Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Emergency Medical Technician

Performs basic level life support with stabilization procedures, and provides emergency medical care and transportation in the Emergency Medical Services unit of the County.

An employee in this class is responsible for responding to the scene of emergency and non-emergency calls, applying necessary medical treatment to sick or injured persons, and transporting persons to a medical appointments and medical facilities. Work includes assuring that quality emergency patient care standards are in place, proper equipment and treatments are available, while using sound judgment to make treatment decisions. Work is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, extremes in temperatures, noise, vibrations, hazards associated with emergency medical work including exposures to fumes, odors, dusts mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Because of the nature of the work, the employee is exposed to human blood and is subject to the OSHA requirements on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures Manual and under State and Local Medical Director approved protocols. Work is performed under the supervision of an EMT-Paramedic on the assigned vehicle and is evaluated through peer review, conferences, observation, and public feedback.

Working within the EMT level of Certification, administers basic level life support techniques and procedures based on patient assessment; monitors patient status; assists in setting up appropriate medical treatments as allowed and assists with paramedic patient care. Serves as an operator of an emergency medical unit while responding to calls for assistance. Transports patients to medical facilities, nursing homes and medical appointments as necessary. Gathers patient medical and insurance information from the patient, family members or bystanders and inputs into the computer as per documentation requirements. Participates in daily cleaning, stocking, and inventorying of emergency equipment and supplies. Completes full patient care documentation through various paper and electronic based formats during and after calls for the service including information for billing documentation, and legal accountability. Participates in a continuous training program to improve competence in medical technical work and in ambulance service and operation; study's street and road patterns and networks of the County in order that future runs may be made with minimum difficulty and delay. Inspects and tests ambulances and their emergency equipment, maintaining proper inventory of equipment and supplies; cleans and sanitizes ambulance and equipment daily; ensures that they are in proper and good working order; makes routine adjustments, but reports other than minor defects for specialized attention. Maintains cleanliness and performs minor maintenance of Emergency Medical Service facilities; cleans, sweeps, mops, etc; exercises on duty to maintain health and fitness. Provides assistance to members of fire departments or volunteer Emergency Medical Service organizations, as requested.

Performs other related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of and skill in administering emergency medical procedures at the EMT-Basic level; maintenance and repair of rescue equipment. Considerable knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Considerable knowledge of equipment and supplies employed in emergency care of patients and accident victims. Considerable knowledge of County geography and locations of roads and streets. Skill in recognizing trauma and signs and symptoms of medical emergencies to determine appropriate treatment. Ability to perform duties in accordance with established emergency medical procedures and techniques, medical protocols and standing orders. Ability to work with a diverse socio-economic population based on the unique situations encountered. Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies and stressful situations. Ability to safely drive an ambulance or transport vehicle in adverse conditions and according to motor vehicles laws. Ability to communicate effectively in a tactful and firm manner with the public. Ability to deal with stress and death and dying patients. Ability to accurately record services provided on required forms. Ability to work with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, fire personnel, medical personnel, patients and the public. Ability to maintain vehicles, equipment, and facilities. Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient contact.

High School Diploma/GED is required and demonstrated ability to perform the necessary work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certification by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services as an EMT level.

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License.

CPR and other certifications in ICS 100,200, 700 & 800 (NIMS), and Hazardous Materials Operations Level are required within six (6) months of hire.