ED TECH III (PARAMEDIC)

Emergency Department Tech III (Paramedic) — Job Description

I. Position Summary

The Emergency Department (ED) Paramedic provides advanced, direct, and indirect patient care and technical support primarily in the Emergency Department and, as assigned, on the Medical-Surgical floor under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and Provider. This role emphasizes high-level clinical skills, rapid assessment, emergency response, independent judgment within paramedic scope, and maintaining readiness of equipment and patient care areas.

In a critical access hospital environment, the ED Paramedic plays a key role in supporting a small, high-acuity patient population with limited ancillary resources. The Paramedic enhances patient flow, provider efficiency, and emergency preparedness through advanced pre-hospital skills integrated into the hospital setting.

II. Core Functions

A. Clinical Assessment & Patient Care

1. Perform rapid triage patient assessments, including vital signs, focused histories, pain assessments, and clinical evaluations within the paramedic scope of practice.
2. Independently monitor patients at all acuity levels, recognizing and reporting abnormal findings, deterioration, or critical changes to the RN or Provider.
3. Initiate approved paramedic-level interventions per hospital protocol and under RN/Provider direction.
4. Assist with patient mobility, lifting, and safe transport within the ED, radiology, and inpatient units, acknowledging limited ancillary staff availability.
5. Provide patient and family support during prolonged workups, stabilization, or transfers to higher levels of care.

B. Technical & Procedural Support

1. Perform and interpret preliminary findings on electrocardiograms (EKGs); apply cardiac monitoring.
2. Perform phlebotomy, obtain laboratory specimens, and complete point-of-care testing (e.g., glucose, ABGs if trained/credentialed, urinalysis, pregnancy tests).
3. Initiate IV access and assist with advanced vascular access as permitted by protocol and competency.
4. Support emergency and trauma procedures, including:
   • Wound care and dressing management
   • Splinting and orthopedic immobilization
   • Hemorrhage control and stabilization
   • Assisting with airway management including BVM, supraglottic airway insertion, and preparation for intubation
   • Assisting with medication preparation and delivery as directed within scope
5. Provide advanced life support (ALS) interventions as credentialed, including medication administration per hospital protocols.
6. Actively participate in Code Blue, trauma activations, STEMI activations, and other emergency responses.
7. Assist with preparing and maintaining sterile fields and procedure setups.

C. Equipment, Room Readiness & Safety

1. Prepare, stock, and maintain trauma bays and treatment rooms, ensuring all supplies and equipment are operational and readily available.
2. Clean, restock, and reset rooms following patient care.
3. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot ED equipment such as monitors, suction, oxygen delivery systems, glucometers, and resuscitative devices.
4. Follow strict infection control, safety policies, and EMS/hospital regulatory standards.

D. Communication & Documentation

1. Accurately document assessments, interventions, procedures, and patient care activities in the electronic medical record.
2. Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, EMS agencies, and the care team.
3. Serve as a reliable and calm team member during high-stress or rapidly evolving situations.
4. Assist with coordinated handoffs to EMS, inpatient units, and receiving facilities during transfers.

E. Department & Team Support

1. Participate in daily department huddles, emergency preparedness drills, skills training, and quality improvement initiatives.
2. Maintain updated knowledge on paramedic scope, hospital policies, and ED-specific procedures.
3. Demonstrate adaptability, critical thinking, and teamwork in the fast-paced emergency environment.
4. Provide mentorship or support to ED Techs or EMTs as appropriate.

III. Qualifications

A. Required

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Current Idaho Paramedic License (or eligible for Idaho reciprocity).
3. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications.
4. Completion of hospital competency and orientation requirements for paramedic scope of practice.

B. Preferred

1. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
2. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
3. One year or more experience in pre-hospital EMS, emergency services, or critical care transport.
4. Demonstrated skills in IV initiation, EKG acquisition, phlebotomy, wound care, and airway management.

C. Skills & Abilities

1. Ability to perform effectively under pressure in high-acuity and resource-limited situations.
2. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
3. Strong prioritization, multitasking, and crisis management skills.
4. Physical stamina for prolonged standing, lifting, and patient movement.

IV. Working Conditions

1. Fast-paced Emergency Department and rural critical access hospital environment.
2. Exposure to trauma, critical illness, hazardous materials, and emotionally challenging situations.
3. Requires rapid, effective responses to emergent and life-threatening events.