Paramedic

Job Title

Under general supervision, perform skilled and technical work operating an approved mobile medical unit and administer appropriate emergency medical care to patients while on scene and en-route to hospital.

Job Description

Work involves responding to the scene of emergency and non-emergency calls, administers necessary medical treatment to sick or injured persons, and transporting persons to a medical facility. Administers advanced life support interventions and assures basic life support interventions are performed in a timely and accurate manner. Employee must exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in dealing with sick or injured persons and with the general public. Employee is responsible for performance of interventions within established emergency medical protocols and procedures, but must exercise considerable independent judgment in evaluating and assessment of persons needing medical care, and in applying short-term relief. Employee is exposed to the normal hazards of pre-hospital emergency medical work, including risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Reports to the Paramedic Supervisor, EMS Coordinator, and Emergency Management Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responds to emergency medical calls as a mobile medical unit attendant or driver. Performs duties in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, local ordinances, established policies, procedures and protocols, and within established chain of command.

Assesses and evaluates situation at scenes of emergency response; surveys and secures scene, requesting additional assistance, as necessary; determines mechanism of injury and equipment needed to effect initiation of appropriate treatment.

Assesses and evaluates patient conditions, recognizing need for immediate transportation or conducting interview with patient to ascertain extent of injuries; performs secondary injury survey and formulates plan of action pertaining to need of Basic or Advanced Life Support care.

Provides medical care at the Basic Life Support level, as appropriate, including: cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, basic airway management including placement of adjunct equipment; initiating hemorrhage control; recognizing and treating shock; performing spinal and extremity immobilization; glucose monitor readings; monitoring vital signs and continually reassessing patient condition; provides psychological and emotional support to patients, as well as emergency childbirth and administers neonatal care and public education.

Provides medical care at the Advanced Life Support level, as appropriate, including, advanced airway management such as blind airway insertion devices, endotracheal intubation, surgical cricothyrotomy, needle thoracentesis, application of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices, nasogastric intubation and suctioning, ECG monitoring, unsynchronized defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, and transcutaneous pacing, obtains venous access using approved intravenous catheters and maintains intravenous fluid infusion; administers various isotonic solutions including Lactated Ringer's and Normal Saline, medication administration via enteral and parenteral routes, and other procedures as outlined by the EMS System Medical Director.

Gain access to and moves patient, utilizing protective equipment and taking quickest route to patient in consideration of safety of EMS personnel and patient, supervises patient safety during extrication procedures; prepares patient for transport in accordance with approved treatment protocols.

Wears personal protective equipment when contact with blood and other bodily fluids is possible, reports incidents of significant exposure; cleans or discards contaminated equipment according to established policies and procedures.

Responds to incidents of multiple casualties in accordance with established disaster response plans; recognizes need for hazardous material response personnel and calls for assistance accordingly.

Maintains clear and concise communication with supervisors, other emergency personnel, the 911 emergency communication center, and receiving hospital/medical facilities utilizing two-radios, or telephones, as available and as needed.

Establishes rapport with patients, family members of patients and/or bystanders.

Utilizes computer equipment to capture data at the point of service in order to prepare patient care reports that include observations, incidents and treatments performed; documents deviations from protocols when approved by medical direction, ensuring that deviations are in best interests of patient.

Performs inspections and tests of ambulances and their emergency equipment daily.

Assures units are clean and disinfected daily by use of approved workplace practices.

Completes logs and forms to check out equipment; ensures that emergency units are in proper and good working order, and are stocked with supplies and materials.

Makes routine adjustments, and reports defects for specialized maintenance attention and/or repair as appropriate for staff.

Completes continuing education course work as required to obtain and maintain credentials and local practice privileges.

Participates in activities of department committees and professional organizations by acceptance of additional assignments as appropriate.

Supervises the patient care rendered by all other emergency medical technicians on the unit they are assigned to during an emergency medical call.

Maintains and enhances knowledge of trends and development in the field of emergency response and emergency medical treatment by attending conferences, seminars, workshops, classes, lectures, etc., as appropriate.

Maintains cleanliness and performs minor maintenance of station facility.

Minimum Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or equivalent and 2 years experience in emergency response services including 1 year as an EMT with an Advanced Life Support Emergency Response Agency; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Valid North Carolina Paramedic credential. Must have and maintain a valid North Carolina Driver's License. Will accept applications for EMT at Salary Grade 59 ($37,583) and Advanced EMT at Salary Grade 62 ($43,256) working against Paramedic. Minimum Training and Experience Requirements: Graduation from high school and one year experience in emergency response services, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Valid North Carolina EMT credential or North Carolina Advanced EMT credential. Must have and maintain a valid North Carolina Driver's License.

Special Requirements

Local practice privileges at level of credential granted from the EMS System Medical Director, or ability to receive within 90 days of tentative job offer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer