Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic

Emergency Medical Technician

This classification performs technical work in the provision of basic emergency medical care and transportation under direction of a physician, by written protocol or direct communication, provides basic emergency medical care (Basic Life Support – BLS) for the sick and injured according to Florida State Statute, Florida Administrative Code and local Medical Director authored protocols. Work requires extensive knowledge in Basic Emergency Medical Care, Incident Command Management (JCS), 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 DOT physical and department-approved Agility Test. Note: Safety Sensitive position requires random drug testing.

SCHEDULES: 12 HOUR OR 24 ON / 48 OFF

Working Conditions: Indoor/Outdoor situation; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 100 lbs. alone; up to 250 lbs. with 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:

Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls; provides emergency care, including patient assessments, packaging and extrication, splinting, hemorrhage control, airway control, application of oxygen, and Basic Life Support skills as approved by the Medical Director.

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

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

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 the medical director-approved protocol.

Operates emergency vehicles in both emergency and non-emergency modes safely, obeying the laws and rules of the State of Florida and Manatee County.

Maintains the emergency vehicle and equipment in a condition that permits immediate delivery of emergency medical care.

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 in equipment currently in use.

Maintains extensive knowledge of the service area, including roadways and streets, schools, medical facilities, major businesses, and recreational areas.

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

May assist in the training and orientation of new employees and students.

Following clearance by the Training Section, licensed paramedics may perform advanced life support techniques including, but not limited to, initiation of intravenous lines, administration of medications, electrical therapies, endotracheal intubation, and other airway techniques under the direction of a charge paramedic.

May attend BLS (Priority 3/Green) patients en route to a hospital.

Maintains the Medical Director's confidence in providing Basic and/or Advanced Life Support skills through written and scenario-based testing, reviewing Patient Care Reports and On-Scene Evaluations, observation, and oral interviews.

Communicates clearly, effectively, and tactfully, orally and in writing; utilizes radio communications concisely and articulately.

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 appliable federal and Florida law.

Certified Florida Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic or N.R.E.M.T.

Current American Heart Association BLS for Health Care Provider Certification.

A current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification is for certified paramedics.

Completion of sixteen (16)-hour Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) desired or must satisfactorily complete within thirty (30) days of hire date.

Valid driver's license with a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.

Must successfully pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and department-approved Agility Test.

Note: Safety Sensitive position requires random drug testing.

International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) or Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certification, PEPP and/or PALS certification desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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 before completion of orientation.

Knowledge of, and ability to apply with skill and confidence, basic techniques, procedures and equipment used in the provision of out of hospital medical procedures and treatment.

Knowledge of, and ability to utilize radio communications concisely and articulately.

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

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

Basic knowledge of computer-related programs (windows based). Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to make sound decisions utilizing policies and procedures regarding patient care and request additional resources when necessary.

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 lift and carry patients weighing in excess of 250 pounds, with assistance, without causing harm or aggravating injuries to the patient.

Ability to systematically perform a patient assessment (head-to-toe) 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 work with PC and laptop computers in data collection for electronic patient care reports.

Ability to perform basic water rescue work (including swimming) from shore to boat. Proficiency in the provision of CPR and other medical services under varied conditions.