Performs paramedic level life support, stabilization procedures, and emergency medical care in the Emergency Medical Services unit of the County.
 
An employee in this class performs emergency medical procedures at the certified Paramedic level, performing 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 unit and are responsible for the medical care administered to the patient. 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 a Shift Supervisor and is evaluated through peer review, conferences, observation, discussion of procedures at emergency scenes, and public feedback.

Responds to emergency calls in a an ambulance and performs necessary rescue work in accordance with established protocols for 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 approved protocols 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.; exercises on duty to maintain health and fitness.
Participates in community outreach programs to promote safety and prevention awareness and to provide information on EMS services.
 
Additional roles: With appropriate training and assignment, may serve as a Preceptor, serving as a mentor to assigned new employees or students completing clinical hours, evaluating competency and performance; may serve as a clinical coordinator assigning and tracking the assignment of preceptors to employees or students.
 
Additional Job Duties  
Assists with the direction and control during disaster situations.
Performs other related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of 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 employed in emergency care of patients and accident victims.
Considerable knowledge of county geography and locations of roads and streets.
Skill in recognizing trauma and signs and symptoms of medical emergencies to determine appropriate treatment.
Ability to recognize 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 respond quickly and calmly in emergencies and stressful situations.
Ability to safely drive an emergency medical vehicle in adverse conditions and according to motor vehicle laws.
Ability to communicate effectively in a tactful and firm manner with the public.
Ability to deal with stress and death and dying patients.
Ability to accurately record services provided on required forms.
Ability to work with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, fire, medical personnel, patients and the general public, and to work with a diverse socioeconomic population based on the unique situations encountered.
Ability to maintain vehicles, equipment, and facilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient contact.
Ability to meet health and fitness standards.
 

Successful completion of paramedic program and certification as an EMT-Paramedic including classroom and clinical time; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.