VOLUNTEER FIRE-EMS - HANOVER COUNTY, VA : Job Details

Location : different locations in Hanover County, VAJob Type: VolunteerJob Number: 202400031Department: Fire/EMS - VolunteersOpening Date: 02/08/2024Closing Date: 12/31/2024 11:59 PM EasternDescriptionVOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER - EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT)General Description: This is a skilled, technical position. The incumbent performs routine and complex tasks to provide emergency services to include fire suppression and emergency medical care. Under direct supervision, responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls to protect life and property; combats, extinguishes and prevents fires; drives emergency apparatus, including a life support unit; participates in rescue extrication operations and provides emergency medical care to the sick or injured; stocks and distributes firefighting and emergency medical supplies and equipment; and performs related work as required.Essential Functions:

• Responds to fire alarms and a variety of emergency calls;
• Connects hose to hydrant, and pulls and deploys pre-connected hose lines;
• Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, enters burning buildings with hose lines;
• Operates a nozzle and places a stream of water on a fire;
• Mounts and operates master stream appliances from an aerial ladder or elevating platform;
• Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows/skylights or by opening holes in roofs/floors;
• Positions ventilation fans to safely inject fresh air and exhaust heat, smoke, and gases;
• Performs salvage operations (e.g., removes fire debris and water, locates hidden fires, and operates shut-off valves for gas, electricity, oil and water);
• Operates chemical and hand extinguishers;
• Raises, lowers and climbs ladders;
• Uses radio and computer-aided dispatch equipment;
• Drives motorized apparatus in emergency and non-emergency conditions;
• Operates fire pumps at proper pressures and flows;
• Searches for victims in burning, smoke-filled buildings or other hazardous environments; Removes persons from danger; Performs heavy rescue operations;
• Administers first aid to injured persons;
• Takes vital signs and stabilizes patient;
• Collects pertinent information for patient assessment, including the patient's medical history;
• Conducts assessment for treatment of a patient with trauma-induced injuries;
• Performs water rescues from land and boats;
• Assists in the search and recovery of drowned victims;
• Operates emergency lighting appliances;
• Operates self-contained breathing apparatus in hazardous environments and confined spaces;
• Identifies and protects flammable or hazardous materials at fire scene;
• Restores apparatus and equipment to service after use;
• Refills self-contained breathing cylinders;
• Maintains specialized fire equipment and protective gear;
• Studies area geography, street names and locations, target hazards, pre-plans, water supply, and other firefighting resources;
• Studies building construction to identify structural weaknesses and fire behavior;
• Instructs citizens in fire prevention and life safety techniques;
• Examines building plans for pre-fire planning purposes;
• Pre-plans for fires in residential areas to provide information regarding hydrant locations, exposures, types of occupancy, and areas of high life or monetary loss risk;
• Pre-plans for fires in industrial and commercial buildings to provide information regarding location of hydrants and standpipes, building layout, hazardous material storage, occupancy patterns, and structural information;
• Participates in the inspection of businesses and public places for fire and life safety hazards;
• Inspects wiring and heating systems, basements, and attics of residences, and recommends ways to eliminate fire hazards;
• Inspects storage of hazardous and flammable materials and refers unsafe practices to the Fire Prevention Division;
• Inspects heating, cooling, ventilating, and electrical systems in commercial buildings and refers unsafe practices to the Fire Prevention Division;
• Inspects exits at public assemblies to ensure they are clearly marked, operate properly, and are clear of obstructions;
• Prepares inspection reports; Recognizes and preserves evidence on the causes of fires;
• Performs public relations duties (e.g., teaching school children about fire safety).
• Drives a Basic Life Support Unit or Advanced Life Support Unit in response to emergency calls, transporting victims to a medical facility;
• Conducts primary and secondary patient survey;
• Provides and assists in rendering emergency care, such as opening and maintaining a victim's airway, giving positive pressure ventilation and cardiac resuscitation in a pulseless, non-breathing patient, controlling hemorrhages, treating for shock, immobilizing fractures, bandaging wounds, assisting in childbirth, and initiating poison and burn treatments;
• Performs triage assessment in a multi-casualty incident;
• Inspects scene of poisoning or drug overdose to determine nature of poison, and identifies antidote or treatment procedure;
• Treats a range of injuries requiring emergency care techniques within the scope of an Emergency Medical Technician -Basic (EMT-B);
• Assists in the extrication of entrapped victims, using prescribed techniques and appliances for removing the patient safely;
• Assures prompt medical care on delivery by reporting via radio, directly to the emergency department or control center, the nature and extent of injuries or the medical situation, as well as the estimated time of arrival;
• Performs routine preventive maintenance on the rescue vehicle;
• Stocks and maintains and participates in the inventory of supplies and medical equipment in the vehicle;
• Participates in medical equipment checks.
• Must volunteer a minimum of 12 hours per month/36 hours per quarter to active member status.

