Paramedic - Emergency Medical Services - Public Safety Division

Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has a responsibility to respond quickly and efficiently in the event of a crisis, disaster, or other public emergency. Hamilton County EMS maintains a call system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of an emergency. All Hamilton County EMS employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible should an emergency need arise. During a public emergency, all staff are required to respond should a call to mobilize be made. Please note, during a public emergency, work hours for any and all Hamilton County EMS employees are subject to modification to meet the needs of the community. Shift Schedule and Hours THIS POSTING IS FOR THE 24/72 SHIFT SCHEDULE. THE BASE HOURS FOR THIS POSITION ARE 1,872 REGULAR HOURS AND 312 HOURS OF MANDATORY SCHEDULED OVERTIME HOURS DUE TO THE 24/72 SHIFT SCHEDULE. MANDATORY OVERTIME WILL BE PAID AT TIME AND A HALF. Job Summary Under general supervision, as the lead medical staff of an ambulance or other medical transport unit, provides emergency, pre-hospital care and transportation to the critically injured or ill within the parameters of the license/certification. Essential Functions Stand by in readiness to respond to emergencies during a 24‑hour tour of duty; respond to emergency calls; assess situation and need for assistance; determine most effective method of emergency treatment; apply advanced life support or other appropriate treatment to victim(s)/patient(s); administer drugs; undertake appropriate invasive procedures; advise hospital personnel of situation; transport injured or ill to hospital for treatment. Maintain records and files; maintain and re‑supplies vehicle; identify needs for additional/replacement supplies and equipment; undertake continuous training; work with public, medical professionals and others to educate and advise of the role, capabilities and responsibilities of a paramedic; perform other related duties as assigned. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of applicable State of Tennessee statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures. Knowledge of Hamilton County policies and procedures. Knowledge of techniques, requirements and activities associated with emergency medical response. Knowledge of record keeping, records and case management. Skill in working under stressful situations, in receiving and assessing information, then making appropriate decisions for response. Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relations with staff, other departments, law enforcement and the general public. Skill in effectively maintaining equipment, facilities and operations. Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications. Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form. Qualifications Must be at least nineteen (19) years of age at the time of application. Possess the equivalent of a high school diploma. Possess a current TN Paramedic License or be nationally registered and eligible for Tennessee licensure prior to employment. Possess current certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and either International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) or equivalent trauma training. Must possess a valid driver’s license, Class D in Tennessee, or the equivalent from the employee’s state of residence. Additional Requirements Pass a physical ability test to determine ability to perform required physical job duties. Pass a written exam determining medical knowledge and decision‑making abilities. Pass an oral interview to evaluate poise, presentation and verbal skills. Obtain certification in Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided by the County and maintain certification. Maintain all certifications and licenses required by the State of Tennessee. Safety Sensitive This position has been identified as 'safety sensitive' under the definition of 49 CFR Part 40 – Department of Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy. The position will be subject to drug and alcohol testing for the following: post‑offer pre‑employment; when there is reasonable cause; after an on‑the‑job accident or contributing to an accident; on a random basis; prior to return to duty after suspension and/or as follow‑up. This is additional and also subject to the rules and regulations of the Employee Handbook. Physical Requirements Work requires good physical fitness with the ability to function effectively in heavy and cumbersome protective gear; the ability to lift and carry heavy, bulky items, equipment, materials, supplies and people weighing up to 150 pounds (300 pounds as a 2‑person team) in unpredictable weather conditions over varying terrain. There is also a risk of bodily harm and potential exposure to infectious diseases, toxic fumes and chemicals. The following are representative of the physical demands of the position: Standing/Walking: Frequently continuous when responding to calls; running distances as required; on various surfaces and inclines. Sitting: Frequently when responding to a location, in the emergency vehicle. Lifting and Carrying: Frequently required to lift and carry from a few pounds up to 150 pounds individually, and up to 300 pounds as a 2‑person team. Bending and Stooping: Frequently throughout a shift; range 1–90 degrees or greater; may be prolonged up to 30 minutes. Crouching and Kneeling: Frequent during incident response; number of times may be 15 or more for up to 30 minutes. Climbing: Occasionally required when moving patients with equipment. Reaching: Frequently during the shift to review monitoring equipment, operate communication equipment, administer oxygen. Pushing and Pulling: Frequent when moving stretchers or operating vehicle doors. Handling or Grasping: Continuous bilateral manipulation; handling equipment and tools of various weights. Hazards: Exposure to dust, fumes, gases, fire, smoke, adverse weather, chemicals; need to wear an approved respirator when warranted; potential for vehicular accidents; exposure to bodily fluids. Potential for violent patients, bystanders, or other dangers. Additional Information This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Overtime hours reflected in this position are mandatory but may be subject to change based on business needs and community service needs. All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in person and require regular and punctual attendance. All positions may require work on holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice. Equal Opportunity Employer Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page. #J-18808-Ljbffr