Job Summary:
The Emergency Department (ED) Paramedic provides patient care and performs unit activities under the direction of an Emergency Physician. The ED Paramedic works in collaboration with Registered Nurses and other members of the care team in providing direct patient care activities including clinical assessment, obtaining vital signs, and assisting patients in need of emergency interventions. This also includes, but not limited to, other activities such as coordinating equipment, providing transportation activities, and performing tasks specific to the department assigned.
The ED Paramedic interacts with patients, families, nursing, and a variety of interdisciplinary personnel and possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills, a willingness for collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, and clinical proficiency.

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrates NWH CAREfirst standards of behavior while working toward accomplishing the hospital goals: acknowledges customer, introduces self, explains situation, and answers questions in a warm and welcoming manner
• Prepares patient rooms for admission
• Orients the patient and family to the unit/room upon admission
• Keeps the patient and family informed of scheduled routines and activities
• Ensures patient safety and promotes comfort
• Assists patients with activities of daily living such as hygiene, elimination needs, ambulation, and nourishment; performs these activities for patients who are unable to care for themselves
• Obtains vital signs; performs blood sugar testing; measures patient's height and weight; records intake, output and amount eaten. Reports significant changes to the Registered Nurse & Emergency Physician as appropriate
• Documents patient data in the medical record in a timely manner
• Ensures a safe environment for staff and specific populations served
• Maintains appropriate situational safety standards, such as personal protective equipment and proper body mechanics during patient care activities
• Maintains annual job requirements/competencies such as mandatory education, CPR, ACLS, PALS and employee health requirements
• Establishes peripheral IV access and initiates infusions
• Establishes IO access
• Performs intubation under MD supervision
• Applies cervical collars and assists in patient immobilization
• Completes basic wound care
• Completes splinting for patients
• Inserts oral/nasogastric tubes
• Perform EKG's, recognize arrhythmias, and, under the direction of an MD, perform defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, and/or transcutaneous pacing
• Provide respiratory support, including oxygen administration via nasal cannula, facemask, nebulizer, and bag-valve mask (BVM)
• Administers select medications per the ED Paramedic Medication Administration Policy
• Receives and reports patient information to the RN
• Contributes to the plan of care through communication with the Registered Nurse
• Observes and reports changes in patients' condition to RN
• Transports patients via stretcher, wheelchair, bed, isolette, crib, or escorts to various areas within the Hospital
• Transports equipment, supplies, patient belongings, pharmaceuticals and specimens to and from other departments, as requested
• Ensures the CAREfirst standards of service excellence are consistently used to enhance the overall patient experience
• Maintains environment, supplies and equipment
• Orders supplies and equipment as directed by the manager or charge nurse
• Provides effective hand off to relieving Patient Care Assistant and reports off to assigned nurse prior to break and at end of assigned shift
• Performs phlebotomy procedures as assigned
• Greets, directs, and assists all persons arriving on the unit; answers phone; and receives and relays messages accurately and in a timely fashion
• Maintains a clean and safe working environment assuring a positive first impression of the area
• Demonstrates competence in all software systems in use on the assigned unit
• Acts as a liaison between the unit and other departments
• Orders supplies and equipment; maintains designated par levels of supplies
• Performs clerical duties related to admission, discharge, and transfer of patients, as assigned

Job Knowledge and Skills:

• Massachusetts Paramedic Certification (EMT-P)
• BLS certification
• ACLS certification
• PALS certification
• BTLS (Basic Trauma Life Support) preferred
• Must be able to speak and understand written and oral English communication

Education:

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Completion of accredited Paramedic Program

Experience:

• Prior work experience as a paramedic is required.