Paramedic

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic is an integral member of RAA’s Field Operations, delivering expert advanced life support across both 9-1-1 and scheduled transport missions. Reporting to the Field Operations Lieutenant, the paramedic ensures vehicle and equipment readiness through EVOC-certified operations and rigorous inspections. Operating under Virginia paramedic scope and RAA protocols, the paramedic performs comprehensive patient assessment, protocol-driven interventions, and safe stretcher and powered-lift techniques. The paramedic functions seamlessly within the Incident Command System during large-scale incidents. Committed to continuous quality improvement. The paramedic maintains accurate and timely documentation of patient care and CAD updates, participates in data-driven peer reviews, and upholds HIPAA, OSHA, and agency safety standards while consistently demonstrating exemplary professional conduct, including proper uniform appearance, patient confidentiality, and culturally competent, unbiased care on every call.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure vehicle and equipment readiness through daily inspections and EVOC-certified operation
• Perform safe stretcher transfers and operate powered-lift devices to protect patient and provider safety
• Operate within the Virginia EMT-Paramedic scope of practice and follow all agency protocols, SOPs, and HIPAA requirements
• Complete accurate and timely Patient Care Reports (PCRs) and update CAD statuses for all calls
• Complete and maintain required Bloodborne Pathogen and OSHA safety training, including annual refreshers
• Operate emergency warning devices (lights and sirens) in compliance with agency policy and state law
• Demonstrate professional conduct, respectful communication, and unbiased care for all patients
• Account for medications in accordance with RAA policy and Virginia Board of Pharmacy regulations
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or unusual incidents immediately to the Field Operations Lieutenant
• Participate in quality assurance reviews and Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives
• Commit to ongoing professional development by fulfilling continuing education and internal skill-maintenance requirements

• Establish and manage advanced airways: perform endotracheal intubation (direct, video), supraglottic device placement, and cricothyrotomy as indicated.
• Initiate and titrate mechanical ventilator settings and noninvasive ventilation (CPAP/BiPAP) based on patient condition.
• Establish peripheral IV and intraosseous access; administer fluid resuscitation, blood products, and vasoactive drips under protocol.
• Perform needle decompression for tension pneumothorax.
• Acquire, interpret, and manage 12‑lead ECGs; identify arrhythmias, STEMI, and coordinate prehospital notification.
• Operate cardiac monitor/defibrillator: deliver manual defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, and transcutaneous pacing.
• Administer a broad range of medications, including sedatives, analgesics, antiarrhythmics, and vasopressors per protocol.
• Conduct advanced trauma and medical assessments: manage multi-system trauma, behavioral emergencies, obstetric emergencies, and pediatric critical care.
• Perform specialized procedures: intraosseous infusion, needle cricothyrotomy, pediatric vascular access, ocular irrigation, and advanced wound care.
• Monitor patient hemodynamics, neurological status, and ventilatory parameters; adjust interventions and escalate to medical control as needed.

• Serve as a patient advocate, ensuring rights and dignity are upheld
• Builds positive relationships with transport partners and care facilities
• Participate in community outreach, health education, and public safety events representing RAA

All EMT’s at Richmond Ambulance Authority declare their status as either emergent or non-emergent at the time of hire or through a status change request for existing employees. Every effort is made to align the employee with their selection based on available vacancies and budgetary constraints.

Emergent (911 System Response): Primarily assigned to emergent duties; will occasionally perform non-emergent scheduled transport duties as needed.

• Respond promptly and safely to emergency calls, following traffic and safety laws
• Apply ICS principles: take direction from the Incident Commander and communicate patient priorities
• Conduct patient assessments and provide BLS and ALS interventions
• Supervise clinical care and treatment during extrication or rescue operations conducted by fire department personnel
• Coordinate the delivery of care within the BLS/ALS scope of practice in conjunction with other EMS providers (EMT-Basic, EMT-Advanced, and EMT-Paramedics) as needed
• Maintain situational awareness of system threats (e.g., weather, diversions, facility delays) and notify supervisor of persistent system inefficiencies
• Emergent EMTs will occasionally perform non-emergent scheduled transport duties and emergent facility transfers as necessary and in the best interest of the EMS system

Non-Emergent (Scheduled Transport): Assigned solely to non-emergent transports; will perform emergent duties only when the High-Incident Response plan is activated or during a declared MCI.

• Execute pre-planned transport assignments between care facilities or for patients being discharged from the hospital in coordination with the Communications Center
• Conducts patient assessments and provides necessary interventions and monitoring of patients while en route in accordance with standing protocol and physician orders
• Assist stable patients with ambulation, transfer to stretcher, and secure them for transport
• Coordinate timely arrival/departure from healthcare facilities per schedule
• Document response exceptions and escalate patterns of inefficiency to the Field Operations Lieutenant

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Certified Paramedic in the Commonwealth of Virginia
  1. Note: Virginia EMT-Intermediate certification may satisfy requirements pending agency approval.
• Certification in CPR, ACLS, PALS, & PHTLS.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Completion of FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800
• Strong communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least one year experience as an ALS provider in a high-volume EMS system (emergent or non-emergent)
• Experience with critical care transports, ePCR platforms, and advanced life support equipment.
• Additional certifications: Critical Care Paramedic or FP-C.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to sit and or stand for long periods.
• Must be able to lift up to at least 50 pounds independently and 150 pounds with assistance
• Must have substantial movements of the body, wrists, hands, and or fingers.
• Must be able to work in various environmental conditions as well as temperature changes.
• Required to have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and or equipment.
• Must be able to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction and receive detailed information through oral communication.

Paramedics are evaluated bi-annually by the Field Operations Captain or Lieutenant on clinical performance, protocol adherence, documentation accuracy, professionalism, operational efficiency, and participation in QA activities.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Subject to pre-employment and random drug screening, fingerprint and background checks, and physical abilities testing
• Must complete all onboarding and clinical clearance requirements within four (4) months of hire
• Must maintain all required licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment
• Comply with all legally mandated vaccinations and health screenings required for healthcare providers under federal, state, or local regulations
• Required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed
• Must comply with DMAS and RAA driving standards and maintain DMV eligibility
• Must adhere to agency confidentiality policies and ensure security of protected health information (PHI) in compliance with applicable federal and state laws