Working Conditions:A. Hazards

• Chemicals/carcinogens - May be exposed to conditions, including routine exposure to severe weather, dust, smoke, noise, and fumes.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens
• Exposure to extreme temperatures and Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health environments
• Exposure to extreme physical and mental stress consistent with emergency environments
• Exposure to potential acts of violence
• Exposure to potential high velocity impacts while working on roadways

B. Environment

• Field

C. Physical Effort

• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks in all weather situations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all- inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, departmental policies and procedures, standard operating procedures, training manuals and safety bulletins
• Knowledge of the purpose and operating characteristics of various nozzles, hose connections, and master stream devices;
• Knowledge of the friction loss/carrying capacity characteristics of various fire hose sizes/types;
• Knowledge of the chemistry and physics of fire, fire hazards, fire causes, and fire suppression;
• Knowledge of fire behavior, especially involving the likelihood of extension
• Basic knowledge of mechanics and hydraulics
• Basic knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of fire, smoke and heat;
• Ability to understand and use a variety of modern firefighting and emergency medical techniques;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions;
• Ability to apply judgment and deductive reasoning to information about fire situations, recognize the relevancy of each item of information, reach logical conclusions, and adopt an effective course of action using accepted techniques;
• Ability to define operational problems and devise appropriate solutions;
• Ability to remain composed in difficult or stressful situations requiring emergency action, and to make sound decisions promptly under emergency conditions;
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to organize ideas and present them effectively;
• Ability to read, understand and apply job-related, written material;
• Ability to learn streets, hydrant locations, location of target hazards, geography, and similar information concerning the response area to which assigned;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to accept constructive criticism;
• Ability to utilize computers, the computer-aided dispatch system, and related equipment;
• Sufficient hand-eye coordination and dexterity to operate and regulate Fire Department pumps and perform physical firefighting tasks that involve tying knots, raising and climbing ladders, and connecting and disconnecting hose couplings and other hose appliances;
• Ability to drive pumping apparatus and perform firefighting tasks that involve pulling, lifting and carrying;
• Ability to do strenuous firefighting work for occasional extended periods of time, and to change from a state of rest to a state of strenuous activity in a short period of time;
• Ability to effectively use the Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) handheld device.
• Attends training sessions and participates in drills
• Performs housekeeping tasks in fire stations and on the grounds of fire stations;
• Utilizing computers and other related equipment, maintains records as necessary and completes incident reports;
• Participates in firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical service duties.

Special Conditions:

• Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License Number (if applicable)
• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Pre-employment Physical Examination/Drug test/Alcohol Screening, and repeated in accordance to policy thereafter (for operational personnel only)
• Shift Work, including weekends, holidays and nights and work beyond normal work schedule
• Must wear uniform, including safety equipment

Benefits:Hanover County is proud to provide the following benefits to volunteer emergency responder

• Free basic training in both fire and EMS disciplines
• Uniforms (as available) and personal protective equipment
• Personal Property Tax Relief for the vehicle the volunteer uses for response

