EMS Paramedic I

General Statement Of The Job And Essential Functions

Under general supervision, this position provides emergency medical treatment for injured or sick persons. Reports to the EMS Manager or designee. Assumes responsibility of the provision of basic and advanced life support emergency medical and rescue activities. Provides direct patient care and supervision of patient care in the pre-hospital environment to include, but not limited to: the utilization of monitor/defibrillators, medication administration, endotracheal intubation, IV therapy, and other associated tasks. Provides the appropriate level of care while transporting patients to the appropriate medical facility based on patient presentation, regional protocols, and departmental SOP. Performs critical basic and advanced life support procedures according to medical protocols, and perform independently in situations involving both basic and advanced life support activities. Operates emergency ambulances and other light duty emergency medical response vehicles. Follows all state, regional, local, and departmental emergency medical services regulations, guidelines and protocols. Coordinates with fire, police, and other public safety agencies to facilitate patient care in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments such as confined space, entrapments, and structure fires, rescue operations, etc. Coordinates work with other public safety agencies during emergencies or disaster situations and various health care entities to facilitate the seamless continuum of patient care. Attends classes, seminars, conferences, and perform those activities required to familiarize and remain current with the proper practices and procedures of emergency medical services to effect efficient delivery of services. Inspects, test, make routine adjustments to, and perform routine maintenance and minor repairs to ambulances and emergency equipment to ensure proper working order is maintained. Reports other than minor defects for specialized attention. Maintains proper inventory of equipment and supplies as required by state and departmental guidelines. Cleans and sanitize ambulances and equipment daily and as needed. Maintains the cleanliness of and perform minor maintenance to fire stations. Assists the public by providing medically related services, tours, public presentations, or events to promote medical or safety consciousness. Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Has some knowledge of the principles, methods and equipment used in Emergency Medical Services. Has some knowledge of applicable laws and ordinances and of departmental policies, procedures and regulations. Has some knowledge of the operating characteristics and service requirements of emergency medical service equipment. Has some knowledge of the hazards involved in emergency response operations and of the applicable safety precautions. Has some knowledge of street layouts, in the City. Has some knowledge of basic emergency medical procedures and techniques. Has some knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal emergency medical services organization and administration. Has some knowledge of the current literature, trends and developments in the field of emergency medical services. Is able to plan, direct and coordinate the effective use of emergency medical services equipment and personnel. Is able to maintain discipline and respect of subordinates and to lead effectively. Is able to exercise initiative in meeting and resolving emergency situations. Is able to analyze situations quickly and correctly and adopt effective courses of action with regard to surroundings and circumstances. Is able to prepare and maintain routine work records and reports Is able to effectively express ideas orally and in writing. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments. Has physical strength and agility to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions when required.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Requires graduation from high school or GED, and 1 year of related work experience to include 1 year of experience in the provision of emergency medical care. Must possess and maintain a Commonwealth of Virginia Certification as an Emergency Medical TechnicianParamedic, or possess a National Registry certification as a Paramedic and have the ability to obtain a Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic certification within 60 calendar days of employment. Must possess and maintain the following certifications: American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification (CPR); Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification; Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) certification or a Pediatric Education for Pre-hospital Professionals (PEPP). Must possess and maintain the following certifications: Virginia Office of EMS and Virginia Department of Fire Programs approved Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) or have the ability to obtain to the certification within 90 calendar days of employment; an approved Hazardous Materials Awareness Course or have the ability to obtain to the certification within 90 calendar days of employment. Must successfully complete the Tidewater EMS Council ALS Sanctioning Process within 120 calendar days of employment; successful completion of the Portsmouth Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services (PFRES) Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP). Requires satisfactory completion and results of background checks to include local and state criminal history checks, Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services criminal history and background checks via the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) of the Virginia State Police / Federal Bureau of Investigation, and sex offender registry checks. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Requires satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse testing with satisfactory results from both.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including ambulances, two-way radios, calculators, hydraulic and air tools, suction units, immobilization equipment, intravenous catheters, cardiac monitors/defibrillator/pacers, stethoscopes, laryngoscopes, hand tools, etc. Must be able to operate motor vehicles. Must be able to carry people and objects in excess of 100 pounds. Requires the ability to maintain body equilibrium when bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, reaching and/or stretching arms, legs or other parts of body, and to physically maneuver over and/or upon varying terrain, surfaces or physical structures. Physical demand requirements are those for Very Heavy Work. Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors. Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence, reports, protocols, medical charts, forms, manuals, guidelines, reference documents, maps, logs, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, lists, forms, logs, records, student volunteer evaluations, etc., using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence. Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including medical terminology and emergency response codes. Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; to multiply and divide; to calculate decimals and percentages; to interpret graphs; to perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots, and polynomials. Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using emergency medical equipment and hand tools. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as emergency medical equipment and hand tools. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Requires the ability to differentiate between colors, and shades of color. Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations. Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via a telephone and two-way radio.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.