Paramedic

Position Description An employee in this class performs professional advanced life support work in operating an approved 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 hospital.
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.
Employee serves as a member of an ambulance crew and is responsible for the medical care administered to the patient.
This position is differentiated from an Emergency Medical Technician of other certification levels by the additional requirements of performing defibrillation and cardioversion, using gas-powered or hand-powered nebulizers, decompressing a tension pneumothorax by use of a catheter-flutter-valve device, using positive-end expiratory pressure respirators, performing cricothyrotomy for relief of upper airway obstruction, and performing gastric suction by intubations.
Employee is also responsible for maintaining supplies, performing janitorial duties at the base, and performing miscellaneous office duties.
Employee is exposed to the normal hazards of emergency rescue work, including risk of exposure to infectious diseases.
Reports directly to a Paramedic Shift Supervisor and under the overall supervision of the EMS Director.
The work schedule is 24 hours on duty/ 72 hours off duty rotation schedule.
Responsibilites Responds to emergency calls as a medical unit attendant or driver, 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 intubations/advanced airway management.
Paramedic trained in approved programs, certified by the Board of Medical Examiners to perform medical actions, and function in an approved mobile intensive care program may do any of the following in accordance with protocols established by their sponsor hospital: (A) While at the scene of a medical emergency and confronted by a serious or life-threatening clinical situation, if continual approval has been provided by the sponsoring Medical Director: Establish an intravenous or intraosseous line in a peripheral vein and administer any intravenous solution approved by the Board of Medical Examiners for use by Paramedics; Obtain blood for laboratory analysis; Administer parenterally, orally, sublingual, or topically any of the drugs approved by the Board of Medical Examiners for use by Paramedics; Perform pulmonary ventilation by means of an endotracheal tube and/or perform cricothyrotomy for relief of upper airway obstruction; Perform defibrillation or cardioversion; Use gas-powered or hand-powered nebulizers; Decompress a tension pneumothorax by use of a catheter-flutter-valve device; Use positive end expiratory pressure respirators; Perform gastric suction by intubations; Perform external cardiac pacing.
(B) When confronted with a pulse-less non-breathing patient, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation, and pulmonary ventilation by means of endotracheal tube and administer appropriate cardiac drugs prior to contacting the sponsor hospital.
(C) Establish an intravenous or intraosseous line in a peripheral vein and administer any intravenous solution approved by the Board of Medical Examiners for use by Paramedics prior to contacting the sponsor hospital.
May perform any of the following procedures if allowed by the County Emergency Medical Services System in which they function: 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 soft tissue injuries; splinting fractures and dislocations; treatment of injuries to the head, face, eye, neck, and spine; treatment of injuries to the chest, abdomen and genitalia; provision of basic life support for medical injuries; assisting in normal and abnormal childbirth; treatment of injuries as a result of exposure to heat and cold; treatment of burns; lifting and moving patients for transfer to a medical facility; and extrication of patients from confined areas.
Responds 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.
Participates in a continuous training program to improve competence in medical technical work and in ambulance service 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.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Considerable knowledge and skill in administering emergency medical procedures and techniques.
Considerable knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
Considerable knowledge of intravenous therapy and skill in recognizing adverse conditions.
Considerable knowledge of equipment and supplies utilized in emergency care of patients.
Considerable knowledge of county geography and locations of roads and streets.
Skill in recognizing trauma, signs, and symptoms of medical emergencies to determine appropriate treatment.
Ability to perform duties in accordance with established emergency medical procedures and techniques, medical protocols, and standing orders.
Ability to work with a diverse socioeconomic population and the situations encountered.
Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies and stressful situations.
Ability to drive safely an emergency medical vehicle and according to motor vehicles laws.
Ability to communicate effectively in a tactful and firm manner with the public.
Ability to deal with stress, death, and dying patients.
Ability to accurately record services provided on required forms.
Ability to work with coworkers, law enforcement personnel, fire, medical personnel, patients, and the general public.
Ability to maintain vehicles, equipment, and facilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information.
Required Minimum Education / Experience Graduation from high school or a GED is required; 1 to 2 years of experience in advanced emergency medical service work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Special Requirements Certification by the North Carolina Medical Examiners Board as a Paramedic.
Completion of additional course work and certification to include, at a minimum, certification in cardiac care, pediatrics and trauma, as determined necessary by the EMS Director.
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
Please refer to Title 21, Sub Chapter 32H, Section .
0501 of the North Carolina Administrative Code for specific certification requirements.