EMT

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Lancaster County is a county-based ALS emergency medical service. Our current shift runs on a 24/48 schedule. In January we will begin integrating into 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 general 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 basic 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.

Examples of Duties

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; summons assistance from higher-level certification when patient's needs exceed capability of basic level certification. 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 Paramedic 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 verbal and written. Records accurate and thorough Patient Care Reports; documents the physical condition and treatment provided to the patient while in the Emergency Medical Technician's care. 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, STARR 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. 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, etc. Uses diagnostic instruments, medical supplies and instruments, special protective clothing, cleaning supplies, hand and power tools, etc. Operates a two-way radio, telephone, copier 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.

Typical Qualifications

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent with vocational or technical school training in Emergency Medical Technician Basic supplemented by one year experience in Emergency Medical Service programs; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have completed an approved Emergency Vehicle operations training and Basic Life Support courseware. Must have a valid South Carolina driver's license.