EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN-PARAMEDIC

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN-PARAMEDIC POSITION SUMMARY: Introduction The Paramedic has reached the highest level of pre-hospital certification. They are able to provide basic and advanced life support care in accordance with all behavioral objectives in the DOT/EMT Basic, EMT-I curriculum, and the EMT-P curriculum. Qualifications: Must demonstrate competency handling emergencies utilizing all Basic and Advanced Life Support equipment and skills in accordance with all behavioral objectives in the DOT/EMT Basic, EMT-I, and EMT-P curriculum. Successfully complete a department approved course and be certified/licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) as an EMT-P or Licensed Paramedic. Ability to communicate verbally; via telephone and radio equipment; ability to lift, carry, and balance up to 125 pounds (250 with assistance); ability to interpret written, oral and diagnostic form instructions; ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations; ability to be unaffected by loud noises and flashing lights; ability to function efficiently throughout an entire work shift without interruption; ability to calculate weight and volume ratios and read small print, both under life threatening time constraints; ability to read English language manuals and road maps; accurately discern street signs and address numbers; ability to interview patient, family members, and bystanders; ability to document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such; ability to converse in English with coworkers and hospital staff as to status of patient. Good manual dexterity, with ability to perform all tasks related to highest quality patient care. Ability to bend, stoop, and crawl on uneven terrain; and the ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture. Ability to work in low light and confined spaces. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: High School Graduate or Equivalent. AGE: Must be at least eighteen (22) years of age. EXPERIENCE: Minimum of one (1) year experience as an EMT-P and prior EMS experience recommended. LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION: Must have TDSHS EMT-P Certification/License and minimum of a Professional Rescuer level CPR Certification, ACLS/PALS Certifications and PHTLS or BTLS certification. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Demonstrated evidence of proficiency in the required BLS/ALS skills. Must have thorough current knowledge of medical/traumatic assessments, treatment and protocols. Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with fellow employees, hospital staffs, ALS units, fire units, rescue squads, police departments, communication centers, management, QRS service, neighboring BLS units and the general public. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to handle conflict situations with good judgment, professionalism and courtesy. Must have a working knowledge of the physical layout, street systems, and demographics of Mitchell County EMS coverage area (Mitchell County). DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: CLINICAL: Maintains personal knowledge and skills in order to deliver optimum patient care as an EMT-P role model for other emergency service personnel. Supervises the performance of EMT-P trainees and other observers on the BLS/MICU units. Safely operates vehicles of Mitchell County EMS in accordance with the current motor vehicle code of Texas. Stocks and maintains the BLS/MICU vehicles and its contents in a state of readiness at all times. Maintains the BLS/MICU building and its content. Maintains documentation of the same. Works in hazardous environments to insure safety and stabilization of the patient. Works with local BLS, ALS, MICU, fire and law enforcement agencies as a team for a coordinated effort on the patients behalf. Documents all patient care, assessments, BLS/ALS skills and all service reports in a timely fashion. Documentation shall be legible and accurate. Participates ACTIVELY in Mitchell County EMS QI/QA Program. Maintains crew vehicles, radios, equipment, supplies and quarters in a state of readiness twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. When approved and requested, participating in the training and evaluation of student EMS personnel. Shall be punctual and ready for their shift. To act at all times in a professional manner and shall be able to handle conflict situations with good judgment. Shall follow the Mitchell County Hospital District chain of command. EDUCATIONAL: In order to maintain their EMT-P/LP level certification, an Paramedic must complete continuing education that meets the TDSHS continuing education requirements. In addition to that, the Paramedic must be current on their CPR and ACLS/PALS certifications. Maintains functional awareness of all regional and local EMS guidelines/protocols. Documents all activities in an acceptable manner. Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrate experience functioning as a team player. Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills, which elicit positive and productive outcomes. Demonstrate philosophy of caring and compassion for patients, family members, fellow employees and community served by this organization while maintaining mental toughness. Demonstrate commitment to continued self-improvement, honesty, integrity and character, which reflects an atmosphere of professionalism in proving quality work. Other Significant Requirements: Maintain HIPAA required and all other confidentiality while working with confidential matters on a daily basis. Follow all policies and procedures set forth by Mitchell County Hospital District. Provides service direct to patients while maintaining a positive patient relations atmosphere. Other duties, as assigned by supervisor. Follows aseptic procedures and precautions when involved in direct patient contact or handling potentially infectious materials. Interacts with patient family, employees, and other departments is a considerate, helpful and courteous manner as observed by Nurse Manager and peers. Fosters mature professional relationship with fellow employees in a courteous friendly manner as measured by management observation and peer input. Participates in in-service programs, in safety, infection control, staff meetings, committee meetings, and assigned yearly education. PUBLIC RELATIONS: Participates ACTIVELY in public awareness and community education programs related to Mitchell County EMS. Maintains professional appearance of the approved uniform and maintains hygienic and grooming standards. Works on special projects as delegated by the EMS Director or Shift Supervisor. ANALYTICAL SKILLS: Must be able to collect and record data for use in the field and for computerized patient care reports. COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS: Needs to communicate tactfully and sensitively to the volunteers of BLS and ALS Units. Shall remain apolitical while representing Mitchell County EMS. Shall abstain from any and all political involvement with outside agencies while on duty or representing Mitchell County EMS. Must speak English clearly and write legibly. Must possess basic teaching skills. PHYSICAL EFFORT: Must be in sufficient physical health to be able to meet job requirements as an EMT-P or LP. Considerable lifting and moving of heavy patients required. Will need to extricate some patients in a hazardous environment. Work with present considerable hazards, i.e., explosions, anoxic environments, violent patients and potential fire risks. May be required to take physical fitness test or medical exams at Mitchell County EMS expense at anytime during their employment.