THOMAS MERZ
Cathlamet,WA
Summary
Highly motivated fire service leader with an extensive background in rural fire and EMS, combined with an in depth knowledge of Fire Department operations, industry standards and Washington state law.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paramedic Supervisor
Medix Ambulance
11.2023 - Current
- Ensured adequate staffing and resource deployment to balance 911 system needs and inter-facility transfers.
- Enhanced team efficiency through clear communication and collaboration during high-stress situations.
- Reduced response times by maintaining thorough knowledge of local geography and navigation routes.
- Ensured operational readiness by addressing fleet, equipment and facility deficiencies rapidly and appropriately.
- Worked with various outside stake holders to resolve conflict with personnel and mitigate damages.
- Serve as field training officer and preceptor when need.
- Conduct sensitive investigations pertaining to personnel.
Volunteer Firefighter EMT
Cathlamet Fire Department
01.2022 - Current
- Provided Incident Command on diverse types of emergency incidents
- Demonstrated high standards of performance, including teamwork, communication and compassion.
- Collaborated closely with fellow firefighters to ensure smooth communication and coordination during emergencies.
Volunteer Firefighter
Wahkiakum County Fire District 1
01.2022 - Current
- Provide leadership and oversight for future EMS services.
- Operate Tender pumper and structural engine.
- Performed Incident Command position various types of emergencies.
Part Time Firefighter Paramedic
Cowlitz County Fire District #5
11.2020 - Current
- Serve as relief firefighter paramedic when staffing is needed.
- Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
- Work as part of team with career and volunteer members to perform assigned tasks.
Firefighter Paramedic
Aberdeen Fire Department
06.2019 - 11.2023
- Provide advanced life support while working under the Grays Harbor County EMS protocols
- Respond to fires as either a member of an Engine company or medic unit
- Fill role of Paramedic Engineer to meet departments needs
- Assist training team as an EVIP instructor and EMS OTEP evaluator
- Conduct Fire inspections of commercial occupancies in a professional manner.
Volunteer Firefighter
Wahkiakum County Fire District 4
11.2020 - 03.2022
- Assisted a new training officer with training.
- Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
- Operated type 1 structure engines, type 3 and 6 wild land engines, type 1 and 2 tenders as needed.
- Regularly perform duties as Incident Command on various types of emergency incidents.
Volunteer Firefighter Paramedic
Cowlitz County Fire District #5
04.2018 - 11.2020
- Respond to emergency calls providing basic life support to the sick and injured
- Work as part of team with career and volunteer members to perform assigned tasks.
Paramedic
Medix Ambulance Service
09.2018 - 06.2019
- Respond to dispatched emergency assignments in multiple States
- Provide advanced life support while working under multiple sets of protocols
- Provide critical care transports to the sick and injured for long distances in a rural/ wilderness setting.
Lead Paramedic
American Medical Response
04.2015 - 06.2018
- Performed cardiac pacing and needle thoracentesis with great care and expertise
- Interpreted limited histories and used physical examinations to identify potential underlying critical issues.
Volunteer Firefighter Paramedic
Westport Fire Department
07.2014 - 03.2018
- Responded to emergency fire alarms quickly and safely
- Operated Structure Engines and Ariel Ladder truck.
Firefighter Paramedic
South Beach Fire and EMS
01.2015 - 07.2017
- Inspected the vehicle, medical supplies and equipment during down time
- Performed basic and advanced patient assessments
- Demonstrated high standards of performance, including teamwork, communication and compassion.
Volunteer Firefighter Lieutenant
Wahkiakum County Fire District 4
11.2014 - 04.2017
- Assisted a new training officer with organizing, developing and implementing a training program
- Tested and maintained firefighting tools, equipment and determined the need for and organized the appropriate maintenance
- Operated type 1 structure engines, type 3 and 6 wild land engines, type 1 and 2 tenders as needed.
Volunteer Fire Captain
Cathlamet Fire Department
11.2012 - 03.2015
- Planned, organized and directed training of the fire suppression division
- Communicated with traumatized and injured people to determine medical needs, fire origins and number of persons in need of rescue
- Provided Incident Command on diverse types of emergency incidents
- Demonstrated high standards of performance, including teamwork, communication and compassion
- Oversaw the training and development of the technical rescue team.
Volunteer Firefighter
Cowlitz County Fire District #5
05.2005 - 11.2007
- Kept vehicles ready for emergencies by cleaning them and keeping medical supplies stocked
- Learned and became proficient in the operation of extrication and recue tools
- Participated in public education events to promote fire and life safety.
Recruit Firefighter
Cowlitz 2 Fire And Rescue
09.2004 - 09.2005
- Attended high school fire science/ recruit academy earning Firefighter 1
- Responded to emergency assignments with senior firefighters while working under direct supervision.
Education
Emergency Medical Services Diploma -
McCook Community College
McCook, NebraskaAdvanced Organizational Maintenance Certificate -
Marine Corps Combat Services Support School
Camp Johnson, NCHigh School Diploma -
Kalama High School
Kalama, WASkills
- Land Navigation, Mountaineering and wilderness survival
- Livestock Handling and Working with animals
- Heavy Equipment Operation and Repair Electrical, Carpentry and Welding
- Expert Marksmen
Certification
- EVIP Instructor
- Firefighter 1 and 2
- Instructor 1
- BLS OTEP evaluator
- Multi company Ops
- Strategy and tactics for initial company ops.
- WA state Paramedic
Timeline
Paramedic Supervisor
Medix Ambulance
11.2023 - Current
Volunteer Firefighter EMT
Cathlamet Fire Department
01.2022 - Current
Volunteer Firefighter
Wahkiakum County Fire District 1
01.2022 - Current
Part Time Firefighter Paramedic
Cowlitz County Fire District #5
11.2020 - Current
Volunteer Firefighter
Wahkiakum County Fire District 4
11.2020 - 03.2022
Firefighter Paramedic
Aberdeen Fire Department
06.2019 - 11.2023
Paramedic
Medix Ambulance Service
09.2018 - 06.2019
Volunteer Firefighter Paramedic
Cowlitz County Fire District #5
04.2018 - 11.2020
Lead Paramedic
American Medical Response
04.2015 - 06.2018
Firefighter Paramedic
South Beach Fire and EMS
01.2015 - 07.2017
Volunteer Firefighter Lieutenant
Wahkiakum County Fire District 4
11.2014 - 04.2017
Volunteer Firefighter Paramedic
Westport Fire Department
07.2014 - 03.2018
Volunteer Fire Captain
Cathlamet Fire Department
11.2012 - 03.2015
Volunteer Firefighter
Cowlitz County Fire District #5
05.2005 - 11.2007
Recruit Firefighter
Cowlitz 2 Fire And Rescue
09.2004 - 09.2005
Emergency Medical Services Diploma -
McCook Community College
Advanced Organizational Maintenance Certificate -
Marine Corps Combat Services Support School
High School Diploma -
Kalama High School
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