Emergency Medical Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

Serves as a member of the Medical Center’s Emergency Medical Services Team whose primary responsibility is to assist the Paramedics with inter-facility transports, assist with non-emergency invalid van transports, and provide quality patient care services in accordance with Medical Center and departmental policies and standards, applicable laws, and accepted Emergency Medical Technician practices.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. High school graduate or equivalent.
2. Completes an accredited Department of Health national standard curriculum for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.

Experience:

1. Two years (post high school) field experience as an EMT in an actively operating ambulance service is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Ability to work well as a team member as well as work independently without supervision. 
2. Knowledge of current Pennsylvania Department of Health Statewide Basic Life Support protocols.
3. Ability to work in low light and confined space conditions.
4. Ability to communicate verbally via telephone and radio equipment.
5. Ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations.
6. Ability to be unaffected by loud noises and flashing lights.
7. Ability to operate an ambulance and paramedic intercept vehicle in the emergency mode, in a safe manner.
8. Ability to function efficiently throughout an entire work shift without interruption.
9. Ability to accurately complete drug calculations.
10. Ability to read, speak and write in English.
11. Ability to use a computer for completion of Patient Care Reports.
12. Ability to read and follow road maps; and ability to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping system.
13. Ability to effectively deal with emotional and medical needs of patients.
14. Ability to lift patients and equipment with reasonable assistance, without any restrictions.
15. Ability to properly and effectively use all Basic Life Support equipment within the PA EMT Scope of Practice, without any restrictions.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Current, valid certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Health as an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic with a current EMSVO Endorsement. (In Pennsylvania, a certified Paramedic is qualified to function at the EMT level when the position they are working in is designated as such.)  
2. Completion of the Hazardous Material Operations level training.  Must obtain within one year after hire and renew annually.
3. Valid Driver’s license.
4. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.
5. American Heart Association’s Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS) preferred.  
6. Board Certification by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) is preferred.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives direct supervision from the Paramedic on-duty and requires only minimal supervision from the Manager Emergency Medical Services. 

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provides Basic Life Support medical treatment to patients in the pre-hospital setting in accordance with department and Pennsylvania Statewide BLS Treatment Protocols.
   1. Responds, when dispatched, to emergency situations in the pre-hospital setting.
   2. Assists the Paramedic with preparing equipment to provide Advanced Life Support care.
   3. Assists patients with the administration of state approved medications in accordance with Statewide BLS Treatment Protocols.
   4. Performs Basic Life Support medical treatments in accordance with Pennsylvania Statewide BLS Treatment Protocols.
   5. Responds on inter-facility transfers as requested and/or assigned functioning within the EMT scope of practice.
2. Supports and assists licensed health care professionals in the care of patients in emergency and non-emergency situations in the Emergency Department.
   1. Assists when needed and available and performs only the skills within his/her scope of practice.
3. Assists with the day to day activities and operations of the Emergency Medical Services Program.
   1. Ensures routine and periodic maintenance and operation of EMS vehicles and equipment.
4. Maintains pre-established inventory of equipment and supplies, completing forms and documentation in accordance with program standards.
   1. Performs a check of patient care supplies on each shift and restock any supplies that are missing.
   2. Restocks all kits with needed supplies and medications as soon as vehicle returns to the Medical Center.
   3. Completes a state-approved Patient Care Report as soon as possible following an emergency call or transfer, when applicable.
   4. Obtains a completed Patient Lifetime Signature form and Physicians Certificate of Medical Necessity when appropriate.
5. Consults with and keeps supervisor informed of activities, needs and problems.
   1. Completes daily vehicle maintenance check list each shift.
   2. Notifies supervisor of faulty equipment as soon as noted (verbal, telephone or written).
   3. Reports unusual events to supervisor in accordance with program policies.
6. Maintains a clean, orderly and safe environment for personnel.
   1. Keeps vehicles clean (inside and out) and in an orderly fashion at all times.
   2. Keeps lounge, office, and garage clean and in an orderly fashion at all times.
7. Provides non-emergency wheelchair/litter van transports.
   1. Operates the wheelchair van and litter van to transport patients to various facilities or a residence within the guidelines of the PA Department of Health.
   2. Operates the cancer van to transport radiation oncology patients to appointments.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.  Performs duties in accordance with Hospital, Department and program Policy.