Paramedic - Shift

EMT Position

The EMT supports the organization's emergency response mission by providing essential pre-hospital care, safely operating the ambulance, and responding quickly to calls to stabilize and transport patients. This role assesses patient conditions, delivers authorized first-aid and life-support interventions, and documents all care to ensure seamless communication with medical personnel. Working closely with dispatch, paramedics, and public safety partners, the EMT helps coordinate safe and effective incident response. Through skilled clinical support and reliable vehicle operation, this position plays a vital role in protecting community health and ensuring timely emergency medical services.

Essential Functions

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

Responds to emergency calls by safely operating and navigating an ambulance or mobile intensive care unit to incident locations and transporting patients, requiring the ability to sit for extended periods, operate vehicle controls, and drive in a safe and professional manner.

Provides emergency medical care by assessing patient conditions, administering authorized treatments, and documenting observations and interventions, requiring frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull 50100 lbs. to assist, move, or stabilize patients and equipment.

Operates and maintains specialized medical equipment and performs procedures such as airway management, cardiac monitoring, and patient immobilization, requiring adequate hand and finger dexterity, grip strength, and the ability to maneuver equipment in confined or moving environments.

Ensures a clean and sanitary treatment environment by decontaminating the ambulance, equipment, and patient care areas according to infection-control protocols and reporting cases of infectious disease exposure to appropriate authorities.

Coordinates effectively with paramedics, emergency medical personnel, law enforcement, fire services, and other public safety partners to support integrated emergency response and ensure safe patient handling and transport, requiring the ability to climb stairs, navigate obstacles, and tolerate varied outdoor conditions including heat, cold, and rain.

Performs related medical services including emergency response, assessment, treatment, and transport as authorized by Clinical Operating Guidelines, adapting actions to meet situational needs and maintaining physical readiness for occasional running or rapid movement during critical incidents.

Minimum Requirements & Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Current Texas EMT-B/A-EMT DSHS Certification required.

Must have a valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.

Applicants must not appear on CMS Exclusion List.

Preferred Qualifications

Current AHA Basic Life Support certification.

Two (2) years of previous experience in emergency medical services.

Competencies and Environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic mathematics, medical terminology, and the safe operation of emergency equipment and machinery.

Skill in using computer software to complete operational, clinical, and documentation tasks.

Skill in assessing patient conditions, providing initial treatment, and delivering first-aid and life-support interventions such as CPR.

Ability to process information, make timely decisions, and determine appropriate care or transport destinations.

Ability to maintain required certifications through continuing education as outlined in minimum qualifications.

Ability to safely drive and operate an ambulance in a professional manner.

Physical Demands

Physical requirements include walking frequently for up to or exceeding 4 hours per day; standing frequently for up to or exceeding 2 hours per day; and sitting frequently for up to or exceeding 8 hours per day. Running may occur infrequently for 12 minutes per day. Role requires frequent bending and kneeling, approximately 1015 times per day. Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds frequently (510 times per shift) and 50100 pounds infrequently (13 times per shift). Must be able to climb stairs while carrying up to 50 pounds and step up or over obstacles as needed. Requires constant handling, gripping, and adequate hand and finger dexterity to manage both large and small items, as well as sufficient hand and arm strength to grip and lift heavy objects.

Work Environment

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings, including ambulance interiors, medical facilities, and variable on-scene environments. The role may involve exposure to heat, cold, rain, odors, chemicals, dust, pollen, and infectious diseases, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and proper use of personal protective equipment. Employees must be able to properly utilize PPE when exposed to strong odors and/or smoke, strong and/or toxic chemicals, and dust or pollen. Noise levels and interruptions are consistent with emergency response operations and patient care environments.

City of San Marcos