Paramedic

Paramedic

As an Paramedic with the Department of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) you will:

• Assume responsibility of the provision of appropriate basic and advanced life support emergency medical and rescue activities at the Paramedic level.
• Provide supervision and care of patients in the pre-hospital environment including the utilization of monitor/defibrillators, medications, endotracheal intubation, IV therapy, and other associated tasks authorized at the Paramedic level; perform independently and as a member of the healthcare team in situations involving both basic and advanced life support activities.
• Direct the healthcare team including certified EMTs, Advanced EMTs, Intermediates, and Paramedics in the provision of medical care; work seamlessly with both career and volunteer personnel; exercise leadership and motivate subordinates to incorporate the department and City's vision and goals for quality service.
• Safely operate emergency ambulance and other light duty emergency response vehicles in emergency and non-emergency modes.
• Follow all emergency medical services regulations and applicable protocols.
• Complete reports and documentation accurately, efficiently, and within the required timelines including patient care reports, and equipment and apparatus checkoffs.
• Provide field evaluation and training to both basic and advanced life support personnel.
• Assume initial command of scenes involving multiple patients or complex incidents.
• Attend classes and perform those activities required to familiarize and maintain currency with the proper practices and procedures of emergency medical services to effect an efficient delivery of services.
• Effectively communicate and interact positively with coworkers, volunteers, patients, bystanders, citizens, and other public safety agency personnel.

Applicant must be able to meet the following requirements and not have any of the EMS department disqualifiers. Please use the link to review the full list of disqualifiers.

Critical Criteria:

1. Demonstrated Advanced Life Support (ALS) Clinical Competence

Applicants should demonstrate practical proficiency in performing advanced pre-hospital care.

Minimum Requirements: Must be eighteen (18) years old at the time of employment. Current Commonwealth of Virginia and/or National Registry Paramedic certification; or have completed an accredited Paramedic certification program and hold an eligibility to test letter. Must obtain certification prior to first day of employment. Must be and remain eligible to function as an Emergency Medical Vehicle Operator in accordance with Virginia Department of Health – EMS Regulations and City/Departmental policy. Must refrain from using all tobacco products on and off the job. Must have a current and valid driver's license. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must be able to work rotating shifts (days/evenings/midnights) including weekends and holidays and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs. Incumbents can expect to be assigned to, and work at, different stations and from different ambulances during medic academy, while being field precepted for competencies, and when assigned a permanent shift rotation after release to general supervision. Must apply for a Commonwealth of Virginia Paramedic certification via reciprocity within seven (7) calendar days of date of hire if incumbent possesses only a National Registry Paramedic certification. Must pass the TEMS Regional Sanctioning Examination within two (2) calendar months from date of hire, if not already sanctioned, and be released to general supervision as a Paramedic within six (6) months from date of hire. Failure to pass the TEMS Regional Sanctioning Examination or to be released to general supervision within established timeframes will be grounds for employment termination. Must successfully complete the Virginia Beach EMS Medic Academy and field training program. Failure to successfully complete the Virginia Beach EMS Medic Academy will be grounds for employment termination. Must be and remain eligible to function as an ALS Field Training Officer (FTO). Must maintain current CPR certification, ACLS certification, and PALS certification. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, respirators, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee's supervisor based on position assigned. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination. Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City's operational status. Successful completion of pre-employment physical. Must complete annual physical examinations and be classified as fit for employment by the Occupational Health Office.

Skills: Advanced Life Support (ALS), Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Response, Emergency Response Vehicles, Emergency Services, Health Care, Life Support, Medical Care, Medical Emergencies, Medical Services, Medical Support, Patient Care, Patient Care Services, Public Safety, Regulations, Rescue Operations