Brian Shapins
Pompano Beach
Summary
Professional Firefighter with extensive experience in fire suppression and emergency medical response. Demonstrated leadership in incident command and training development, resulting in improved team performance and community safety. Strong skills in risk assessment and communication, ensuring effective responses in high-pressure situations. Committed to delivering exceptional customer service and fostering a positive environment.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Professional Firefighter
City of Boca Raton Fire Department
Boca Raton
12.2002 - 08.2023
- Conducted fire inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Responded to emergency calls for fire suppression and rescue operations.
- Operated fire apparatus and equipment during emergency responses.
- Participated in training drills to enhance firefighting techniques and teamwork.
- Collaborated with community programs on fire prevention education initiatives.
- Maintained firefighting equipment and ensured readiness for emergency situations.
- Assisted in developing strategic plans for resource allocation during emergencies.
- Mentored junior firefighters on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Inspected buildings for fire prevention and hazardous materials code violations or potential hazards.
- Directed traffic around accident scenes or areas with hazardous conditions.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided medical aid to injured persons.
- Maintained records of inspection results, incident reports, and other relevant data.
- Monitored weather conditions that could affect fire safety activities.
- Trained new firefighters on procedures for responding to different types of emergencies.
- Controlled, extinguished, and prevented fires from spreading using water hoses, chemical extinguishers, smoke ejectors.
- Attended regular training sessions to maintain certification levels.
- Utilized specialized tools such as thermal imaging cameras for search-and-rescue operations.
- Developed an understanding of building construction methods related to fire suppression efforts.
- Organized drills and exercises to test the readiness of personnel in emergency situations.
- Worked collaboratively with other agencies during multi-agency responses.
- Provided support services at the scene of hazardous material incidents.
- Educated members of the community about best practices for preventing fires through public service announcements or school visits.
- Performed preventative maintenance on firefighting equipment.
- Operated pumps and aerial ladders during emergency operations.
- Participated in public education programs regarding fire safety practices.
- Inspected hydrants for proper operation and flow rates.
- Assessed risk factors at a given situation to develop appropriate response strategies.
- Responded immediately to alarms for fires, vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations.
- Cleaned, serviced and maintained fire apparatus in condition of readiness and performed general maintenance of fire department property.
- Laid hose lines and operated nozzles, pumps, hydrants, and fire extinguishers.
- Communicated with other firefighters and emergency personnel to relay observations, equipment needs, and other relevant information.
- Analyzed situations to quickly adopt courses of action with regard to surroundings and circumstances.
- Collaborated with other emergency personnel when responding to accident scenes or acute illness calls requiring emergency medical care.
- Checked hoses and breathing masks after fire calls to determine proper functionality.
- Participated in on-call schedule to respond to requests for assistance after hours and on weekends or holidays.
- Ascended and descended ladders, stairs and ramps in smoke-filled areas.
- Participated in fire and life safety inspections of commercial and residential properties and checked operating condition of hydrants.
- Attended trainings to maintain wealth of knowledge in firefighting techniques and suppression methods, enabling quick decision making during actual emergencies.
- Responded to fire and safety-related emergency calls in local area.
- Tested and inspected tools, equipment and gear to maintain readiness for different fire scenarios.
- Observed strict safety protocols to maintain personal and coworker safety.
- Rescued fire victims and administered emergency medical aid.
- Located hydrants and operated pumps at proper pressure to evaluate adequacy of water system and availability of water supply.
- Used axes and other tools to break through windows and debris.
- Completed field assessments of active fires and planned optimal approaches.
- Patrolled previously burned areas after fire containment to locate and eliminate dangerous hot spots.
- Triaged patients to assist emergency workers in administering medical care.
- Established and managed water supplies to support suppression activities.
- Checked smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in residences and businesses.
- Rehabilitated fire hoses, portable water tanks and other equipment.
- Provided emergency medical care in high-pressure situations.
- Operated advanced life support equipment effectively.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure patient safety.
- Conducted patient assessments for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Educated patients and families on medical procedures and care plans.
- Maintained detailed records of patient care and treatment protocols.
