The job as a firefighter is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers. Quick and coordinated team responses must occur to meet the daily challenges that are faced.
Firefighters must perform many work activities in a wide variety of situations and locations. Activities including, but not limited to:
- fire suppression
- fire and injury prevention
- emergency medical service (EMS) response
- building inspection and pre-plans
- hazardous materials, bilogical and terrorist threat response
- disaster response including natural and man-made disasters
All applicants to Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical must have Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. EMS response comprises 75% – 80% of the alarms in the fire service. Providing fire and emergency medical care is challenging and dangerous with potential exposure to communicable diseases, death and injury. Coordinated efforts, top-notch training and equipment along with a system wide approach maximizes the success of the department and the individual employee.
Excellent communication skills are necessary in providing service delivery to the diverse local community with dignity, respect and compassion.
Physically, fire/EMS is one of the most demanding occupations. Firefighters must carry, and use, 80-100 pounds of equipment, such as hoses, axes, extrication equipment, ladders, chain saws and medical equipment. All this in addition to wearing 70-80 pounds of protective clothing and self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on their backs to a structure fire response. Additionally, the firefighter may be required to climb 100 foot ladders or many flights of stairs, wearing and carrying this significant load, then fight the fire, rescue victims or deliver medical care. Following the incident, salvage and overhaul operations, fire watch or transport of patients to the hospital may occur.
When not responding to emergencies, the maintenance of the fire & EMS apparatus and equipment and the station environment occurs. Countless hours of training, inspections, hydrant testing and pre-planning occur. Additionally, college course work in fire & EMS related classes are conducted, all to benefit the individual and the department. An active community education program for fire prevention, wheeled sports helmet safety and a CPR training program round out the daily activities.
Our shift schedule is known as the "Berkley" System; 24 hour shifts on an alternating basis with one or four days off between duty days, averaging 56 hours a week. Administrative staff typically work a standard 40-hour week.