Paramedic

Paramedic

To perform life support, stabilization procedures and emergency medical care on a twenty-four-hour shift in the Fire/Rescue/EMS Department. Responsible for providing Paramedic level care to patients at the accident or illness scenes and general emergency response duties to a wide variety of incidents. Work involves preparing all apparatus and equipment for responding to EMS calls and vehicle maintenance.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the needs of the organization.

Performs complex diagnostic and medical procedures including, but not limited to: intravenous cannulation, endotracheal intubation, recognition of cardiac arrhythmias and administration of various medications.

Drives and operates ambulance or other apparatus as assigned and/or operates as a member of paramedic engine or paramedic truck company.

Accurately completes written and verbal reports on patient care to hospital emergency departments.

Performs a thorough daily inspection of the apparatus to which he/she is assigned; Notifies station officer of any condition requiring repair or maintenance; Insures that the inventory of supplies and equipment is complete; Assures that apparatus, equipment and records are maintained and in good order.

Comprehends and documents complete and accurate patient histories.

Checks medications and equipment daily to ensure proper control and inventory.

Participates in drills and training evolutions as directed. Cleans and performs general maintenance of EMS equipment and fire stations.

Responds to scenes of accidents or acute illness for which emergency medical care has been requested.

Required to transfer, lift and move patients while employing appropriate safety and lifting techniques.

Participates in public education programs in schools, civic groups and other locations as requested.

Conducts departmental training sessions on topics related to the employee's job functions. Utilizes city computers for patient care documentation, record keeping, pre-incident planning and other job-related functions.

Provides responses to fires and emergency calls; Administers life support techniques and procedures based on patient assessment, including all skills at the EMT Paramedic level.

Operates emergency medical equipment, as certified.

Participates in post-incident operations of cleaning and preparing equipment to a state of readiness. Completes necessary records and reports for emergency calls including information for billing documentation and legal accountability.

Reports facility maintenance, radio, vehicle and equipment problems to appropriate level of authority.

Performs routine maintenance and servicing of equipment including washing and waxing apparatus, checking batteries, checking fuel and oil levels; Checks EMS apparatus for proper stocking of equipment and supplies.

Assists with fire inspections and fire hazard surveys.

May drive/operate apparatus as qualified.

Attends in-service classes to maintain current knowledge of emergency medical technology.

Responds to requests for Departmental assistance when off-duty and when in a capacity to do so.

Cleans furniture, fixtures and station interior; Conducts tours of the station and explains apparatus, equipment and procedures to the public.

Participates in physical fitness training.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and NC and/or National Registered Paramedic.

Special Requirements

• Valid NC Class B Driver's License with acceptable driving record
• Any classes required by medical director

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of existing triage, treatment and patient transport protocols.
• Knowledge with standing orders provided by off-line medical director.
• Skill in advanced life support procedures.
• Ability to follow both written and oral communication
• Ability to communicate in a written and verbal manner
• Ability to exercise appropriate safety tactics in firefighting and medical emergencies.
• Knowledge of basic life support (BLS) skills, must be proficient in advanced life support (ALS) skills including but not limited to IV therapy, cardiac monitoring, advanced airway control and a variety of medication therapies.
• Ability to handle high levels of personal stress and to maintain composure under a variety of adverse conditions, including verbal and physical abuse, witnessing death and critical injuries and experiencing risk of personal harm.
• Knowledge of the geography of the City and outside response area.
• Considerable knowledge of and skill in administering Paramedic level emergency medical procedures and techniques and maintenance and repair of EMS equipment.

• Considerable knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Skill in recognizing patient trauma and signs and symptoms of medical emergencies to determine needed treatment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to accept Fire and EMS Service discipline and operational routine.
• Ability to work with a diverse socio-economic population based on the unique situations encountered.
• Ability to maintain vehicles, equipment and facilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Ability to maintain physical fitness in accordance with job requirements.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly. Must possess the visual acuity to operate apparatus and other equipment. Must be able to be fit-tested for a self-contained breathing apparatus face piece, and be able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus under adverse conditions. Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, and perform repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

Working Conditions

Employees are subject to hazards associated with emergency care including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as high heat, chemicals, and in the proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and working in high places. Employees are also exposed to atmospheric conditions and are subject to the OSHA requirements on blood borne pathogens, are required to wear a respirator, and may be required to work in close quarters.