MedCenter Air Neonatal Pediatric Transport Respiratory Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Overview
As a vital member of our critical care transport team, you will be entrusted with the responsibility of caring for patients who are critically ill or injured during their transport by our organization. Your role will involve assessing and stabilizing the respiratory system of patients while ensuring the safety and efficiency of our operations. You will operate under the guidance of the Medical Control Physician, maintaining communication through radio or direct consultation.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather relevant data regarding the health status of patients or their circumstances.
• Employ clinical judgment and skills to perform thorough assessments and interventions, ensuring optimal patient care, safety, and recovery.
• Assign specific care tasks to appropriate healthcare personnel.
• Utilize suitable resources to plan and deliver services that are safe, effective, and cost-efficient.
• Engage in committees, shared governance, or other decision-making processes within the facility.
• Adhere to environmentally safe and healthy practices.
• Maintain operational knowledge across various transportation modes, including ambulances, helicopters, and airplanes.
• Independently initiate advanced procedures to enhance patient outcomes, such as drug-assisted intubation, video laryngoscopy, needle chest decompression, chest tube insertion, central line placement (UA/UV, EJ), intraosseous placement, transvenous/transcutaneous pacing, needle cricothyroidotomy, surgical cricothyroidotomy, and the initiation/titration of pharmacological agents.
• Carry out intubation procedures and prepare ventilation equipment, managing patient airway support and ventilator settings.
• Transport and monitor patients requiring ECMO, Medical Circulatory Devices (VAD, Impella), Intra-aortic Balloon Counter Pulsation, Internal/External Pacing, Ventriculostomy, and Point of Care.

Physical Requirements

This role necessitates activities such as walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. Candidates must weigh less than 240 pounds and maintain this weight throughout employment to remain eligible for flight duties. A full range of sensory capabilities, including sight, hearing, smell, and touch, is essential. Good finger dexterity, motor skills, and eye-hand coordination are required. Personal hygiene and appropriate conduct are expected. Clear communication in English is necessary.

Transport conditions may vary, exposing you to extreme temperatures and wet weather. Workspaces may be confined and poorly lit, with potential exposure to infectious diseases and biohazardous materials. Good physical stamina and endurance are crucial for fulfilling job responsibilities. Team members must adhere to fitness standards as outlined in Policy 2.210 (Fit for Duty).

Qualifications and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited respiratory care program is mandatory.
• A current RT license or a temporary license as a registered practitioner in the relevant state is required.
• RRT certification is necessary, with a BSRT preferred.
• BLS certification is required.
• Must meet the qualifications for clinical advancement.
• A minimum of three years of clinical respiratory care experience in an Emergency Department and/or Intensive Care Unit is essential.
• Proficiency in advanced procedures and skills must be demonstrated bi-annually.
• Paramedic Certification is required within two years of hire, along with NC EMT-P, SC EMT-P, and National Registry certifications, which must be maintained throughout employment.
• Trauma Certification, ACLS, PALS, NRP, and S.T.A.B.L.E. certifications are required upon completion of orientation and must be kept current.
• Advanced certifications, such as Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) or an equivalent approved certification, are necessary to retain the position in accordance with the standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS).
• Aviation training is required, and candidates must meet the criteria for “flight crew member” as per FAA Part 135 regulations, including proficiency with Night Vision Goggles for safe landings.
• A valid driver’s license is essential, and candidates must qualify for insurance coverage to operate our vehicles.
• An operational smartphone is required for communication related to transport operations.
• Annual compliance with education related to specialty areas and/or primary base locations outside of typical practice is expected, including training in simulation labs, mechanical ventilator management, certified emergency vehicle operations, air medical resource management, night vision goggle use, survival practical, stress management, and transport vehicle safety training.

*Current team members must obtain paramedic certification by December 31, 2021.