EMT/Paramedic

HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

AL NIENHUIS, SHERIFF

JOB TITLE: EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN/ PARAMEDIC

BUREAU: JUDICIAL SERVICES

SUPERVISED BY: CLINICAL REGISTERED NURSE

(R.N.) SUPERVISOR
Pay Grade: CONTRACT
FLSA: CONTRACT EMPLOYEE

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

The EMT/Paramedic’s basic duties are to be responsible for inmate medical screenings of inmates incarcerated in the detention facilities in accordance with established policies and procedures of the facility and the accepted standard of practice within the state. The primary responsibilities are to obtain a medical history and observation on newly incarcerated inmates to determine routine vs. emergent medical needs, respond to emergencies, and perform clerical functions. The EMT / Paramedic functions under the clinical supervision of a state of Florida Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) or Registered Nurse (R.N.) and/or facility Physician and reports administratively to the Senior L.P.N. or the Registered Nurse (R.N.) Clinical Supervisor.

LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

The EMT/Paramedic will ensure that his/her EMT/Paramedic license is current and all Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements are met. Copies of the issued license must be submitted to the Medical Records Technician no later than the first day of the month the license is due to expire. Copies of all CEUs must also be submitted at that time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Maintain a professional, courteous and respectful demeanor at all times. 

Conduct medical intake screenings and enter data completely and accurately into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR.) 
Contact Nursing staff to administer medications as needed per Physicians standing orders. 

Acquire signed releases for needed medical information and fax to appropriate facilities. 

Perform dressing changes, treatments, and vital sign checks as indicated on newly admitted inmates.

Communicate to nursing staff or supervisor any potentially significant medical complaints or observations discovered during routine duties. 

Report to nursing staff or supervisor any alterations noted in inmate’s behavior. Initiate 15-minute checks/ suicide precautions, if needed and complete appropriate referrals. 

Enter data from transfer summaries into EMR as written referring medication orders to nursing staff to begin per standing orders of Physician. 

Track medical statistics as assigned. 
Respond to emergencies as needed.

Initiate flow sheets as required.

Follow all Physician standing orders completely.

Assist the R.N. Clinical Supervisor with administrative and command duties.

Administrative duties: 
Maintain confidentiality of both medical and mental status of inmates. 
Assist in maintaining medical records by filing medical paperwork to be scanned into chart. 
Maintain supplies and work area.
Performs additional duties as directed by higher authority.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduate of an accredited Emergency Medical Technician and/or Paramedic Program.

Currently licensed in the State of Florida or National Certification to perform work and render care in the role of Emergency Medical Technician and/or Paramedic.

Current CPR Certification for Healthcare Providers.

Minimum of 2 years experience preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Foundational knowledge of computers and networking.

Knowledge of all EMT/Paramedic practices, procedures, and techniques.

Possess a good understanding of security work environment requirements.

Knowledge of current Basic Life Support (BLS) practice parameters.

Possess understanding and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and the general public. 

Possess a basic understanding, and ability to refer medical needs beyond scope of practice to appropriately licensed personnel.

Ability to express one’s self clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

Possess ability to identify and troubleshoot medical related problems.

Possess ability to quickly respond to emergencies.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to work within a paramilitary environment with a strict set of dress, appearance and operational protocols.

Possess clerical skills such as organization, filing and faxing.

Essential Physical Skills:

Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).

Acceptable hearing (with or without correction).

Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time.

Ability to endure sustained acts of physical exertion and endure periods of duty under sometimes stressful situations including
activities such as lifting/carrying, reaching, pulling, kneeling, bending, pushing, standing, crawling, balancing and stooping.