Paramedic

PARAMEDIC
GRADE 62
                                                                             
                                                       General Statement of Duties
 
Performs paramedic level life support, stabilization procedures, and emergency medical care in the Emergency Medical Services unit of the County.
 
Distinguishing Features of the Class
 
An employee in this class performs professional advanced life support work in operating an approved mobile medical unit, rescuing victims and performing advanced emergency care including the administration of life sustaining treatment to patients on-site and while en route to  area hospitals. Work involves responding to the scene of emergency and non-emergency calls, applying necessary medical treatment to sick or injured persons, and transporting persons to a medical facility.  Employees serve as a member of a response and are responsible for the medical care administered to the patient.  Employees perform emergency medical procedures at the certified Paramedic level.  Work requires considerable independent judgment in assessing the condition of patients and applying short-term relief. Employees are exposed to the normal hazards of emergency rescue work, including risk of exposure to human body fluids and infectious diseases, thus the work is subject to the OSHA requirements for bloodborne pathogens.  Work is performed in accordance with established EMT and medical procedures and under departmental and local medical director approved protocols. Work is performed under the supervision of an Paramedic/Shift Supervisor and is evaluated through peer review, conferences, observation, discussion of procedures at emergency scenes, and public feedback.
 
                                                                             
Duties and Responsibilities
 
Essential Duties and Tasks
Responds to emergency calls in a an ambulance and performs necessary rescue work in accordance with established protocols for Basic and Advanced Life Support; administers necessary emergency medical care requiring the use of suction units, immobilization equipment, intravenous infusions, syringes and medications, and cardiac monitors/defibrillator/pacers, and performance of intubation/advanced airway management.
Performs emergency medical acts in accordance with protocols established by the department and the County's Medical Director; administers cardiac and narcotic medications via intravenous line, administers specified solutions by intravenous infusion, performs pulmonary ventilations and obtains EKG's for cardiac diagnostics..
Performs patient assessment, basic life support techniques in accordance with the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including airway management and cardiopulmonary resuscitation;  oxygen administration; hemorrhage control; treatment for shock; bandaging and dressing injuries and splinting of fractures and dislocations; treatment of injuries to various parts of the body; provision of basic life support for medical injuries, assisting in normal and abnormal childbirth, treatment of injuries and burns; lifting and moving patients for transfer to a medical facility, and extrication of patients from confined areas.
Transports patients to local and regional medical facilities, maintaining contact with medical staff while in transport and assuring care of patient.
Completes full patient care documentation through various paper and electronic based formats during and after calls for service including information for billing documentation, and legal accountability.
Participates in a continuous training program to maintain certification and improve competence in medical technical work and operation; studies street and road patterns and networks of the County in order that future runs may be made with minimum difficulty and delay.
Inspects and tests response vehicles and their emergency equipment, maintaining proper inventory of equipment and supplies; cleans and sanitizes equipment daily; ensures that they are in proper and good working order; makes routine adjustments, but reports other than minor defects for specialized attention.
Maintains cleanliness and performs minor maintenance of Emergency Medical Service facilities; cleans, sweeps, mops, etc.
Participates in community outreach programs to promote safety and prevention awareness and to provide information on EMS services.
May serve as a Field Training Officer with newer employees, overseeing and documenting protocols; provides direction to EMT, AEMT, and First Responder certified staff or employees of other organizations.
Additional Job Duties 
            May be required to work in the County's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or Mobile EOC or conduct other emergency support function (ESF) duties as required.          
            The employee will be required to maintain and attend continuing medical education hours for their required certification.
            May be required to work extended hours beyond those scheduled without notice.
            Will be required to work 12 or 24 hour shifts. 
Performs related duties as required.
 
Recruitment and Selection Guidelines
 
Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations and protocols pertaining to emergency medical services.
Considerable knowledge of resources available for emergency medical services assistance in the county.
Considerable knowledge of emergency medical practices and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of and skills in computer operations and job related software.
Ability to interpret, explain, and apply a wide variety of policies, procedures, and regulations.
Ability to react quickly, effectively, and professionally in emergency situations.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and determine best options and decisions for handling emergency matters.
Ability to plan and organize work to meet deadlines and governmental requirements.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies, volunteer fire services, public officials, hospitals, schools, and the general public.
Ability to train and mentor employees and students.
Ability to successfully complete/pass required job related OSHA courses annually without assistance.
 
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform the physical life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing.
Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Must possess visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, perform accounting functions, operate a computer terminal, operate a motor vehicle, do extensive reading and use measurement devices.
May be required to wear encapsulated suits and masks for a long period of time.  Will be required to be fit tested with an N95 mask.
 
Desirable Education and Experience
Successful completion of paramedic program and certification as a Paramedic including classroom and clinical time; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
 
Special Requirements
Certification by the State of North Carolina as a Paramedic
AHA Healthcare Provider CPR certification
ACLS, PALS and ITLS/PHTLS certifications preferred
NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 within six months
EVD or EVOC within one year
Possession of a valid driver's license.
 
 
Person County
2017
2008
2006