- Trained new paramedics on best practices and emergency response techniques.
- Responded rapidly to emergency calls to deliver timely medical assistance.
- Adhered to protocols and procedures to maintain safety of patients and paramedic crew.
- Assessed and treated patients with medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, shock, trauma, respiratory distress and intoxication.
- Provided pre-hospital care to those in need within the community, including administering medications, providing wound care and performing intubations.
- Developed strong rapport with other medical professionals to foster quality and efficient patient care.
- Operated specialized medical equipment such as ventilators, defibrillators, suction devices and stretchers.
- Assessed emergency situations and prioritized medical care for patients.
- Maintained proficiency in advanced life support skills through continuing education classes and workshops.
- Responded to emergency calls quickly and safely while utilizing appropriate driving techniques.
- Transported patients from accident scenes or hospital settings to medical facilities in a safe manner.
- Remained level-headed and proactive during emergency situations.
- Documented care provided to patients into reports for submission to supervisor.
- Administered CPR and other life-saving techniques on patients in cardiac arrest.
- Demonstrated dedication to providing quality care through continued training and education.
- Saved lives by administering medications, monitoring cardiac output and performing emergency intubations.
- Responded quickly to medical emergencies to promote best possible health outcomes.
- Evaluated patient response to treatments administered during transport to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Performed standard testing and administered medication to manage care in field and in transit.
- Treated patients suffering from heart attacks, strokes and motor vehicle accident injuries.
- Explained each step of treatment to conscious patients to reduce fear and invoke calm.
- Provided emotional support for family members of critically ill or injured patients.
- Monitored patients from scene to hospital transfer while conducting in-transit care.
- Organized supplies for ambulance runs including IV solutions, airway management equipment and medication kits.
- Assessed scene on arrival to identify potential safety issues and hazards affecting first responders.
- Educated patients on proper use of medications, disease prevention methods and self-care techniques.
- Participated in drills related to disaster preparedness scenarios that included triage assessments.
- Collaborated with colleagues on shared cases to provide comprehensive treatment plans for patients.
- Utilized proper safety precautions when handling hazardous materials or infectious substances.
- Conducted equipment inspections and vehicle checks in adherence with required maintenance schedules.
- Cleaned wounds and applied gauze and bandages to prevent infection.
- Ensured compliance with established policies related to infection control procedures.
- Obtained details regarding patient by questioning family members and bystanders.
- Cleaned vehicles and patient care compartments, performed routine maintenance checks and maintained constant readiness for emergencies.
- Suctioned airways to clear obstructions and help patients breathe.
- Immobilized patients for transport using backboard or other spinal mobilization.
- Presented paramedic basics at schools, cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes, civic groups and public safety agencies.
- Bandaged wounds and determined necessity for stitches or sutures.
- Testified in court regarding circumstances of paramedic calls and gave depositions.
- Reported infectious disease cases to appropriate medical authorities.
Education
Firefighter - Fire Science
Broward Fire Academy
Davie, FL08-2002
Paramedic - EMT / Paramedic
Palm Beach State College
Lake Worth, FL11-2000
Skills
- Fire suppression and emergency care
- Equipment and facility maintenance
- Incident command and leadership
- Team collaboration and problem solving
- Critical thinking and decision making
- Training coordination and development
- Effective communication skills
- Public education outreach programs
- Risk assessment and management
- Hazardous materials handling
- Personal protective equipment usage
- Stress management techniques
- First aid and CPR certification
- Teamwork and cooperation strategies
- Fire service leadership skills
- Community relations and cultural sensitivity
Affiliations
- Active volunteer at Country Hills Elementary
- Maintain a regular exercise routine
- Enjoy 3D printing hobby
- Remote Drone Pilot
Accomplishments
- Received numerous service awards while employed as a Firefighter / Paramedic including multiple Life Saving Awards
Certification
- State Certified Paramedic
Languages
English
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Professional Firefighter
City of Boca Raton Fire Department
12.2002 - 08.2023
Firefighter - Fire Science
Broward Fire Academy
Paramedic - EMT / Paramedic
Palm Beach State College
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