Paramedic

ParamedicLancaster County is a county-based ALS emergency medical service. Our current shift runs on a 24/48 schedule. In January we will begin integrating to a 24/72 schedule. We have 8 stations and run 9 ALS units, 2 QRV's, and 4 12-Hour units. Our annual call volume runs over 20,300 calls. We offer State benefits including state retirement. Under occasional supervision, provides emergency medical treatment on assigned shift. Work involves responding to situations by dispatch to render aid to victims of trauma or illness; provides advanced level pre-hospital emergency medical care and Basic Life Support in accordance with local protocols, medical directives, and State regulations; may utilize situational analysis and ingenuity to accomplish the task of patient care outside the clinical setting; may be exposed to hazards of Emergency Medical Service duty including exposure to infectious disease or risk of injury and must act to prevent harm to the patient, himself, and coworkers; working with other agencies in response to a mass casualty or terrorist attack; and may be required to perform non-emergency operational, administrative, or public relations tasks as directed. Reports to the Shift Supervisor/ Assistant Supervisor or Director of Operations.Operates emergency vehicles, ground ambulances, or non-transporting quick response vehicles; utilizes the most expeditious route while maintaining radio contact with dispatch and other responding units and has the ability to read and understand maps. Makes decisions regarding utilization of available resources or need for additional resources; provides supervision of additional responders and crewmembers of lower certification level. Communicates clearly to gather necessary information regarding patient medical history and mechanism of injury; deals with the public with tact, courtesy, empathy, and firmness; maintains absolute discretion regarding patient privacy. Works cooperatively with Police, Fire, Dispatch, and other Emergency Medical Service agencies; maintains working knowledge of the FEMA National Incident Management System. Assesses and examines the patient; considers the nature of the illness or extent of injury; rules out inappropriate treatment; seeks additional assistance if needed; provides the proper care and treatment, patient handling/packaging, and transport to definitive care. Communicates necessary patient information to doctors, nurses, and other emergency medical personnel to enable seamless transfer of patient care to hospital personnel or another transporting agency both verbally and written. Records accurate and thorough Patient Care Reports; documents the physical condition and treatment provided to the patient. Maintains vehicles, equipment, supplies, and station facilities to assure all will be ready to fulfill the agency mission. Participates in special roles with specific training such as SWAT medic, STAR team, Bicycle Medic, Field Training Officer, or in the non-medical operation of the Agency. Provides non-emergency transportation of patient to/from hospitals, clinical venues, or home; completes assigned administrative tasks; contributes to public relations or public education opportunities; provides first-aid standby at festivals, sporting events, or other public gatherings. Participates in ongoing training, skill practice/assessments, quality assurance, and didactic education required to continually enhance the level of care provided; maintains State certifications; remains recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Remains current in American Heart Association Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support. Operates an assortment of equipment and hand tools used in EMS service, which may or may not include response vehicles, self-contained breathing apparatus, life-saving / life supporting equipment, extrication equipment, generators, flood lights, hand tools etc. Uses diagnostic instruments, medical supplies, instruments, special protective clothing and cleaning supplies. Operates a two-way radio, telephone, copier, computer and GPS Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, other department supervisors, co-workers, other County personnel, other government agencies, municipal personnel, volunteers, fire / EMS personnel of other jurisdictions, civic and community organizations, school personnel, students, business/property owners, sales representatives, medical/hospital personnel, accident/incident bystanders, patients, and the general public. Emergency tasks involve the ability to exert extremely heavy physical effort in very heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of very heavy objects and materials. Worker must be able to remain on feet for extended periods of time, withstand uncomfortable and/or dangerous physical conditions at fire scenes, and perform manual tasks; must be able to lift, position and/or carry weights in excess of 100 pounds. Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor and interviewing patients, bystanders, and relatives to gather information about the illness or injury. Requires ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, technical manuals, equipment instructions, maps, medical reference books, diagrams, etc. Requires the ability to prepare reports, records, forms, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence. Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information. Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions; to teach employees. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including fire science, emergency medical response, etc. Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to utilize mathematical formulas, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time and weight. Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office and specialized machinery; to operate motor vehicles and rescue units. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, tools, medical instruments, etc. Must have significant levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color; requires the visual acuity to determine depth perception, peripheral vision, inspection for small parts; preparing and analyzing written or computer data, etc. Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Emergency Medical Service department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Paramedic. Is able to perform Emergency Medical Technician duties at the highest level in responding to emergency calls and administering emergency response to save lives. Has knowledge of the role of the position in relation to entire County operations. Has considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of County and other governmental agencies. Has knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has working knowledge in the areas of emergency medical response and treatment, and medical reporting. Has knowledge of how to help determine and ensure safety on emergency scenes. Is able to use independent judgment and discretion in critical situations such as medical emergencies and other natural and man-made emergency/disaster situations. Is able to make sound, educated decisions that affect the life and health of self and others in stressful, critical situations. Is able to drive and operate emergency vehicles with safety. Is physically able to provide rescue and medical assistance at emergency scenes. Has knowledge of how to utilize various pieces of life support / rescue equipment and tools in a safe and efficient manner. Has comprehensive knowledge of first aid and basic life support methods and theories. Is skilled in administering first aid and CPR as needed, as well as other emergency medical treatments and assistance. Has knowledge of protocols and the appropriate use of same. Has knowledge of medical terminology as related to pre-hospital treatment and medicine, and is able to interpret and use legal terminology as required. Is able to recognize signs and symptoms of various illnesses and injuries. Is able to perform duties under adverse environmental conditions such as excessive heat, cold, odors, smoke, fumes / toxic agents, wetness, noise, humidity, machinery hazards, violence, electric currents, violence and disease; is able to perform duties at high altitudes and in confined spaces as required. Is able to perform according to standards despite working long hours and intense, exhausting schedules. Has knowledge of applicable occupational hazards and safety precautions. Is able to offer assistance and training to co-workers. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Is able to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner. Has thorough knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Is able to communicate in a firm and tactful manner with various agencies, members of the public, and departments and is persuasive in such communication. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations.