PARAMEDIC

Job Purpose

Within this position an employee works independently in providing high level of emergency care by responding to emergency calls for a variety of illnesses and injuries. Performs basic and advanced life support, stabilization procedures and emergency medical care at the Paramedic level of training and certification and performs equipment operation duties on a twenty-four hour shift providing EMS services for the county.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

Responds to emergency calls for medical illnesses, traumatic injuries, vehicle crashes, fires, and natural or man-made disasters. Responds with a partner EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic to life threatening conditions, stabilizes and treats symptoms of medical illness or injuries and continuously monitors the condition of the patient until the patient is transferred to hospital personnel.

Monitors, maintains and inspects ambulance units for readiness, ensuring required equipment and related inventory are available and ready for use and that the vehicle is clean and disinfected.

Operates emergency medical vehicle to and from scene, determining most efficient route.

Records patient care data and information, obtaining demographic data from patients, information regarding medical conditions and/or illnesses, current medication use and medication allergy information. Documents patient reactions to treatment; and/or related information.

Initiates patient treatment and care utilizing initial protocol treatment based on patient condition, which may include: operating manual cardiac defibrillator, performing basic or advanced airway management; initiating intravenous or intraosseous access, administering medications, and performing other related activities.

Transports and transfers patients timely and safely by utilizing stretcher, ambulance mounted stretcher loading system, and other related patient movement devices and techniques.

Prepares patient care reports, which involves documenting medical conditions and activities applied to patients, using a mobile computer or tablet device. This includes ensuring documentation is complete for NC Office of Emergency Medical Services data collection and meeting billing documentation requirements.

Maintains contact with and communicates with dispatch personnel and/or patient receiving facilities, utilizing applicable communication equipment.

Initiates advanced and basic life support by following protocols and physician orders.

Communicates medical conditions with patients, family members and applicable medical staff.

Drives an ambulance in emergency and non-emergency situations.

Secures and disposes of biohazardous waste.

Attends continuing education and other programs to maintain clinical knowledge and certification requirements.

Performs other job-related duties as trained and assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience: High School diploma or equivalent required and some experience as a Paramedic; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Computer Skills: Prior experience with data-entry and computers preferred. Prior Microsoft Windows usage preferred.

License/Credentials: Possession of a valid NC driver's license is required. Certification by the State of North Carolina as a Paramedic. Required to attend mandatory continuing education sessions provided by the department.

Skills & Abilities

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for their actions.

• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.

• Autonomy – Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.

• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.

• Compassion – Ability to possess and express sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

• Confidentiality - Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information in relationship to the customer.

• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers' needs while following company procedures.

• Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.

• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful, maintain high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in the workplace.

• Judgment – Ability to use good judgement and discretion as it relates to interpreting policies and procedures.

• Multitasker – Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.

• Relationship Building - Ability to effectively build relationships with customers and co-workers.

• Safety-Minded – Creating a safe work environment; managing risks; reducing exposure liabilities.

• Stress Management – Ability to be effective with processing stressful situations and continuing to maintain crucial performance.

• Teamwork – Ability to work with others successfully and productively for the common cause and desired end goal.

• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.

Physical Demands

Stand C

Walk C

Sit C

Manually Manipulate F

Reach Outward F

Reach Above Shoulder F

Climb O

Crawl O