FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC

General Job Information

Job Summary

MUST CURRENTLY HOLD NATIONAL REGISTRY PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATION

This position is in the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS). DCFEMS provides fire suppression, technical rescue, fire prevention, education, community risk-reduction, and pre-hospital care and transportation services to the residents and visitors of the District of Columbia. The Department strives to protect life and property.

Firefighter Paramedics will work in a fast-paced, innovative, and data driven jurisdiction with unique and high-profile special events related to its status as the Nation’s Capital. Firefighter Paramedics will gain tremendous experience while supporting the core mission of the Department and also have the opportunity to apply for positions that focus on unique specialties. Firefighter Paramedics are assigned to one of thirty-three fire houses throughout the District of Columbia. The incumbent will travel primarily by fire suppression unit and medic unit in a prompt and efficient manner in response to calls for emergency incidents. Emergency incidents may include structure fires, emergency medical care of critically ill or injured patients, technical rescues, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities

Incumbent provides emergency medical care in accordance with innovative and data driven protocols, which may include stabilizing critically ill or injured patients through the application of advanced life support procedures, such as intubation, peripheral intravenous insertion, defibrillation, and administration of pharmacological agents. The incumbent will drive a medic unit to a specific address or location of an emergency, choosing the most direct and expeditious route in a timely and safe manner. The incumbent will maintain basic and advanced life support care during transportation to the appropriate hospital emergency department. The incumbent will accurately report, verbally and in writing, observations, interventions, and emergency care given to the patient at the scene and in transit to the emergency department for record keeping and diagnostic purposes. The incumbent may manage emotionally disturbed, alcohol and drug intoxicated, and unruly patients.

Incumbent performs as a firefighter, responding to all conditions and life-hazards, both known and unknown, with a minimal response time. Upon arrival at an emergency incident, the incumbent will relay conditions, life-hazards, and exposures to commanding officers. As a Firefighter Paramedic the incumbent will examine structures for signs of fire extension or other dangers and determine the safest evacuation route for occupants. The incumbent will make forcible entries, make openings for ventilation, perform overhaul operations, deploy hose lines, and operate hydrant systems. Firefighter Paramedics drive and operate fire suppression apparatus of significant complexity, including pumps, aerial ladder trucks, and rescue squads. Firefighter Paramedics may extricate injured and/or entrapped patients by safely employing rescue techniques, which include various extrication devices. Additionally, they will use power tools, saws, and ventilation fans.

Qualifications and Education

Candidates must successfully pass and complete the DC Fire and EMS Department’s Recruit Training Course and pass all probationary requirements. Candidates will demonstrate competence providing pre-hospital emergency care through various mechanisms, including field training.

Requirements to Apply

• Birth Certificate or Naturalization Documentation
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• State Issued Driver’s License.
• National Registry Paramedic (EMT-P) Certification.

License/Certification

All required licenses must be uploaded at the time of application submission to be considered for the position.

Candidates must hold and maintain the following minimum certifications for the duration of employment:

• Firefighter I and II certifications.
• Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (EMT-P).
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or approved alternative.
• National Registry Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (NREMT-P).
• Any other certifications that may subsequently be required to maintain qualifications as a Firefighter Paramedic.

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid and current driver’s license as a condition of employment.

Working Conditions/Environment

Incumbents ride large emergency vehicles through crowded streets. The position involves exposure to all weather conditions and increased noise levels. The incumbent can be exposed to irritation or discomfort from heat, smoke, dust, gaseous fumes, water, confined spaces (tunnels), radiation, and chemicals and must strictly adhere to policies and procedures designed to reduce those dangers, such as utilizing personal protective equipment. The incumbent will live in proximity with others in a dormitory-style environment for 24-hour (or longer) work shifts.

Other Significant Facts

Candidates must maintain the ability to pass self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) face piece fit testing as required by OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard

Candidates must maintain physical fitness as defined by the ability to successfully complete annual timed fitness stress-testing.

Must be a United States citizen at the time of application.

This position is covered under DC Law 15-353, the Child and Youth, Safety and Health Omnibus Amendment Act of 2004, effective April 13, 2005, as amended. For that reason, this position is subjected to annual criminal background checks, traffic record checks, or both; and you may also be subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout employment.

First Screening Date: February 2, 2026

Duration of Appointment:

Career Service – Reg Appt.

Promotional Potential:

None

*This does not refer to the Department’s internal open competitive promotional opportunities.

Collective Bargaining Unit:

This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by the International Association of Fire Firefighters Local 36. You may be required to have union dues or other applicable fees deducted from your salary.

Tour of Duty:

Rotating shifts. The Department is a 24-hour/7-days a week operation.

Position Designation:

This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing. In this position you may also be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.

EEO Statement:

The District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.