(Applies to motor vehicles owned or leased by volunteer rescue squad or fire company members.One motor vehicle which is owned by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member, or leased by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member if the member is obligated by the terms of the lease to pay tangible personal property tax on the motor vehicle, may be specially classified under this section, provided the volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member regularly responds to emergency calls.The volunteer shall furnish the commissioner of revenue with a certification by the chief or head of the volunteer organization, that the volunteer is a member of the volunteer rescue squad or fire company who regularly responds to calls or regularly performs other duties for the rescue squad or fire company, and the motor vehicle owned or leased by the volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member is identified. The certification shall be submitted by January 31 of each year to the commissioner of revenue; however, the commissioner of revenue shall be authorized, in his discretion, and for good cause shown and without fault on the part of the member, to accept a certification after the January 31 deadline. A replacement vehicle may be certified and classified pursuant to this subsection when the vehicle certified as of the immediately prior January date is transferred during the tax year.Hanover County Code: Sec. 22-50. - Other classifications of tangible personal property for taxation.)Special Instructions to ApplicantsPHYSICAL EXAM PROTOCOL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPLICANTS Purpose:The intent of this protocol is to provide Hanover Fire EMS Operational volunteer applicants an entry or non-entry physical, as part of the application process to become a full member at the Fire Station or Rescue Squad. Non-Operational administrative members are not required to have physicals, unless their membership status changes to Operational. Life safety of all volunteer membership is paramount; and this protocol will provide the initial step in ensuring the well-being of department members. Procedure:When a new member is approved for membership by station membership committee, the Volunteer Membership Coordinator will contact him/her about setting up a physical appointment at Hanover's Occupational Health Provider. It is the station's responsibility to notify the Volunteer Membership Coordinator the prospective member is ready for an entry or non-entry physical. Those applicants planning to attend the fire academy will require an entry physical. The entry and non-entry exams include the following tests for prospective members: ENTRY: complete physical examination and history; urine drug screen/urinalysis; spirometry/Pulmonary Function Test (PFT); Electrocardiogram (EKG); and Tuberculin Skin Test (PPD). NON-ENTRY: complete physical examination and history; urine drug screen/urinalysis; and Tuberculin Skin Test. All parts of the physical must be complete for the Occupational Health Provider to provide written clearance to Hanover Fire EMS. The prospective member will not receive final approval, until this notification is received. Should an applicant be under the age of eighteen, a parent or legal guardian must accompany to the physical; or be available by phone to provide personal information and permission.1. The Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS) requires all applicants to be fingerprinted for a criminal background check. Fingerprinting will be coordinated by the Volunteer Membership Coordinator. Supplemental InformationHanover County is proud to provide the following benefits to volunteer emergency responder

• Free basic training in both fire and EMS disciplines
• Uniforms (as available) and personal protective equipment
• Personal Property Tax Relief for the vehicle the volunteer uses for response

(Applies to motor vehicles owned or leased by volunteer rescue squad or fire company members.One motor vehicle which is owned by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member, or leased by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member if the member is obligated by the terms of the lease to pay tangible personal property tax on the motor vehicle, may be specially classified under this section, provided the volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member regularly responds to emergency calls.The volunteer shall furnish the commissioner of revenue with a certification by the chief or head of the volunteer organization, that the volunteer is a member of the volunteer rescue squad or fire company who regularly responds to calls or regularly performs other duties for the rescue squad or fire company, and the motor vehicle owned or leased by the volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member is identified. The certification shall be submitted by January 31 of each year to the commissioner of revenue; however, the commissioner of revenue shall be authorized, in his discretion, and for good cause shown and without fault on the part of the member, to accept a certification after the January 31 deadline. A replacement vehicle may be certified and classified pursuant to this subsection when the vehicle certified as of the immediately prior January date is transferred during the tax year.Hanover County Code: Sec. 22-50. - Other classifications of tangible personal property for taxation.)01 Are you at least 18 years old?

• Yes
• No

02 Are you currently in the High School Fire program or will be attending in the upcoming school year?

• Yes
• No

03 Which Volunteer Fire Company or Rescue Squad do you wish to join? (Check all that apply).

• Ashland Co. 01 - 501 Archie Cannon Road, Ashland, VA 23005
• Beaverdam Co. 02 - 16150 Trainham Road, Beaverdam, VA 23015
• Eastern Hanover Co. 03 - 4428 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
• Doswell Co. 04 - 16243 Washington Highway, Doswell, VA 23047
• Courthouse Co. 05 - 13326 Hanover Courthouse Road, Hanover, VA 23069
• Henry Co. 06 - 9634 Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
• Mechanicsville Co. 07 - 7161 Stonewall Parkway, Mechanicville, VA 23116
• Montpelier Co. 08 - 16861 Mountain Road, Montpelier, VA 23192
• Rockville Co. 09 - 11445 Rockville Road, Rockville, VA 23146
• Chickahominy Co. 10 - 10414 S. Leadbetter Road, Ashland, VA 23005
• Farrington Co. 11 - 14582 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059
• Black Creek Co. 12 - McClellan Road, Mechanicville, VA 23111
• Ashcake Rescue 13 - 8375 New Ashcake Road, Mechanicville, VA 23116
• East Hanover Rescue 14 - 8105 Walnut Grove Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
• West Hanover Rescue 15 - 17005 Beaverdam Road, Beaverdam, VA 23015
• Ashland Recsue 16 - 203 Duncan Street, Ashland, VA 23005
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

