EMT Apprentices

Buncombe County Emergency Services is currently accepting applications for an EMS Apprenticeship position. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who hold a Basic EMT certification and are actively working toward their Paramedic credentials. The selected apprentice will work alongside experienced paramedics in the field, assisting with patient assessments, driving emergency vehicles, and supporting various operational tasks.

This apprenticeship offers a valuable pathway for career growth within Buncombe County Emergency Services. The position is PRN (as needed), with part-time hours and no benefits. Upon successful completion of your Paramedic certification, you may be eligible to transition into a full Paramedic role, depending on availability.

Purpose of the position:

The primary purpose of this position is to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients and respond to emergency rescue situations involving bodily injury or potential loss of life.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):

Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by required course work in emergency medical techniques; or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must be 18 years of age or older.

Additional Training and Experience: Actively pursuing credentialing as a Paramedic from an NCOEMS approved Education Institution. 

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:

Credentialed as an Emergency Medical Technician by the North Carolina Office of EMS. Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the state of residence.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Maintain readiness and serve as a mobile medical unit driver or attendant responding to emergency medical calls, perform necessary rescue work and administer necessary emergency medical care to patients in the field.
• Perform interventions with the basic equipment typically found on an ambulance
• Operate a mobile medical unit, applying necessary first-aid to sick or injured persons.
• Collect, communicate and accurately document information about the medical emergency to further quality patient care; deliver complete and timely report to hospital staff and assure patient privacy.
• Administer medicine to patients while in route to hospital; perform pulmonary ventilation, cardio pulmonary resuscitation and any other procedure or skill as outlined by state and local medical control.
• Study and participate in training to improve competency in medical technical work and ambulance service/operation.
• Study street and road patterns and networks of the County in order that future runs may be made with minimum difficulty and delay.
• Respond to non-emergency calls such as requests to transport patients from hospitals to their homes or from a local medical facility to a specialized medical center.
• Prepare incident reports and maintain records on patients treated.
• Assist in the inspection and maintenance of vehicles and equipment used in emergency medical service.
• Test and maintain medical equipment standard to advanced life support ambulances.
• Participate in the maintenance of station equipment and quarters.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Abilities:

• Applies fundamental knowledge to provide basic emergency care and transportation based on assessment findings for an acutely ill patient.
• Applies fundamental knowledge of the EMS system, safety/well-being of the EMT, medical/legal and ethical issues to the provision of emergency care.
• Basic knowledge of emergency medical procedures and techniques.
• Working knowledge of equipment and supplies employed in the emergency care of patients and victims of accidents.
• Working knowledge of County geography and of the location of roads and streets within the County.
• Working knowledge of procedures in extrication, movement of patients, rescue techniques, transportation and psychological needs of a patient.
• Skill in diagnosing a victim's condition and applying emergency medical care.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations.
• Ability to safely drive an ambulance occasionally at high rates of speed.
• Ability to lift substantial weight.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to deal tactfully, courteously and firmly with the general public.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.