Paramedic

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:                                                                                                                                     

Performs difficult technical and protective service work in providing emergency medical services to critically ill and injured patients under emergency conditions; does related work as required.  Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Emergency Services Captain.   Supervision may be exercised over EMT's and EMT-I's.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

Responding to emergency calls, providing emergency medical services and transportation; preparing and maintaining detailed records.

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Responds to emergency calls involving chest pain, possible heart attack, respiratory distress, unconsciousness, diabetic shock, drug overdose, drowning or other condition which might require advanced life support.
• Provides emergency medical care in accordance with established guidelines and written verbal instructions from physicians.
• Determines extent of illness or injury and establishes priorities for required care.
• Transmits vital patient information and telemetry data to receiving medical care facility.
• Treatment techniques include airway management, I.V. Therapy, drug administration, cardiac monitoring and defibrillating and electrocardiogram strip interpretation.
• Observes patient in route and administers additional care as needed.
• Inspects advanced life support and telemetry equipment daily and ensures proper maintenance and operating conditions and inventories supplies.
• Assists in cleaning and maintaining vehicle and equipment.
• Assists with housekeeping, station maintenance and routine office tasks.
• Conducts in?service training for other EMS personnel.
• Serves as EMS Shift Supervisor as assigned.
• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of emergency medical care techniques and procedures; thorough knowledge of advanced life support methods, procedures and equipment; thorough knowledge of medical terminology; thorough knowledge of the road system and physical lay-out of the County; ability to perform duties in emergency situations; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations with physicians, fellow employees and the public; ability to prepare reports.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by required emergency medical and paramedic training including NIMS courses and considerable experience in emergency medical services.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is very heavy work requiring exertion in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils.  The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.  Possession and maintenance of current certificate as an Emergency Medical Technician ? Paramedic issued by the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners and all other minimum qualifications for the position as established by the department.

Salary : $47,831 - $59,214