Emergency Medical Technician- Basic

Purpose:

Provide a guide for those who are interested in understanding what qualifications, competencies and tasks are expected of the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age


• Must have a valid minimum New York State Class D Driver’s License for a minimum of three years and an acceptable driving record. 


• Must have a valid New York State Certification for an Emergency Medical Technician for at least one year and have served as a provider in an active EMS system. 


• Must have a valid ARC or AHA CPR certification.


• Must maintain valid certifications and Driver’s License for duration of employment


• Ability to communicate effectively via telephone and radio equipment


• Ability to lift, carry and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance)


• Ability to interpret oral, written and diagnostic form instructions


• Ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high stress situations


• Ability to be unaffected by loud noises and flashing lights


• Ability to function efficiently without interruption throughout an entire work shift


• Ability to calculate weight and volume ratios


• Ability to read English language, manuals and road maps


• Ability to accurately discern street signs and addresses


• Ability to interview patients, patient family members and bystanders


• Ability to document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such


• Ability to converse, in English, with coworkers and hospital staff with regard to the status of the patient


• Possesses good manual dexterity with ability to perform all tasks related to the highest quality patient care


• Ability to bend, stoop and crawl on uneven terrain


• Ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold and moisture


• Ability to work in low light situations and confined spaces


• Ability to work with other providers to make appropriate patient care decisions

Competency Areas:

Must demonstrate competency is assessment of a patient, handling emergencies using Basic Life Support equipment and techniques. Must be able to perform CPR, control bleeding, provide non- invasive treatment of hypoperfusion, stabilize / immobilize injured bones and the spine, manage environmental emergencies and emergency childbirth. Must be able to use a semi-automatic defibrillator. Must be able to assist patients with self-administration or administer emergency medications as described in state and local protocol.

Description of Tasks:

• Responds to calls when dispatched and strives to safely accomplish eight minute time of call to patient side standard.


• Drives to scene of call obeying all NYS V&T Laws using the most expeditious route permitted by weather and road conditions


• Maintain familiarity with and follow all WTRS Standard Operating Procedures


• Is familiar with and uses appropriate body substance isolation procedures


• Makes determination regarding patient status and priority for emergency care and transport, utilizing established criteria. 


• Replaces supplies, properly disposes of medical waste


• Properly cleans contaminated equipment according to the Exposure Control Plan of the agency.


• Completes vehicle check using established vehicle check procedure at the start of every shift


• Maintains ambulance in operable condition and reports any mechanical deficiencies


• Ensures cleanliness inside and outside of ambulance, its equipment, and supplies


• Maintains familiarity with specialized equipment


• Composes and completes all patient care charts as soon as possible


• Understands and maintains patient confidentiality requirements, as mandated by current HIPPA criteria


• Completes assigned chores during the shift


• Assists with public service details as requested by supervisory staff


• Performs any other reasonable requests for assistance by management as are necessary to maintain and provide public service, maintain station cleanliness, forprovision of patient care, and proper operation of the agency.


• Attends mandated meeting and/or trainings


• Projects a positive and professional demeanor and appearance.