Description

A lateral cadet:

Attends and successfully completes Fire Department classes and other formal fire training programs at the Austin Fire Training facility.
Participates in mandatory physical training to include running 1 ½ to 6 miles, uphill running, calisthenics, hose and dummy drags, grass drills, and weight training.
Participates in drills, demonstrations, firefighting training evolutions, and courses in hydraulics, pump operation and maintenance, and firefighting techniques.
Trains in the operation of rescue tools.
Trains in the administration of emergency medical care to fire or accident victims and assists EMS personnel as needed.
Trains in the locating, controlling, and extinguishing of fires using applicable extinguishing agents

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:
 
At the time of application, each applicant must have been actively employed as a structural fire fighter for one or more municipalities, ESDs, military or county fire departments within the two years prior to the date of application and must have a total of at least three years of active service as a fire fighter for one or more municipalities, ESDs, military or county fire departments. Austin-Travis County EMS employees, who have structural firefighting certification and three or more years prior experience with a fire department, also qualify for the lateral entry program.
Must be at least 18 years of age, and not to exceed age 35, on the date of written exam
Meet the requirements of Local Government Code, Title 5 Chapter 143
Meet the requirements for certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Standards and Education
Meet the requirements of the Texas Department of State Health Services for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic)
Meet the requirements set forth in NFPA 1582, Latest Edition, Standard on Medical Requirements for Firefighters
Two (2) years of service with any US Military Branch, including Reserves or National Guard may substitute for the required education Physical Requirements:
 
Must be able to quickly respond to fire apparatus and be capable of entry and/or exit of any AFD vehicle
Must be able to quickly respond to fire apparatus and be capable of entry and/or exit of any AFD vehicle without assistance.
Must be able to climb multiple flights of stairs while carrying firefighting equipment.
Must be able to climb aerial ladders to a height of 100 feet.
Must be able to carry and/or drag hose for the purpose of fire extinguishment.
Must be able to carry, set, and climb ladders to accomplish firefighting and rescue evolutions.
Must be able to crawl and kneel, wearing personal protective equipment and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), in extreme weather conditions, high environmental temperature and humidity, and confined, dark, or visually obscured environments.
Must be able to perform strenuous physical activity for 20 continuous minutes.
Must be able to perform CPR, lifting and moving of equipment and patients in a variety of environmental conditions.
Must be comfortable in the water using a personal flotation device.