By Andrew Harp
The Evening News and the Tribune
CLARK COUNTY, Ind. — Tri-Township Fire and Rescue is looking to fill roles for its civilian EMS division.
Captain Darius Mousavi said the department is looking for three, full-time civilian EMS employees. He also said that they are looking for part-time positions to augment the staffing when needed.
Mousavi said the department requirement is for staff to have at least a minimum of advanced EMT training, however, he said he encourages those with basic EMT training to apply since they will put those staff members through training and courses to earn advanced EMT.
Mousavi said considering the current status of EMS in the county, including the fact that New Chapel EMS will cease operations by the end of the month, and Heartland EMS will be contracted by the company for three months, the department is trying to grow.
He said they will assist the county when needed, however, the goal of the department is to be the primary EMS provider, along with fire protection, for their district, which includes Carr, Union and Silver Creek townships.
Tri-Township now has around eight full-time paramedics on staff and three ambulances. Mousavi said there is a nationwide shortage of paramedics.
He said that they have at least one ambulance staffed with a paramedic and advanced EMT 24/7, and staff ambulances if need be depending on the weather, events in the community or an increase in call volume.
“EMS is very busy, especially in Clark County,” he said.
Mousavi said those looking to apply for full-time positions ought to be trained, and ideally paramedics, but also open to more training and education, and be motivated and dedicated.
Those who apply will also need to pass a standard civilian EMS physical agility test considering those employed in these positions will have to undergo emergency situations that require strength, stamina and agility.
“We want to provide the best service possible for our community,” he said.
Mousavi said fire-based EMS services are becoming more common in the area. Typically, Mousavi said firefighters are cross-trained to provide fire protection and EMS services, which is the case for Tri-Township.
Mousavi said civilian EMS is also a new development in the general area. He said sworn firefighters fall under the state pension system, but there is an alternate state pension system for civilians who are EMS workers who work at a fire department. He said this practice is more common around Central Indiana.
Considering the growth of Clark County , especially the area they serve, he said the department is trying to anticipate this growth by growing the department alongside it.
“We’ve come a long in almost five years now,” he said.
Those interested can apply online at ttfpd.org/application.
(c)2024 The Evening News and The Tribune (Jeffersonville, Ind.)
Visit The Evening News and The Tribune (Jeffersonville, Ind.) at newsandtribune.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
