Paramedic I

Paramedic I

Provides Basic and Advanced Life Support including medical evaluation, treatment and stabilization of both non-critically and critically ill or injured patients; responds to emergency rescue situations involving potential loss of life or severe bodily injury; maintains control, manages and directs patient care at the scene of a pre-hospital emergency; provides training and instruction to lesser trained personnel; operates and maintains assigned Mobile Intensive Care Unit as well as EMS Headquarters; performs other duties as required.

Receives general supervision from the EMS Shift Supervisor. Receives technical and functional supervision from the Paramedic II, Lieutenant and/or EMS Shift Captain. Exercises functional supervision over Relief Medic and Intern classification.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Render pre-hospital emergency medical care according to established medical protocols.
• Drive Mobile Intensive Care Units to emergency scenes, transport accident victims and medical patients to hospitals.
• Assist and coordinate with other emergency service agencies in rescue operations, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations.
• Perform a variety of emergency medical treatment services at the basic and advanced life support levels.
• Employ safe lifting and moving techniques.
• Maintain ambulance vehicle and equipment.
• Assist in training public on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) standard first aid, and emergency medical techniques.
• Participate in public health screening.
• Assist Paramedic II's in performing the full range of advanced life support functions.
• Handle radio communication during emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Perform the duties of a Paramedic II, when needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

All paramedic positions (except Relief Medic and Billing Specialist) are designated as "Emergency Essential" for purposes of civil emergencies and will be required to be available immediately before (Pre-Impact), during (Emergency) and/or after the disaster or emergency condition (Post-Impact/Recovery) to perform duties directly related to the emergency conditions, as determined by the City.

For indefinite periods of time - mobility within an office and field environment; subject to infectious disease, toxic waste, chemical, dust/mites, fume, odor, explosive, electrical and mechanical hazards; exposure to extreme cold, heat, temperature swings, constant noise and heights; working in trenches; walking; twisting body; stooping; standing; squatting; sorting; sitting; seeing; running; pushing, pulling, lifting, dragging, and carrying up to 150 pounds; climbing; crawling; reading; decision making; reaching above shoulder level; using both hands for simple and firm grasping; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, in person and by two-way radio; fine finger manipulation for writing and typing on a personal computer; operation of Advanced Life Support equipment and light rescue tools; operation of an emergency vehicle through city traffic.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of pre-hospital emergency medical care. Medical terminology and abbreviations. Advanced and basic life support and emergency medical techniques. Techniques of proper drug administration. Accepted Emergency driving techniques. Basic vehicle maintenance. All applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Infectious disease universal precautions and decontamination of ambulance and equipment.

Ability to: Learn the geography of local area. Think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately. Understand and carry out oral and written directions. Prepare concise and comprehensive written reports. Work safely under hazardous conditions. Work 24 or 48 hour shifts to include weekends. Be on call 24 hours when necessary. Provide routine maintenance of vehicle and equipment. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-employees and those contacted in the course of work. Maintain sufficient personal health and physical fitness to perform all job duties.

Training and Experience: A minimum of one year Emergency Medical experience preferred and a High School Diploma or GED.

Continuing Education: Must maintain yearly CE hours within current TDSHS guidelines. Must exercise professional initiative to stay current with new drugs and treatment procedure guidelines. Must maintain ability to carry out standing orders within medical Director's discretion.

Licenses, Certificates and Recertification: Possession of a valid Texas Driver's License. Possession of a Texas Department of State Health Services - Paramedic (EMT-P) Certificate or Licensed Paramedic (LP). Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months, an American Heart Association - CPR Card, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certificate. Each individual must qualify and be re-certified prior to the end of the certification period.