Paramedic

 

 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

 

Under general supervision, performs skilled work in operating an approved mobile medical unit, rescuing victims and performing advanced emergency care including the administration of life sustaining treatment to patients on-site and while in route to hospital. Work involves responding to the scene of emergency and non‑emergency calls, applying necessary medical treatment to sick or injured persons, and transporting persons to a medical facility. Employee serves as a member of an ambulance crew and is responsible for the medical care administered to the patient. This position is differentiated from an Advanced EMT by the additional re­quirements of performing manual defibrillation and cardioversion; decompressing a tension pneumothorax by use of a catheter-flutter-valve device; using positive end expiratory pressure respirators; performing surgical airway maneuvers for relief of upper airway obstruction; performing gastric suction by intubation; performing urinary catheterization; the use of paralytic and sedative agents to paralyze and stabilize critically ill or injured patients; and administer other assorted medications by protocol or physician’s order.  Employee must exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in dealing with sick or injured persons and with the general public. Employee is responsible for performing in accordance with established emergency medical procedures and techniques, but must exercise considerable inde­pendent judgment in assessing the condition of patients and applying short‑term relief. Employee is exposed to the normal hazards of emergency rescue work, including risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Reports to the EMS Shift Supervisor.

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

An employee in this class performs emergency medical procedures at the Certified Paramedic level, performing  professional advanced life support work in operating an approved mobile medical unit, rescuing victims and performing advanced emergency medical care including the administration of life sustaining treatment to patients on-site and while en route to hospital or medical facility. Work involves responding to the scene of emergency and non-emergency calls, applying necessary medical treatment to sick or injured persons, and transporting persons to medical facilities. Employees serve as a member of an ambulance crew and are responsible for the medical care administered to the patient.  Paramedic level positions are differentiated from an EMT Intermediate by the additional and more complex procedures and requirements such as use of paralytic and sedative agents; performing surgical airway procedures; performing manual defibrillation; and performing other specialized procedures.  Work requires considerable independent judgment in assessing the condition of patients and applying short-term relief. Employees are exposed to the normal hazards of emergency rescue work, including risk of exposure to human body fluids and infectious diseases, thus the work is subject to the OSHA requirements for blood borne pathogens.  Work is performed in accordance with established EMS procedures and under State and Local Medical Director approved protocols. Work is performed under the supervision of an EMT-Paramedic/Shift Supervisor and is evaluated through peer review, conferences, observation, discussion of procedures at emergency scenes, and public feedback.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS

 

Responds to emergency calls in an ambulance or quick response vehicle and performs necessary medical care and rescue work in accordance with established protocols for advanced life support; administers necessary emergency medical care requiring the use of a variety of specialized equipment.

 

Serves as medic in charge on calls; as required, directs care and response and provides patient care; as needed, directs work of assigned EMT’s and Advanced EMT’s; provides training and mentoring of newer employees.

 

Performs emergency medical acts in accordance with protocols established by the department and the County’s Medical Director; performs specialized procedures such as  performing manual defibrillation and cardioversion; decompressing a tension pneumothorax by use of a catheter-flutter-valve device; using positive end expiratory pressure respirators; performing surgical airway maneuvers for relief of upper airway obstruction; performing gastric suction by intubation; performing urinary catheterization; the use of paralytic and sedative agents to paralyze and stabilize critically ill or injured patients; and administering other assorted medications by protocol or physician’s order.

 

Performs patient assessment  and life support techniques in accordance with the approved protocols including airway management and cardiopulmonary resuscitation;  oxygen administration; hemorrhage control; treatment for shock; bandaging and dressing injuries and splinting of fractures and dislocations; treatment of injuries to various parts of the body; provision of basic life support for medical injuries, assisting in normal and abnormal childbirth, treatment of injuries and burns; lifting and moving patients for transfers to medical facilities, extrication of patients from confined areas, and other procedures within county protocols.

 

Transportation of patients to local and regional medical facilities, maintaining contact with medical staff during transport as needed, and ensuring care of patient; oversight of treatment and care  for long-term care patients during transports to other facilities, hospitals or doctor’s offices.

 

Completes full patient care documentation through various paper and electronic based formats during and after calls for service including information for billing documentation, and legal accountability.

 

Participates in a continuous training program to maintain certification and improve competence in medical technical work and operation; study’s street and road patterns and networks of the County in order that future runs may be made with minimum difficulty and delay.

 

Inspects and tests response vehicles and their emergency equipment, maintaining proper inventory of equipment and supplies; cleans and sanitizes equipment daily; ensures that they are in proper and good working order; makes routine adjustments, but reports other than minor defects for specialized attention.

 

Maintains cleanliness and performs minor maintenance of Emergency Medical Service facilities; cleans, sweeps, mops, etc; exercises on duty to maintain health and fitness.

 

Provides assistance to members of fire departments or volunteer emergency medical service organizations, as requested.

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

 

With appropriate certification, may serve as a Field Training Officer with new employees, overseeing and documenting protocols.

 

Assists with the direction and control during disaster situations.

 

Performs other related work as required.

 

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

 

Considerable knowledge of and skill in administering emergency medical procedures and techniques, of anatomy and physiology, and of intravenous therapy and skill in recognizing adverse conditions.

 

Considerable knowledge of equipment and supplies employed in emergency care of patients and accident victims.

 

Considerable knowledge of county geography and locations of roads and streets.

 

Skill in recognizing trauma and signs and symptoms of medical emergencies to determine appropriate treatment.

 

Ability to perform duties in accordance with established emergency medical procedures and techniques, medical protocols and standing orders.

 

Ability to work with a diverse socioeconomic population based on the unique situations encountered.

 

Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies and stressful situations.

 

Ability to safely drive an emergency medical vehicle in adverse conditions and according to motor vehicle laws.

 

Ability to communicate effectively in a tactful and firm manner with the public.

 

Ability to deal with stress and death and dying patients.

 

Ability to accurately record services provided on required forms.

 

Ability to work with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, fire, medical personnel, patients and the general public.

 

Ability to maintain vehicles, equipment, and facilities.

 

Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient contact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

 

High School Diploma/GED is required and demonstrated ability to provide EMS services at the Paramedic level; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Certification by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services as a Paramedic within 2 years of hire.

 

Must possess a valid North Carolina Driver's License. 

 

AHA CPR-Provider Certification.

 

ACLS; ITLS or PHTLS; PALS, PEPP, or NRP are preferred. 

 

Other Certifications such as ICS 100 & 200, 700 & 800, NIMS, and Hazardous Materials Operations Level are required within six (6) months of hire.