues from burning buildings and other hazardous situations. Performs
heavy-duty rescues using cutting torches, hydraulic jacks, air compressors,
and other specialized equipment.
Reports vital information to medical personnel.
Prepares and maintains accurate records of emergency medical treatment administered.
Performs advanced emergency medical procedures, such as insertion of esophageal
airways and MAST therapy.
Participates in cleaning and preventive maintenance activities concerning fire
and rescue apparatus, equipment, facilities and grounds.
Completes and maintains accurate records, forms, and incident reports as required.
Makes recommendations concerning the selection of technical equipment and supplies.
Attends meetings and conferences as directed.
Attends training sessions to maintain required level of fire and emergency medical
care certification.
Enforces parking regulations pertaining to the fire service. Inspects buildings
after construction to assure code compliance as required.
Performs related duties as assigned consistent with this class specification.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Satisfactory completion of two (2) years of experience as
a Montgomery County Firefighter/Rescuer II.
Education: High school graduate or equivalent acceptable to the State
of Maryland within two months from the time of application to a position in
this class.
Training: Successful completion, prior to promotion to this class, of
all training courses required for this class by the Montgomery County Department
of Fire and Rescue Services.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the written policies, rules, instructions, and procedures of the
Montgomery County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
Knowledge of and ability to apply firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical
care practices, techniques, and methods.
Knowledge of the topography of Montgomery County, street and hydrant locations,
response routes within response areas, location of police, fire, rescue and
other emergency services of the County and adjacent jurisdictions and other
information necessary for the effective and efficient dispatch of fire, rescue
and emergency medical services.
Ability to analyze emergency situations and to select effective courses of action,
giving due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
Knowledge of fire, rescue and emergency medical service apparatus and equipment
and ability to make minor equipment repairs and adjustments.
Ability to drive all apparatus and equipment in the corporation to which assigned.
Ability to properly wear breathing apparatus, climb ladders, work in confined
places, toxic atmospheres, and extreme heat.
Ability to properly lift, carry, and otherwise move and utilize heavy fire/rescue/emergency
medical equipment and individuals.
Ability to type 25 w.p.m. (Communications appointment only).
Ability to pass an approved dictation test (Communications appointment only).
Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
Ability to think clearly, respond immediately, and act quickly, calmly, and
effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to write clearly and legibly.
Ability to engage in strenuous physical effort for prolonged periods as required.
Ability to work from heights.
Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with the public and other employees.
Ability to cope with stressful situations.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid driver's license, as required
by the Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
Maintenance of State of Maryland certification as Emergency Medical Technician-Ambulance
(EMT-B).
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Employees promoted to this class will be required to serve a probationary period
of six (6) months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated.
Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of
the probationary period.
MEDICAL GROUP: I
Successful completion of most recent physical examination and drug screening
as required.
Class Established: July, 1971
Revised: July, 1974
July, 1976
December, 1977
July, 1987
April, 1989
July, 1991
February, 2012
May, 2013