EMS, Paramedic Critical Care

1. Performs evaluation/assessment of patients in an efficient and effective manner.

• Performs rapid primary surveys and accurate secondary surveys.
• Assesses and monitors pain. Uses and recommends appropriate pain management techniques.
• Makes appropriate judgments of patients’ needs, medical interventions and results.
• Reviews, discusses and implements healthcare provider orders appropriately and takes appropriate measures if there are questions.
• Recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, establishes priorities and takes appropriate action.
• Serves as a patient advocate.
• Demonstrates personal accountability in the delivery of patient care in a competent, professional and compassionate manner.

2. Renders emergency and non-emergency medical care services for Shenandoah Medical Center as a member of its authorized service program pursuant to the emergency medical care provider’s certification and under the direct supervision of the physician or registered nurses.

• Obtains information regarding mechanism of injury.
• Utilizes the Out-of-hospital trauma triage destination decision protocol.
• Performs all First Responder Level, EMT-Basic Level and EMT-Intermediate level emergency medical skills.
• Performs the EMT-Paramedic level skills identified in the United States D.O.T. EMT-P curriculum, as well as Endotracheal intubation; Pharmacological intervention; Maintenance and monitoring of intravenous infusion of blood and blood products; Tension Pneumothorax; Chest decompression; Cricothyrotomy and transtracheal insufflation; Gastric tube insertion; Nasogastric tube insertion; Rotating tourniquets; Urinary catheterization; and Intraossseous infusion.
• Provides pre-hospital stabilization of the severely injured patient consisting of assessment, extrication, initiation of resuscitation, and rapid transportation to the closest appropriate hospital.
• Provides medical services at the scene of an emergency, during transportation to a hospital, while in the hospital emergency department, until patient care is directly assumed by a physician or by authorized hospital personnel or during transfer from one medical care facility to another or to a private home.
• Fulfills the roles and responsibilities of a Trauma Team Member.

3. Responsible for maintaining ambulance in proper working condition.

• Assures that the ambulances are stocked and ready at all times.
• Performs routine vehicle, equipment and supply checklists at the beginning of each shift, maintain supply levels in each unit, when necessary.
• Keeps ambulances clean inside and out and garage area clean and clear of debris.

4. Communicates effectively.

• Conveys report on patient status and ETA in a clear, concise manner.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with other health team members.
• Identifies and recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition. Appropriately reports condition changes to medical provider.
• Completes proper patient reports after each call with appropriate signature forms accurately completed and signed.

5. Collaborates with healthcare providers to coordinate medical and nursing management of patient care.

• Promotes team concept through effective communication regarding patient condition, patient care plan and patient satisfaction with appropriate individuals that are involved in the patient’s care.
• Works effectively with ancillary areas as part of the team approach to patient care.
• Directs patient support team members effectively and appropriately.
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility in the provision of patient care.
• Informs and involves management regarding patient care issues in a timely and appropriately manner.
• Assists in making patient assignments, coordinating admissions, and meeting staffing needs for unit.
• Collaborates with the Care Plan team.
• Completes patient and family education throughout the patient’s stay and at discharge.

 6. Performs emergency treatment as required in accordance within scope of practice.

• Initiates or assists in patient care in an effective and responsive manner as each situation requires.
• Triages each emergency situation appropriately and involves other resources as appropriate.
• Administers and performs emergent care in accordance with the applicable patient population type which may range from newborn to geriatrics.
• Follows emergency policies, procedures and protocols in an effective manner.

 7. Performs and maintains documentation.

• Documents accurate and ongoing assessments of patient status that reflect nursing interventions, patient responses, patient teaching and status of outcomes at discharge.
• Completes shift end check prior to leaving duty.
• Maintain Paramedic CC, BCLS, ACLS and PALS certifications.

 8. Promotes and ensures patient and staff safety in all aspects of responsibilities.

• Administers medications, treatments and procedures in a timely and safe manner according to healthcare provider orders and nursing policy, including appropriate performance of standard precautions, using two patient identifiers, and performing patient risk assessments every shift.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics, transfer/lifting techniques to minimize fall risk to patient and injury to self.
• Implements infectious disease controls as appropriate including isolation procedures, proper use of hand washing and gloves.
• Follows proper procedures for wasting narcotics and disposal of sharps and hazardous materials.

 9. Performs other duties as assigned.