Paramedic

PLUS DIFFERENTIAL PAY Under the general supervision of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Supervisor or higher-level officer, this position responds to all emergency medical requests and renders advanced paramedical assistance to all patients as required. An employee in this class takes charge of all Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levels (EMT, AEMT) and ancillary personnel on their assigned shift. This is specialized work in the protection of life and property through the performance of emergency medical services for the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS). Responds to all emergency medical requests and renders advanced paramedical assistance to all patients as required. Performs initial assessment and management of illness or injury to patients in accordance with specified protocol and procedure. Prepares or assists in the preparation of patients for transport, ensuring compliance with emergency medical transport regulations, protocols, and procedures. Provides direct paramedical and comprehensive patient care as required in each individual case. Leads, guides, and/or assists in the training of lower-level technicians and/or students, as specifically assigned. Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; and maintains quality improvement objectives, safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards. Checks emergency medical equipment to ensure serviceability and compliance with safety and infection control regulations and standards. Performs other related duties as required. High School Diploma or its equivalent, and National Registry as a Paramedic, with two (2) years of experience as an Emergency Medical Services provider (EMS). Knowledge Required Advanced paramedic protocol application. Basic on-site emergency medical protocols and procedures of related certification requirements. Emergency medical transport procedures, facilities, and equipment. Related certification and re-certification requirements. Rules and regulations, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and policies and procedure manuals. Advanced paramedic protocol and procedures. Driving a motor vehicle at a high rate of speed. Reacting calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Maintaining quality, safety, and/or infection control standards. Providing guidance and support to lower-level EMT staff, volunteers, and/or students. Supervisory Controls Work is performed under the direction of the EMS Supervisor who provides supervision over continuing assignments by generally indicating what is to be done and when limitations and scheduling is expected. Work is reviewed and evaluated for accuracy by the EMS supervisor. Guidelines Guidelines include VIFEMS Policy and Procedures Manual, the VIFEMS Exposure Control Policy, departmental policies and procedures, rules and regulations, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Complexity Work consists of a wide range of responsibilities. The Paramedic must appraise the situation, ensure the adequate level of response of personnel and equipment to the site, and synchronize operations with fire and law enforcement personnel. The incumbent also ensures the pickup and return‑to‑service of equipment at the emergency scene and operates equipment as needed. Scope and Effect The purpose of work is to respond to emergency calls, secure emergency scenes, calm distraught victims, relatives, and others, keep them informed of operations and progress, and transport the patient to a medical facility. Work also involves taking charge of the lower-level staff engaged in EMS duties and managing the station on a day‑to‑day basis. Personal Contacts Contacts are with co‑workers, supervisors, personnel within the Virgin Islands Fire Emergency Medical Service Department, Department of Health, Police Department, and other external agencies, patients, family members and the public. Purpose of Contacts Contacts are made to advise, provide, obtain, or exchange information, resolve difficulties, and control the work performed by EMTs. (Some persuasion may be necessary to obtain agreement, and resolve conflict when dealing with uncooperative, difficult, or hostile people). Physical Demands Work requires extensive physical activity which requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, and/or pulling of objects over fifty (50) pounds with considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Work Environment Work involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations such as blood or blood‑borne pathogens that require extensive safety precautions and the use of protective equipment. #J-18808-Ljbffr