EMT (OPS)

Emergency Medical Technician

Coordinates the operations of an Emergency Medical Service ambulance on either a 24- or 12-hour shift on an "as needed" basis. Performs duties in accordance with established rules, procedures, policies and direction from the Emergency Services Chief, Deputy Chief or EMS Division Chief; or designees; performs EMT clinical functions at the direction and discretion of a Paramedic II; provides patient care and assists co-workers as needed; follows policies and procedures; may be assigned to oversee new EMS field employee orientation and training; exercises considerable independent, judgment, initiative and understanding in interpreting orders, rules and regulations for mitigating emergency situations. OPS EMTs are not eligible for any benefits.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Performs the clinical duties of an EMS Emergency Medical Technician at the direction of the Paramedic.
• Responds to requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance.
• Provides pre-hospital medical care in stressful situations.
• Assists other EMS field crews as appropriate and per procedure.
• Interprets maps and directories.
• Exhibits employee morale, team spirit and encourages a positive attitude toward the EMS Division, the County and the public.
• Serves in coordination with Police, Fire, EMS and other agencies promoting a spirit of cooperation between agencies in all matters related to the EMS Division operations.
• Ensures assigned field unit is stocked and maintained to State Bureau of EMS and division standards.
• Reports maintenance issues involving EMS Division vehicles.
• Provides patient care and documentation against established standards and at the direction and discretion of a Paramedic.
• Assists in assuring system quality of care.
• Assists in conducting new employee division orientation, as needed.
• Possesses skills in and provides land-based rescue and extrication; safely provides medical care to entrapped patients and guidance to other public safety agency personnel during rescue situations.
• Interacts with law enforcement, fire departments, social services and various medical and nursing facilities staff in a positive manner.
• Recognizes and appropriately triages and treats medical and traumatic injuries, completes appropriate documentation.
• Operates EMS vehicles.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients ranging from newborn to geriatric.
• The employer may add to or change duties at any time and as determined by the County and its leaders to best ensure that the public is served through the work of the Department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent; AND
• One (1) year full-time EMS operational field experience as an EMT or acceptable equivalent preferred.
• Must meet and maintain the requirements for career Firefighter II and Paramedic (PMD) as defined in Florida Statutes and the requirements of NFPA 1582 "Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments."
• Familiarity with the day-to-day operations of an Emergency Medical Service ambulance on 24- or 12-hour shift.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver license upon offer of employment with a driving record acceptable to the County Driving Policy and insurance program.
• Possession of and maintain a valid Florida Emergency Medical Technician certificate.
• Possession of and maintain Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certificate.
• Possession of and maintain an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course certificate.
• Possession of Florida Firefighter standards preferred.
• Possession of or obtain and maintain the following certifications within 6 months of hire as a condition of employment:
• IS-100
• IS-200
• IS-700
• IS-800.B

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• Knowledge of project management and organizational skills.
• Skills and abilities to provide land-based rescue and extrication and safely provide medical care to entrapped patients and guidance to other public safety agency personnel during rescue situations.
• Knowledge of day-to-day operations of an Emergency Medical Service ambulance on 24- or 12-hour shifts.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work and maintain reliable full-time attendance.
• Ability to comprehend, speak, and read the English language.
• Ability to have and maintain good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with the public.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to be viewed as a positive role model to other employees.
• Ability to safely operate EMS vehicles.
• Ability to show proficiency in all phases of operations as outlined in NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1002.
• Ability to accurately obtain patient vital signs including pulse, respirations, and osculated blood pressure; ability to determine skin conditions and colors.
• Ability to systematically perform a patient assessment (head to toe), which renders an accurate judgment of the patients' overall condition.
• Ability to perform basic airway techniques.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

Work is primarily performed outdoors and requires some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.) or irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust. The employee may be required to perform in high humidity and in elevated temperatures as well as limited access, enclosed spaces. While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; and interact with County staff, other organizations and the public. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils. This position requires some exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, etc.). This position requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and includes completing and successfully passing medical evaluations and/or clearances. Stooping, sitting, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pulling, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception. Ability to lift and carry patients weighing in excess of 250 pounds, with assistance, without causing harm or aggravating injuries to the patient or themselves. Lifts people and equipment of 100+ pounds; extensive, or considerable standing/walking; Lifts positions, pushes and/or transfers patients; lifts supplies/equipment; manual dexterity and mobility; intermittent exertion when performing treatments.

Special Requirements:

• May be assigned to a National Incident Management System position during multiple casualty incidents or major emergencies, as needed.
• Evening and weekend work may be required

Work Location:

Not Eligible for Remote Work - This position is assigned to a county worksite. Due to the non-portable nature of the essential functions of this position, this position is not eligible for telework.