04 Have you ever applied for a position with Hanover Fire EMS?

• Yes
• No

05 Which duty shifts would you be most interested in? (check one)

• Daytime
• Evening
• Weekends
• Varied/Flexible Schedule

06 As a member, which would you be most interested in? (Check all that apply).

• Patient Care
• Fire Suppression
• Auxiliary
• Support Services
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

07 Please tell us about any prior volunteer experience you may have: 08 Please tell us about any prior Fire-EMS experience you have. Include County and State of those organizations: 09 Tell us what interests you about becoming a member of the Hanover Fire-EMS Department and how did you hear about this opportunity? 10 What qualities do you possess that would make you an asset to this organization? 11 Why are you choosing Hanover County Fire-EMS versus other Volunteer Opportunities in the region? 12 Have you been convicted in the last five (5) years of any criminal violation(s)?

• Yes
• No

13 If yes, please list year(s) and type of violation(s): 14 Training Certifications. Please check any current Virginia Fire-EMS certifications that you hold:

• FF 1
• FF2
• Mayday FF Down
• HazMat Awareness
• HazMat Ops
• EMT-B
• EMT-E
• EMT-I
• EMT-P
• Fire Instructor I
• Fire Instructor II
• Fire Instructor III
• Officer I
• Officer II
• Officer III
• EVOC Class I
• EVOC Class II
• EVOC Class III
• None

15 I certify that answers given herein are true and complete. I hereby grant Hanover County and Hanover County Fire-EMS permission to request any school of learning, past or present employer, government agency that maintains driving records or law enforcement agency to release information contained in their records for use in conducting research specifically related to my suitability as a volunteer with Hanover County, except where my written statement upon this form specifically request that no investigation be made. I understand this information is for use by Hanover County and will be safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure to any agency or individual not having a legitimate need for it and the authority for its release. - I understand that any misrepresentation of facts in this application will be considered just cause for dismissal at the discretion of Hanover County Fire-EMS. In the event that I am allowed to volunteer, I understand that I am required to abide by the policies and procedures of Hanover County and Hanover County Fire-EMS.By typing in my INITIALS BELOW, I certify that I have read and agree with these statements. 16 All applicants shall read the Hanover County Fire-EMS Mission and Vision Statement, Honor Code, and Department Values listed below.Training requirements may vary depending upon membership you are applying for.Mission StatementThe mission of Hanover Fire-EMS is to serve people and protect lives and property through the provision of professional fire, rescue and emergency medical services, 24 hours a day.Vision StatementIt is the vision of Hanover Fire-EMS to be a high performance combination emergency response and mitigation system that meets the current and future needs of the citizens of Hanover County in response to all emergency situations, accidental, natural or manmade.Honor CodeAs a member of Hanover Fire-EMS, I will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.Department ValuesHonor/Integrity - All department members will be held to high standards and is expected to behave in a manner that represents a strict adherence to moral and ethical values.Respect - All department members will be expected to display self-respect. Without fail, they will treat others as they wish to be treated. They will hold great regard for all they serve and protect their dignity.Responsibility - Members have a personal obligation to honor their commitment to their respective organizations and to Hanover Fire-EMS. It is one's own duty to make decisions using good judgment and common sense, keeping safety as a first and foremost priority.Accountability - Members will be held accountable for their actions. We all have a responsibility to our mission to help others. We must respect our leaders and the rules that govern our system.Professionalism - Members will be expected to operate within the boundaries of professional standards. This includes, but is not limited to: appropriate public behavior, clean cut personal appearance and promptness.Quality - Members of Hanover Fire-EMS will always seek to provide the highest quality possible in all their endeavors and continuously strive to improve the quality of the entire system.By typing in my INITIALS BELOW, I certify that I have read and agree with the Mission and Vision Statement, Honor Code, and Department Values. I also agree to meet the training requirement and time requirements to obtain such training required by Hanover County Fire-EMS. 17 Members under eighteen (18) years of age must have LEGAL PARENT OR GUARDIAN PERMISSION. To Whom It May Concern:By SIGNING below (on a printed out paper copy), I acknowledge that I am the legal parent or legal guardian of said applicant and give permission for him/her to pursue membership and participate in the authorized level according to guidelines and policies of Hanover County Fire-EMS Department. I also give permission for said applicant to complete the required department physical. Required Question