As a full-time FireMedic with Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) you become a valuable member of a team of highly skilled professionals that use specialized equipment, leading-edge technologies and modern methods in the preservation of life and property.

The Red Deer Emergency Services responds to approximately 12,000 emergencies within the city and surrounding area. Of those calls, roughly 1,300 are Fire/Rescue related and 10,000 are medical responses.

The RDES is responsible for providing the following emergency services to the community:

• Fire Suppression / Rescue
• Advanced Life Support (ALS)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Fire Prevention and Public Education
• Arson and Fire Investigation
• Safety Codes Enforcement
• Hazardous Material Response and Pre-Planning
• Pre-Fire Planning of Structures / Property
• Vehicle Extrication / Rescue
• Trench Collapse Rescue
• High Angle Rope Rescue
• River / Ice Rescue
• Emergency Preparedness
• Firefighter Training

Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) is a dual service department that provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services to the residents of Red Deer.

The Emergency Services Department presently operates out of five stations strategically located within the city. You would be assigned to one of four platoons, where, under the leadership of a Fire Officer, you would be required to respond to emergencies and continually update your skills through an intensive and thorough training process throughout your career.

A FireMedic must not only be able to function effectively at an emergency scene, but also be capable of dealing well with fellow employees in the station.

Qualifications

• Certificate to practice pre-hospital care at the Advanced Life Support Level- EMT-P (if you are a student please indicate date of completion).
• Ability to register as a Paramedic with the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) (if out of province please indicate date writing ACP exam).
• Pass physical endurance and agility tests as well as a written aptitude evaluation.
• Ability to possess a class 3 and 4 Driver’s license with air brake (Q) endorsement.
• Must be willing to reside within a 24 kilometre (15 mile) radius of the city of Red Deer.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.
• Previous certified training in areas under NFPA 1001 is desirable.

Pre-Employment Testing

Aptitude Test

Candidates will undergo an aptitude test that evaluates his or her suitability for this type of employment. This test consists of problem-solving questions which will indicate the candidates' understanding of word definitions, spelling ability, arithmetic, geometry, mechanical ability, and problem solving. There is a minimum passing mark on this exam.

We regularly conduct aptitude testing at our headquarters. To find out the dates and times, please contact us at ESOperations@reddeer.ca .  The testing lasts approximately 2.5 hours, and we provide all necessary materials.

Oral Interview

Senior Officers of the Emergency Services Department and The City of Red Deer Human Resources Department conduct individual oral pre-screening and final interviews with each candidate.

Medical Testing

The job is both physically and emotionally demanding, therefore applicants must be in excellent physical condition as well as in good health. Candidates must pass a medical examination to NFPA 1001 (Standards for Professional Qualifications, Chapter 2-Entrance Requirements) conducted by physicians designated by The City of Red Deer, at no cost to the candidate. There is no grade or mark to this examination - either a candidate passes or fails, and is so informed. Candidates must have 20/20 vision (may be corrected) and must not be color blind. Candidates must not have any hearing impairments.

Physical Activity Testing 

Red Deer Emergency Services recognizes the third-party Physical Activity testing provided by Red Deer Polytechnic and the University of Alberta.

This test includes seven stations, including cardiovascular fitness, equipment carrying, hose drag, sled pull, forceable entry, victim rescue and a ladder climb components. Candidates must complete all seven modules in a specific time frame to be successful. 

Candidates can learn more about Red Deer Polytechnic's Firefighter Fitness Testing program, or the University of Alberta's Firefighter Fitness Test. Potential candidates may choose whichever testing site they prefer.