Charge Paramedic

Paramedic Position

This classification performs technical work in the provision of advanced emergency medical care and transportation under direction of a physician, by written protocol or direct communication, provides advanced emergency medical care (Advanced Life Support - ALS) for the sick and injured as defined in Florida Statute and Florida Administrative Code and local Medical Director authored protocols. Work requires extensive knowledge in Basic and Advanced Emergency Medical Care, Incident Command Management (ICS), basic rescue procedures, Basic Hazardous Materials Response, Emergency Vehicle Operations, patient handling techniques, Critical Incident Stress Management, thorough knowledge of the geography of Manatee County, and the ability to direct the work of others. Must pass department approved Agility Test.

Note FRS: Retirement Class: Special Risk.

Schedules: 12 HOUR OR 24 ON / 48 OFF

Working Conditions Indoor/ Outdoor environment; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Ability to lift equipment up to 100 lbs. alone and rescue a patient up to 180 pounds, without assistance, without causing harm or aggravating injuries to others.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment screenings will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws. An applicant/employee who fails to pass a drug/alcohol screening shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of three (3) years.

Essential Functions These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls; provides emergency care including patient assessments, patient packaging and extrication, splinting, hemorrhage control, airway control, application of oxygen, and Advanced Life Support skills including, but not limited to, initiation of intravenous lines, administration of medications, electrical therapies, advanced airway procedures (oral/nasal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), cricothyrotomy and chest decompression) and intraosseous IO applications.

Performs and interprets ECGs (including 12-lead), with knowledge of treatment modalities for potentially life-threatening dysrhythmias and follows procedure for transmitting the same via electronic means to area emergency departments.

Performs emergency rescue of entrapped patients and medical procedures with skill and sound judgment and meets challenges and adapts to unusual situations.

Inserts intravenous catheters into peripheral veins to include but not limited to the hand, forearm, ante-cubital and external jugular.

Accurately obtains patient vital signs including pulse, respirations, and auscultated blood pressure; ability to determine skin conditions and colors and treat accordingly.

Systematically performs a patient assessment (head-to-toe) and treats according to medical director approved protocol.

Able to operate an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) with skill and confidence.

Operates emergency vehicles in both emergency and non-emergency modes in a safe manner, obeying the laws and rules of the State of Florida and Manatee County. Maintains satisfactory driving record at all times.

Maintains emergency vehicles and equipment in a condition that permits the immediate delivery of emergency medical care and meets the inventory standards outlined by Manatee County EMS.

Assists in the maintenance and cleaning of facilities and vehicles.

Participates in individual or group training.

Learns the operation and use of new equipment and techniques; maintains expertise of equipment currently in use.

Completes accurate patient care reports, logs, records, and other reports as required.

Maintains extensive knowledge of the service area including, but not limited to, roadways and streets, schools, medical facilities, major businesses, and recreational areas.

Assists in the training and orientation of new employees and students when requested.

Attends all ALS and BLS patients while en route to a hospital.

Maintains control and accountability for controlled substances assigned on ambulances.

Communicates clearly, effectively and tactfully, orally and in writing; utilizes radio communications in a concise and articulate manner.

Works emergency situations (including weather and other extreme conditions) as required.

Maintains the confidence of the Medical Director in the provision of basic and advanced life support skills.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

High school graduate/equivalent.

Experience shall have included decision making authority during patient care. Must be approved by Manatee County EMS Medical Director. Note: This excludes Manatee County EMS (MCEMS) employees progressing through the established career ladder. For these internal candidates MCEMS EMT experience may be included toward experience requirement.

Certifications/Licenses Required:

Certified Florida Paramedic.

Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (16-hour course) within 30 days of hire.

Incident Command Management Systems 100, 200, 700, and 800 within 90 days of hire.

Associate degree in related field desired.

Two (2) years of working experience as a paramedic in an ALS 911 system desired.

Certifications Desired:

International Trauma Life Support (ITLS), and/or Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), Pediatric Emergencies for Pre-Hospital Providers (PEPP) and/or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), other advanced experience in STEMI, Stroke and 12-Lead interpretation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures and regulations, or the ability to acquire such knowledge within a reasonable period prior to the completion of orientation.

Extensive knowledge of, and ability to apply with a high level of skill and confidence, basic and advanced techniques, procedures and equipment used in the provision of pre-hospital medical procedures and treatment.

Knowledge of, or ability to quickly become familiar with local hospital emergency departmental policies and procedures.

Ability to learn additional skills and techniques as may be required.

Ability to lift and carry patients weighing in excess of 180 pounds, with assistance, without causing harm or aggravating injuries to the patient.

Proficiency in the provision of CPR and other medical services under varied conditions.

Ability to assist and direct EMS crew members and First Responders under normal and adverse conditions; strong ability to provide leadership.

Knowledge of the geography of Manatee County and ability to read and follow related maps under varying lighting conditions. Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures and regulations, or the ability to acquire such knowledge within a reasonable period prior to completion of orientation.

Knowledge of and ability to utilize, radio communications in a concise and articulate manner.

Knowledge of, or ability to quickly become familiar with hospital emergency departmental policies and procedures.

Knowledge of Critical Incident Stress Management, with ability to remain emotionally stable while providing for the immediate needs of victims and to quickly resolve personal reactions following the incident.

Basic knowledge of computer related programs (windows based).

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees, other emergency service personnel, and the public.

Ability to learn additional skills and techniques as may be required.

Ability to maintain a satisfactory driving record.

Ability to perform emergency rescue and medical procedures with skill and sound judgment and to be able to meet challenges and adapt to unusual situations.

Ability and knowledge to operate an Automatic External Defibrillator with skill and confidence.

Ability to accurately obtain patient vital signs including pulse, respirations and auscultated blood pressure; ability to determine skin conditions and colors; ability to perform basic patient assessments.

Ability to systematically perform a patient assessment (head-to-toe), which renders an accurate judgment of the patient's overall condition.

Ability to perform and interpret ECGs (including 12-lead), with knowledge of treatment modalities for potentially life threatening dysrhythmias.

Ability to perform advanced airway techniques including oral intubation, (following clearance by the Medical Director).

Ability to work with PC and laptop computers in data collection for electronic patient care reports.