Paramedic F.T.

JOB DESCRIPTIONGENERAL PURPOSE

• Provides compassionate Basic and Advanced Life Support paramedicine including medical evaluation, treatment and stabilization of the critically ill and injured; responds to emergency rescue situations involving potential loss of life or bodily injury; maintains self-control, manages and directs patient care at the scene of a pre-hospital emergency; provides training and instruction as a preceptor; drives emergency vehicles, attends mandatory training and performs other duties as required. Paramedics work continuously and in concert with the entire staff to meet the goals of our mission statement: "To help prevent loss of life and minimize the effect of injuries in emergency situations in a safe and compassionate manner."

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

vWorks under the general direction of EMS Shift Supervisor or designate; clinical care is reviewed as required by the Medical Director along with other physicians and health professionals with ultimate oversight and direction from the EMS Operations Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• From time-to-time may supervise others during MCI's or other public or private event assignments.

WORK SCHEDULE

• The per-diem position does not have a set work schedule and fills shifts on an as needed basis. There may be instances where you will be required to work past your normal shirt or arrive early for a future shift due to staffing requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs both basic and advanced life support procedures in accordance with the United States Department of Transportation National Standard Curriculum for Paramedics, with regional modifications by the PA Department of Health, Eastern PA EMS Council.

• Completes a patient care report on all emergency medical responses, detailing the nature of the emergency, medical history and the treatment provided, within a specified time frame.

• Completes daily shift responsibilities as outlined in City of Allentown Standard Operation Procedures for EMS and those assigned by the supervisor as needed.

• Follows all EMS SOPS, City Regulations, and abides by the provisions outlined in the Personnel Policy Manual at all times.

• Participates in in-house training/education meetings and events.

• During shifts, checks and maintains emergency medical equipment inventories and readiness of vehicles, including daily cleaning and decontamination.

• Maintains various shift records; enters accurate information into appropriate logs on a timely basis.

• Maintains all continuing education and skill competency requirements needed for medical command eligibility and re-certifications without lapse.

• Participates in precepting paramedic students (AEMS is a teaching organization and precepting and student guidance is a job requirement).

• Participates in chart audits and completes first level Quality Assurance tasks.

• Is occasionally assigned to stand-by duties or special events with little or no advanced notice.

• Keeps the building, resting quarters and work areas in an orderly appearance.

• Uses Body Substance Isolation equipment and maintains all required inoculations / vaccines.

• Dons and doffs appropriate uniforms, turnout gear and safety vests as required.

• Provide quality and effective customer service with courtesy and understanding to our customers, citizens and internal departments.

• Performs related work as may be required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Completion of a standard high school course, supplemented by course work in emergency medical and paramedic techniques, and preferably one year of field experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Certification as a Pennsylvania Paramedic with, or with the ability to acquire current medical command.

• Current ACLS, PALS, and CPR certifications.

• Valid motor vehicle operator's license with no DUI conviction(s) within the past four years. Must not have any felonies or drug-related convictions.

• No suspensions or revocations of medical command privileges within 5 years.

• Attend and successfully pass / complete other courses as determined by the EMS Bureau Manager. Courses include but are not limited to: Emergency Vehicle Operators Course, Hazardous Materials Operations, NIMS courses, Basic Vehicle Rescue, Advanced Airway Management, HIPAA, RedFlag, etc.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Complete and demonstrable knowledge of PA State paramedic treatment protocols as applicable to the Eastern PA EMS Region.

• Have and maintain the physical ability to safely and effectively perform the functions of the job as defined below. (Physical Demands)

• Ability to read, write and speak fluently in English.

• Ability to communicate verbally with patients, family and others in diverse cultural and age groups.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with other employees, superiors, hospital staff and the general public.

• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.

• Ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations.

• Ability to quickly perform the precise practical mathematical calculations pertinent to ratio and proportion of medication and equipment used in emergency patient care.

• Ability to perform a wide variety of limited mechanical work involved in the testing and maintenance of medical, vehicle and rescue equipment.

• Possess self-discipline, tact, and courtesy.

• Must be cognizant of all legal, ethical, and moral obligations inherent within the paramedic's scope of practice and federal HIPAA / Heath Laws.

• Ability to read a map and following driving directions quickly and accurately.

• Provide quality and effective customer service with courtesy and understanding to our customers, citizens and internal departments.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

• Requires the intensive daily use of mobile and portable radio communication equipment, as well as: Computer Aided Dispatch terminals, GPS receivers, pagers, personal computers, and cellular phones.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met and maintained by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform certain essential functions, as long as those accommodations do not impede the safety or efficiency of a two-person paramedic crew required to perform a routine standard of care.

• The National Standard Curriculum articulates the following: Aptitudes required for work of this nature are good physical stamina, endurance, and body condition that would not be adversely affected by frequently having to walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds. (250 pounds with two people) Motor coordination is necessary because over uneven terrain, the patient's, the paramedic's, and other workers' well-being must not be jeopardized. Further, in the environment of the City of Allentown, the fast-paced urban aspect of EMS requires that the paramedic be able to endure the physical strain of the job over a busy shift and tour of duty. The paramedic will often have to perform under stressful physical conditions multiple times during a shift.

As a non-inclusive list of examples, one must have and maintain the ability to:

• Safely and repeatedly lift the head-end of a folding stretcher (litter) with a 250lb secured adult, without assistance other than the second person at the foot end.

• Using a Stair Chair, safely lift and move a 200lb patient up and down a standard flight of stairs with the assistance of a second person.

• Using a Reeve's type stretcher or similar device along with a competent partner, safely carry a 250lb person for 10' at a minimum height of 33" (PA Department of Health EMT-Basic objective).

• Carry routine medical equipment such as oxygen bottles, heart monitors, stretchers and shift boxes/bags in two hands, to and from the patient's location.

• Bend and stoop, crawl on one's belly and maneuver into odd positions in an attempt to reach a patient who is entrapped or entangled.

• Be able to run in the event that you must egress an unsafe situation.

• See clearly and be able to read small print on medication containers accurately.

• Hear and comprehend instructions in situations that are loud or chaotic.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform certain essential functions, as long as those accommodations do not impede the safety, efficiency or effectiveness of a two-person paramedic crew performing a routine standard of care.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain emergency activities or concert events when noise levels may be loud.

• The work may be performed in tight places where movement is restricted

• The work may be performed outside, on highways and streets where traffic will continue to flow, in any weather condition.

• Work is frequently performed under hazardous conditions requiring rapid response and strenuous physical exertion.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

• Applicants are selected by a combination of a formal application, rating of education and experience, oral panel interview, reference checks, and previous medical command reference check. Job related tests may be required after pre-screening of applicants.

• The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.