Paramedic

AGAWAM FIRE IS RECRUITING PARAMEDICS TO JOIN OUR TEAM!

The Agawam Fire Department has a long history of progressive EMS delivery. Today, that tradition continues as Agawam becomes the first Western Massachusetts Fire Department to employ single roll Paramedics to assist us in the delivery of our ALS care and transport.... No fire suppression duties, just delivery of high quality EMS with a great schedule, compensation and benefits. 

To learn more, CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO HERE.

Single roll Paramedics have no requirement to perform suppression duties, but there is a path to voluntary dual roll Firefighter Paramedic employment.

Job Description — Paramedic (Single-Role), Agawam Fire Department

Position Summary

Position title: Paramedic (Single-Role, Non-Suppression)

Department: Agawam Fire Department

Division: Emergency Medical Services

Reports to: Shift Officer in charge; EMS Coordinator / Deputy Chief for clinical and administrative matters

Supervises: None. May direct EMTs and first responders on scene within scope of patient care.

FLSA status: Non-exempt

Schedule: Shift work as assigned, including nights, weekends, holidays, and holdover/recall

Bargaining unit: IAFF Local 1973

Pay grade: $31.00 to $37.78 per hour

Position Purpose

The Paramedic provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency medical care and transport as a member of the Agawam Fire Department. The position is dedicated to EMS and carries no fire suppression, interior firefighting, or technical rescue duties.

The Paramedic staffs Department ambulances, delivers pre-hospital care under the Massachusetts Statewide Treatment Protocols and the Department's Affiliate Hospital Medical Director, and transports patients to appropriate receiving facilities. The Paramedic works alongside dual-role firefighter/paramedics and firefighter/EMTs as part of an integrated response.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties below are illustrative, not exhaustive. Any one position may not perform all of them, and other related duties may be assigned.

Patient care

• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for medical assistance; assesses, treats, and transports patients at the ALS level.
• Performs advanced skills within Massachusetts Paramedic scope of practice: cardiac monitoring, 12-lead acquisition and interpretation, manual defibrillation, cardioversion, and transcutaneous pacing.
• Performs advanced airway management, including supraglottic airways, endotracheal intubation, capnography, and CPAP.
• Establishes IV and IO access; administers medications per protocol and on-line medical control.
• Recognizes and activates time-critical pathways, including STEMI, stroke, trauma, and sepsis notifications.
• Assumes clinical lead on ALS calls; directs EMTs and first responders in patient care.
• Provides care at mass casualty incidents, performing triage and treatment within the incident command structure.

Transport and ambulance operations

• Operates Department ambulances safely under emergency and non-emergency conditions, per Massachusetts law and Department policy.
• Performs start-of-shift checks of ambulance, equipment, supplies, and medications; reports deficiencies.
• Maintains controlled-substance custody, documentation, and security per DEA, DPH, and Department requirements.
• Cleans and decontaminates the ambulance and equipment after each patient contact.

Documentation and compliance

• Completes accurate, timely electronic patient care reports (ePCR) meeting MA OEMS, MATRIS, and billing requirements.
• Obtains required signatures and insurance information to support ambulance billing.
• Protects patient privacy under HIPAA and M.G.L. c. 111.
• Participates in QA/QI review and implements corrective action as directed.

Support and readiness

• Supports fireground operations in the EMS role only: rehab, medical monitoring of personnel, and standby. No hazard-zone entry.
• Attends Department training, protocol updates, and continuing education.
• Delivers public education such as CPR, Stop the Bleed, and blood pressure clinics.
• Maintains professional conduct and represents the Department to the public, hospitals, and mutual-aid partners.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision and Judgment

Supervision received: Works under the general supervision of the Shift Officer for operations and the EMS Coordinator for clinical matters. Clinical practice is governed by the Statewide Treatment Protocols and the Affiliate Hospital Medical Director.

Supervision exercised: None formally. Directs patient care activities of EMTs, firefighters, and first responders on scene.

Judgment: Makes independent, time-critical clinical decisions with incomplete information. Errors may result in serious injury, death, liability, or loss of certification.

