General Statement of Duties
The EMT-Basic works under the direct supervision of the Emergency Medical Services Captain. Considerable independent judgment, initiative and understanding must be exercised in interpreting orders, rules, and regulations in meeting emergency situations for the Emergency Medical Services Department, contracted agencies, and other city departments. Work is performed in accordance with established rules, regulations and instructions from superior officers who review work through reports, conferences, and observations of efficiency.
The EMT-Basic directly engages in the protection of life and property of the citizens within the Emergency Medical Services Department service area and the daily operations of all agencies directly partnered with the Emergency Medical Services Department.
Essential Functions
The EMT-Basic is required to work with minimal to little supervision, making complex decisions in stressful situations.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and prompt attendance, physically present to work.
• Performs daily EMS operations.
• Report to work on time and perform duties in a timely fashion.
• Operates ambulance equipment and responds to radio transmissions.
• Leads and coordinates the team responding to an emergency.
• Evaluates the patient’s condition on the scene and performs preliminary differential diagnosis.
• Attends to injuries or sudden illnesses by applying a variety of pre-hospital simple and advanced treatments (first aid, CPR, administering injections and oxygen, etc.) or surgical procedures.
• Uses tech equipment and tools to stabilize patients or provide immediate treatment.
• Monitors patient’s condition en route to the hospital.
• Collaborates with interested parties (police, firefighting unit, doctors, etc.).
• Writes and submits concrete and accurate reports on incidents.
• Adheres to established medical protocols and procedures as well as legal guidelines and health and safety standards.
• Keeps abreast with new treatment and medical procedures through continuous training.
• Ensures all City of Pharr rules and regulations are always being followed.
• Ensures all TDSHS / DEA / Federal rules and regulations are always being followed.
• Administers prescribed first-aid treatment at site of emergency or in specially equipped vehicle according to established medical protocols.
• Applies splints; administers oxygen or artificial resuscitation; treats and bandages wounds or abrasions; and performs other basic life support procedures.
• Stabilizes, immobilizes, lifts, and moves victims from scene of accident or catastrophe.
• Operates a specially equipped emergency medical vehicle in an assigned geographic area to respond to accidents or catastrophes and to transport injured or ill persons to a medical facility based on Regional Advisory Council Guidelines.
• Inspects specially equipped emergency vehicle, cleans equipment to ensure it is safe to operate, and replenishes medical supplies, fuel, and fluids.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Must have authorization to work in the United States.
• Texas Department of State Health Services Emergency Medical Technical – Basic Certification or National Registry EMT-Basic Certification.
• Must have 2 years’ experience as an EMT-Basic.
• AHA Basic Life Support Certification.
• Must have PHTLS or the ability to obtain it within one year of hire date.
• ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800.
• Requires the incumbent to hold current valid class “C” driver’s license from the Texas Department of Public Safety with a satisfactory driving record and valid insurance.
• Must submit to and pass an employment drug and alcohol screening.
• Must be able to pass physical abilities test/pre and post offer of employment.
• Must not have been adjudicated guilty or deferred for any charge of family/workplace violence.
• Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred.
Physical Demands
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of emergency medical services related equipment. Significant moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, and handling and pulling. Physical abilities include frequent heavy lifting up to 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 240 plus lbs., walking standing, pushing, reaching, and grasping.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a 48/96 shift schedule. Incumbent must have the ability to work flexible hours including holidays, evenings, weekends, and shift work. Participation in City sponsored special events, trainings, or meetings, may be required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge – Knowledge of administrative and medical procedures. Managing patient files and records, and other medical procedures and terminology. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, and their applications. Knowledge of computer software: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Power Point.
Skills – Using mathematics to solve problems. Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Talking to others to convey information effectively. Using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Possess strong computer skills, organizational skills, communication, and multi-tasking skills.
Abilities – The ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions. The ability to make sound decisions even under duress. The ability to handle high stress levels. The ability to learn communications codes and signals. The ability to distinguish between different colors. The ability to work with minimum daily supervision. The ability to work alone or with a team. The ability to obtain or complete training to meet job tasks at hand.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The city focuses on identifying candidates who are customer oriented and committed to public service to create a culture that is committed to diversity.

THIS IS AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDER AND SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION AND EMPLOYEES IN THIS POSITION ARE SUBJECT TO PRE-EMPLOYMENT AND RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY TESTING.