SECTION 270:10-1-7. Description of essential functions of all eligible firefighters  


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  •   To be eligible for entrance into the System as a paid firefighter, a candidate must meet minimum medical requirements which reflect the ability of the candidate to perform the essential functions of fire suppression, prevention and life safety as set forth in O.S. §49 100.1, et seq. The essential job functions reflect the physical, physiological, intellectual, psychological demands of the occupation including,
    (1)   Performing firefighting functions (e.g., hoseline operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions while wearing personal protective ensembles (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged periods of time.
    (2)   Wearing an SCBA, which includes a demand valve-type positive pressure facepiece or HEPA filter masks, which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads.
    (3)   Exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infectious) and nonbiologicial hazards, and/or heated gases, despite the use of PPE including SCBA.
    (4)   Climbing 6 or more flights of stairs while wearing fire protective ensemble weighing at least 50 lb or more and carrying equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lb.
    (5)   Wearing fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulating. Wearing this clothing will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2°F (39°C).
    (6)   Searching, finding, and rescue-dragging or carrying victims ranging from newborns up to adults weighing over 200 lb to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility.
    (7)   Advancing water-filled hoselines up to 2.5 in. in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy (approximately 150 ft.); can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles.
    (8)   Climbing ladders, operating from heights, walking or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards.
    (9)   Unpredictable emergency requirements for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration.
    (10)   Operating fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens.
    (11)   Critical, time-sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments (including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces), further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens and other distractions.
    (12)   Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing PPE and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hoselines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers).
    (13)   Functioning as an integral component of a team, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members (e.g., two in, two out as described in NFPA 1500.
[Source: Added at 10 Ok Reg 1063, eff 3-23-92 through 5-28-93 (emergency); Added at 13 Ok Reg 1601, eff 5-28-96; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 2132, eff 6-26-04]