Minimum Qualifications

Required at time of appointment

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current Massachusetts OEMS Paramedic certification under 105 CMR 170.000, in good standing, with no pending enforcement action.
• Paramedics holding NREMT Paramedic certification must maintain it; Massachusetts renewal requires valid NREMT certification at time of application (AR 2-353).
• Current CPR/BLS and ACLS from instructor-led or blended courses with an in-person hands-on skills evaluation, per 105 CMR 170.810(C)(1) and 170.840(B)(3) (OEMS Advisory 23-10-01).
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• NIMS ICS-100, ICS-200, and IS-700, or completion within 6 months of hire.

Required within probationary period

• Department-approved Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC).
• Successful credentialing by the Affiliate Hospital Medical Director.

Preferred

• Two or more years of ALS experience in a 911 system.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Massachusetts Statewide Treatment Protocols, 105 CMR 170.000, and M.G.L. c. 111C.
• Anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology at the paramedic level.
• ALS equipment: cardiac monitor/defibrillator, ventilators, CPAP, video laryngoscopy, IV/IO devices, infusion pumps.
• Point-of-entry and destination plans for STEMI, stroke, and trauma.
• Incident Command System and MCI triage.
• Town of Agawam street network, landmarks, and receiving hospitals.

Skill in

• Rapid patient assessment and clinical decision-making.
• Advanced airway management and ECG interpretation.
• Safe emergency vehicle operation.
• Clear, accurate verbal communications.
• Clear, accurate written documentation on an ePCR platform.

Ability to

• Work calmly and effectively under stress, in unpredictable and hazardous environments.
• Communicate clearly with patients, families, hospital staff, and crews, including people in crisis.
• Work rotating or 24 hours shifts as scheduled, and remain on duty when relieved late.
• Follow orders and function as part of a fire-based team.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and Department information.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The position is physically demanding and performed in all weather, day and night. Reasonable accommodation will be considered under the ADA and M.G.L. c. 151B.

Physical demands

• Lift and carry 125 lb with a partner (250 lb combined) and move patients on stretchers, stair chairs, and backboards, including up and down stairs.
• Lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 lb unassisted.
• Kneel, bend, crouch, and perform CPR for extended periods.
• Work in confined spaces, on uneven terrain, and at roadside incidents.
• Adequate vision, hearing, and manual dexterity to assess patients, read monitors, and perform fine-motor skills.

Working conditions

• Exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious disease, and hazardous materials; PPE required.
• Exposure to traffic, violent or combative persons, extreme temperatures, noise, and fumes.
• Exposure to traumatic events and critical incident stress. Peer support and EAP are available.
• Operates within the cold zone at fire and hazmat scenes; does not enter IDLH atmospheres.

Physical standard: Passes a Department-approved pre-employment medical exam and physical ability test specific to EMS duties. The CPAT and NFPA 1582 suppression standard do not apply.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment

• Satisfactory CORI check under M.G.L. c. 6, §172, and driving record review.
• Pre-employment medical exam, drug screen, and EMS physical ability test.
• Proof of immunizations required for EMS personnel, or documented declination where permitted.
• Verification of all certifications with MA OEMS and NREMT.

Continuing

• Maintain Massachusetts Paramedic certification, ACLS, CPR, and Medical Director credentialing at all times. Lapse or loss of any required credential is grounds for removal from duty without pay and may result in termination.
• Complete a [12]-month probationary period.
• Comply with Department rules, regulations, SOGs, and the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Must reside within 40 miles of the Town of Agawam border within 12 months of employment.

Applicants must be Massachusetts Certified EMT Paramedics to qualify. Applications and additional information regarding the application process can be obtained from the Town of Agawam Human Resources Department:

- In person at Agawam City Hall, 36 Main Street, Agawam, MA 

- by email VCarestia@agawam.ma.us or LWood@agawam.ma.us

- by calling 413-786-0400 x8213

Disclaimer: This description reflects the general nature and level of work for this classification. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and it does not create a contract of employment. The Fire Chief may modify duties as operational needs require, consistent with applicable law and collective bargaining obligations.