Paramedic

POSITION SUMMARY

Serves as a member of the Medical Center's Emergency Medical Services Team whose primary responsibility is to respond to emergency situations in the prehospital environment and provide quality patient care services in accordance with Medical Center and departmental policies and standards, applicable laws, and accepted Paramedic practices and protocols.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. High school graduate or equivalent.
2. Completion of an accredited program for Paramedic training; or completion of an accredited nursing program if the applicant is a Prehospital Registered Nurse (PHRN).

Experience:

1. Two years (post high school) field experience as a Paramedic in an actively operating Advanced Life Support program 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 Advanced Life Support and 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.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Current, license by the Pennsylvania Department of Health as an EMT-Paramedic or Health Professional with a current EMSVO Endorsement.
2. Completion of the Hazardous Material Operations Level.  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 every two years.
5. After four months from hire/transfer, meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and renews every two years.
6. After six months from hire/transfer, meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and renews every two years.
7. Paramedic Board Certification by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) preferred.
8. Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) and/or International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) certification preferred.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives minimal supervision from the EMS Manager.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Supervises Emergency Medical Technicians during patient care activities. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provides medical treatment to patients in the prehospital setting in accordance with program and regional protocols.
   1. Responds, when dispatched, to emergency situations in the prehospital setting.
   2. Assesses patient's condition and notifies medical command physician, relaying patient information.
   3. Administers state approved medications in accordance with medical commander's orders and statewide protocols.
   4. Performs advanced (Paramedic) medical treatments in accordance with medical commander's orders and/or regional protocols.
   5. Responds on inter-facility transfers as requested and/or assigned functioning within the Paramedic scope of practice.
2. Supports and assists health care professionals in the care of patients in emergency and non-emergency situations in the Emergency Department, where permitted by Department of Health regulations.
   1. Assists when needed and available and performs only the skills for which he/she is certified.
3. Responds with the Emergency Department Physician to areas of the Medical Center, other than the Emergency Department, in extra-ordinary life threatening situations.
   1. Performs only the skills for which he/she is certified under the direct supervision of the Emergency Department physician.
4. Assists with the day to day activities and operations of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program.
   1. Ensures routine and periodic maintenance and operation of EMS Vehicles and equipment daily.
5. 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 restocks 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 (PCR) as soon as possible following an emergency call or transfer.
6. 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.
7. 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 and garage clean and in an orderly fashion at all times.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.
   1. Performs duties in accordance with Medical Center, department and program policy.