PARAMEDIC

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Brief Summary:

Paramedics are required to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls as dispatched and assess situations, establish control, and prioritize and initiate appropriate action based on presenting conditions which may include (but are not limited to) providing basic and advanced life support care and transportation for the sick and injured.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Drive and operate an ambulance or other emergency vehicle.

Respond to medical/trauma emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents, disasters, multi-casualty situations and/or all other types of emergencies. 

Evaluate presenting situations, identify mechanisms of injury, conduct triage, evaluate the need for additional resources, ensure scene safety.

Conduct thorough patient assessments and examinations.

Treat the illness and/or injuries of adult and pediatric patients while operating within the parameters defined by the Medical Director and the Department of Health.  This may include (but is not limited to) airway maintenance, suctioning, oxygen administration, CPR, application of MAST trousers, assisting childbirth, fracture stabilization, and emergency care for bleeding, wounds, and shock.  Paramedics, under medical direction, may perform advanced procedures such as intravenous therapy, intraosseous infusions, EKG monitoring and interpretation, administration of emergency medications, endotracheal intubation, needle cricothyroidotomy, chest decompressions, blood glucose analysis, and cardiac defibrillation/pacing.

Respond to requests for emergency, non-emergency, or inter-facility transports at Eastern Area contracted facilities or affiliates and provide prompt, courteous, and quality patient care, while maintaining high standards of excellent customer service.

Prepare accurate and complete reports and documents with respect to work operations, including (but not limited to) trip sheets/patient care reports, billing and insurance documents, vehicle check lists, and incident reports.

Assume responsibility for crew actions when senior, most qualified person on crew.  Assume responsibility on a rotating basis when crew members have equivalent qualifications.

Perform orientation and training functions according to ability and experience as directed by supervision.

Attend mandatory training sessions.

Perform vehicle and equipment checks.

Maintain vehicles and equipment.

Restock supplies and equipment.

Clean and decontaminate vehicles and equipment.

Maintain professional appearance.

Maintain a clean work environment, including vehicles and stations.

Assist in community oriented activities such as blood pressure clinics, public education, etc.

Perform other duties as assigned.

 

License/Certification and Education Required:

Must be 18 years of age or older.

High school diploma or GED.

Pennsylvania state certifications:

         -         EMT-P

         -         BCLS for Healthcare Providers

         -         ACLS

         -         PALS

         -         BTLS or PHTLS

Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course (EVOC).

Eligible for Medical Command within the UPMC Health System and Ohio Valley General Hospital Medical Command Systems. 

 

Experience and Skills Required:

Must be able to pass the physical capabilities test prior to employment and upon return to work after illness, injury or leave of absence.

Ability to think and act quickly in emergencies. 

Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.

Ability to effectively communicate orally to individuals and groups.

Ability to proficiently operate a personal computer.

Ability to work varied shift assignments and holidays.

Ability to work beyond the end of the scheduled shift until properly relieved or until work conditions permit release from duty.

Ability to work in hazardous environments, some of which include: adverse weather conditions, man-made hazards, environmental hazards, blood and air borne contamination, violent or deranged persons, domestic violence situations, and other crime scenes.

Ability to lift and transport patients that may weigh in excess of 200 pounds both indoors and out.

Ability to produce written documents and reports using proper grammar and punctuation.

Ability to deal courteously and effectively with members of the public, co-workers, and members of other public safety agencies. 

 

Job Hazards:

Blood and air borne pathogens.

Lifting injuries.

Others dependent upon environment.