Paramedic

Performs difficult technical work providing Paramedic level emergency medical care, maintains records and files, prepares reports, and related work as apparent or assigned.  Work is performed under the limited supervision of the EMT-Lieutenant and EMT-Captain.  Limited supervision is exercised over EMT and/or Advanced EMT.

• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls to provide efficient and immediate care to ill, injured, or incapacitated persons, and transports individuals to medical or residential facilities.
• Functions within the scope of practice as defined by state, regional, and local regulations, rules, and policies.
• Drives emergency vehicles and operates equipment.
• Functions in uncommon situations.
• Checks and prepares vehicle, equipment, and supplies and maintains a response ready status.
• Observes patient responses and maintains accurate and complete records (written and electronic).
• Understands basic medical-legal principles.
• Understands body substance isolation.
• Participates in continuing training and instruction program by individual study of technical material and attendance at scheduled drills and classes.
• Adheres to Department and County materials, equipment, and uniforms, as required by policies and manuals.
• Performs general maintenance work and upkeep on vehicles, apparatus, equipment, and station.
• Performs other assigned duties.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of emergency care, including diagnosis, proper treatment and automobile extraction and transportation.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of anatomy, physiology, and chemistry in relation to the body systems.
• Ability to obtain information from individuals involved, examine patients and determine nature, extent, or magnitude of illness or injury, and select appropriate medical procedures to be followed.
• Ability to perform treatments at incident scenes or in specially equipped vehicles according to scope of practice and established medical protocols.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies in stressful situations.
• Ability to work with a diverse socio-economic population based on the unique situations encountered.
• Ability to deal with stress and death and dying patients. Complies with regulations on the handling of the deceased, notifies authorities and arranges for protection of property and evidence at the scene.
• Thorough knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Thorough knowledge of the street system and geography of the County.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports.
• Must be able to communicate and understand English verbally and written.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with other first responders, and medical personnel at treatment facilities, to obtain information regarding history of events, treatments provided, and information for the on-going care of an individual, and to arrange for reception of individuals at other medical facilities.
• Ability to portray an extremely positive department image and positive attitude to all personnel, colleagues and customers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, associates, and the public.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service skills and abilities.
• Ability to maintain a high level of personal decorum and professional conduct.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Must have current immunization/vaccinations records.
• North Carolina Office of EMS credential at a Paramedic level or the ability to obtain North Carolina Paramedic credential through legal recognition upon hire.
• Valid Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
• Valid certification in, or must obtain within three months of hire, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Valid certification in, or must obtain within three months of hire, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• Valid certification in, or must obtain within three months of hire, Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certification.
• Valid certification in, or must obtain within six months of hire, NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800.
• Preferred Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS) certification (or must obtain when directed).
• Subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, and post-accident).
• Must be able to work any shift, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.