Paramedic

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

Provides pre-hospital emergency care to sick or injured persons within Kent County and surrounding areas. Paramedic provides medical care and treatment to individuals who are ill and/or injured. Responsibilities also include data entry, preparation and maintenance of records and reports relating to emergency care administered.  Work is performed with considerable technical independence and is evaluated in terms of the applications of approved techniques, safety, and skilled operations of equipment in transporting patients to hospitals or other locations of emergency care.

Essential Functions:

• Provides immediate response and emergency assessment and care for any person within the Kent County service area.
• Establishes calm communication with patients and/or those calling for assistance; quickly determines the source of injury or illness in order to apply effective treatment protocols.
• Transports patient to hospital, as necessary.
• Communicates with hospital personnel while on scene or en-route as needed; provides status upon arrival.
• Operates emergency vehicle in a safe manner in routine and emergency situations.
• Write reports for each call with details of the medical emergency and actions taken.
• Creates specific reviews and reports as needed, including response times or explanations of deviation from standard protocols.
• Participate in continuing education training to maintain certifications.
• Maintains, cleans, and restocks emergency vehicles; performs daily checks to ensure readiness.
• Performs general housekeeping activities at the station.
• Provides guidance to EMS volunteers when needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision: 

The position reports to the Chief of Emergency Medical Services and Paramedic Supervisors. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Communications Skills: Ability to quickly establish effective communications with patients, family, or friends and other first responders in dangerous or emotional situations.  Ability to write clearly and informatively; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Customer Service: Represents the department professionally and effectively in both internal and external interactions. Manage difficult or challenging situations successfully. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of cultural background, status, or position.  Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views.
• Innovation and Change Management Skills: Displays original thinking and creativity.  Develop innovative approaches and ideas.  Presents ideas and information in a manner that is easily understood.  Understands and contributes to evolving processes in response to changing communities and advances in technology.
• Technical Skills: Effectively uses emergency radio equipment and standard emergency medical equipment.
• Additional Requirements, must:
• Be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire,
• Be able to operate emergency vehicles in accordance with county and state driving procedures and Advanced Life Support Standard Operating Procedures.

Education and Experience:

1. High School diploma.
2. Twelve (12) months field experience as a Paramedic or equivalent technical training, education, or experience.
3. Valid Driver’s License and an acceptable motor vehicle record.
4. Valid National Registry Paramedic Licensure
5. Valid Maryland Paramedic Licensure
6. Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification required.
7. Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification or Equivalent Advanced Pediatric Care Certification
8. Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support or Equivalent Advanced Trauma Certification
9. Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute Hazard Materials/WMD Awareness certification. (Preferred- Hazardous Materials/WMD Operation)
10. Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute Emergency Vehicle Operators Course completion or equivalent EVOC
11. National Incident Management System-100, 200, 700, 800 certifications
12. CPR-Healthcare Providers certification
13. Current HIPAA and Blood-borne Pathogens training/certification  
    

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work is conducted in a variety of settings that can include extreme weather, blood or airborne pathogens, cramped/precarious areas, bodies of water, fumes or odors, or traffic accident scenes. 

Involves exposure to heat, cold, dirt and other unpleasant conditions. An employee in this class is exposed to the risk of serious injury, requiring the use of protective clothing and strict observance of safety precautions and procedures.

Noise level is the work environment is usually moderate; however, on occasion it is very loud when exposed to sirens, air or gasoline operated equipment, and helicopter engine noise.

The position requires extensive physical exertion such as lifting and moving heavy objects (up to 80 pounds), bending, climbing steps or assuming awkward positions.  Work requires carrying medical equipment. The work environment involves high risks with exposure to dangerous situations which could possibly lead to emotional or psychological stress.

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomfort(s) which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g., use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire regulations.

Benefits:

• Annual, Personal & Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• MD State Retirement & Pension
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance 

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. 

This and all County positions are subject to transfer, based on need.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Kent County Government provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws .