EMT Paramedic

EMT-Paramedic

The primary purpose of this position is to provide emergency first-aid and medical treatment and respond to emergency rescue situations involving bodily injury or potential loss of life.

Essential functions of the position include maintaining readiness and serving as a crew member responding to emergency medical calls and administering medical stabilization to patients in the field. Service and medical care in the context of the medical emergency follows established protocols. Information about the medical emergency is collected, communicated, and accurately documented to further quality patient care; complete and timely reports are delivered to hospital staff and patient privacy is assured.

The position also involves administering medical care to patients in the event that other members of the crew are classified as Emergency Medical Technician or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. Fluids and drugs are administered to patients in route to hospital, intravenous infusion is started and maintained, pulmonary ventilation is performed, and blood is obtained for laboratory analysis.

The EMT-Paramedic studies and participates in training in the methods and techniques for emergency medical care and ambulance service/operation to improve knowledge and skills. Street and road patterns and networks of the County are studied to ensure future runs are made with minimum difficulty and delay. Non-emergency calls such as requests to transport patients from hospitals to their homes or from a local medical facility to a specialized medical center are responded to. Inspection and maintenance of vehicles and equipment used in emergency medical service are assisted in. Medical instruments are tested and maintained. The position acts as a preceptor for state wide pre-hospital education program by mentoring and evaluating student performance as a Paramedic or EMT trainee. Other related duties are performed as assigned.

Minimum education, training, and/or experience required at time of hire includes graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by required course work in emergency medical techniques; or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must be 21 years of age or older. Additional training and experience in emergency medical service work is preferred.

License or certification required by statute or regulation includes certification as a Paramedic by the North Carolina Office of EMS and the Medical Care Commission. Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the state of residence is also required.

Knowledge of basic and advanced emergency medical procedures and techniques, equipment and supplies employed in the emergency care of patients and victims of accidents, procedures in extrication, movement of patients, rescue techniques, transportation and psychological needs of a patient, and life support techniques of patients in the field is necessary. Skill in diagnosing a victim's condition and applying emergency medical care, ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations, ability to operate an emergency vehicle in a safe manner, ability to lift substantial weight, and ability to deal tactfully, courteously and firmly with the general public are also required.