Field Paramedic Job Description

SUMMARY:         The Field Paramedic functions under the supervision of the Field Operations Supervisor and the Director of Operations.  The Field Paramedic is a certified health care provider who is responsible and accountable for meeting or exceeding the Standard of Care as outlined by the Oregon Department of Health and Rural/Metro Ambulance.  The Field Paramedic will provide ongoing care to these patients via therapeutic use of self, the established Prehospital process, the environment, instrumentation, other health care team members, and interacting agencies.  The primary objective of the Field Paramedic is to provide safe and expedient response to emergent and non-emergent call where patient care is provided and continued enroute to a definitive care facility.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilizes the appropriate leadership skills in managing, coordinating, and evaluating Pre-hospital care knowledge principles in order to comply with regulatory agencies, Federal, State, and company standards.  Utilizes appropriate leadership skills in delegating, directing, and evaluating students and new employees.

• Administers life support care to sick and injured persons in Pre-hospital setting as authorized and directed by physician:

• Assesses nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures to be followed or need for additional assistance.

• Restores and stabilizes heart rhythm on pulse less, non-breathing patient, using defibrillator, or as directed by physician.

• Monitors cardiac patient, using electrocardiograph.

• Initiates intravenous fluids to administer medication or drugs, or to replace fluids lacking in body.

• Performs endotracheal intubation to open airways and ventilate patients.

• Administers application of pneumatic anti-shock garment on patient to improve blood circulation.  Administers initial treatment at emergency scene and takes and records patient’s vital signs.

• Assists in extricating trapped victims and transports sick and injured persons to treatment center.

• Provides an environment and equipment conducive to safety for patients, family members, visitors, and employees, assesses risks to patient safety and in compliance with set precautions and approved standards.

• Observes, records, and reports to physician patient’s condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.

• May drive mobile intensive care unit to emergency scene.

• May serve as team leader for EMTs.

• May communicate with physician and other medical personnel via radio-telephone.

MARGINAL

·         Discard waste and trash into the proper receptacles.

·         Turn in and report all Lost and Found items to the On Duty Supervisor.

·         Use the spray washer, mop, and bucket to clean the unit at the end of the shifts.

·         Assist with the completion of appropriate forms and reports that are not considered essential functions.

·         Perform other job related duties as assigned by the General Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Oregon State Department of Health - Certified Paramedic

2. Oregon State Drivers License

3. American Heart Association CPR for the Healthcare Provider

        4.     Pre-hospital Provider Pediatric Course-Provider (Within 6 months of employment)

        5.     Emergency Vehicle Operator Course - Provider

        6.     Advance Cardiac Life Support - Provider

        7.     Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support – Provider (Within 6 months of employment)

STRESS FACTORS:

Occasionally:        Fatigue, intense tasks.

Frequently:            Repetitive tasks, high pressure.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Frequently:            Ability to lift, carry, and balance 75 pounds; ability to exert on a regular basis 50 pounds of force and at times up to 100 pounds.

Constantly:           Ability to bend and stoop, ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time, possess hand-eye-foot coordination and color recognition, good manual dexterity, with the ability to perform all tasks related Emergency Medical Services Duty.               

All Field Paramedics must also be able to endure the following weight scale as defined:

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Frequently:    Ability to remain calm in high stress situations and make good judgments, ability to be unaffected by loud noises, flashing lights and strobes

Constantly:    

• Must possess the ability to communicate verbally: via telephone and radio equipment.

• Ability to interpret written, oral, and diagnostic form instructions.

• Ability to work throughout an entire work shift without interruption.

• Ability to calculate weight and volume ratios and read small print.

• Ability to read English and converse in English with co-workers.

• Ability to read and understand road maps, discern street signs and address numbers.

• Ability to document in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such.

• Ability to learn, use and become proficient in all equipment related to patient care.

• Ability to understand and retain a multitude of instructions over a short period of time, and be capable of executing those instructions with accuracy, and in event order.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Occasionally:        Fax Machine, copy machine.

Frequently:           Telephone, vehicle lubricant dispensing devices.

Constantly:           Watch/Clock, medical EMS equipment and supplies, radios and paging   
        systems, and transportation devices.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Occasionally:        Exposure to infectious organisms and agents, exposure to toxic chemicals.

Frequently:           Physical and emotional stamina, heavy lifting and extrication in multiple scenarios.

Constantly:           Ability to work as a team member with staff members and other agencies,
       legible documentation, sensory skills to differentiate clinical findings, visual
       and auditory acuity.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Except where appropriate and conducive to accomplishing the goals and objectives of a particular task (such as in an emergency situation) the Field Paramedic will work in a well lighted area that is ventilated and is as physically and psychologically innocuous as possible under the conditions which exist at a particular time.  Because the essential function of the job of Field Paramedic may require exposure to hazardous materials as well as infectious waste, diseases, odors and other situations associated with health care, including but not limited to exposure to AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis B viruses involving Risk Classification Category 3 environmental conditions will fluctuate.  To be qualified for the position of Field Paramedic, an applicant/employee will have the ability to work in an environment conducive to caring for patients, with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to self or others.

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The statements in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to the classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  This document in no way constitutes a contract of employment.  Rural/Metro Ambulance reserves the right to modify job descriptions, policies or any other procedural documents at any time, for any reason without prior notice.

APPROVALS:

EMPLOYEE:                  _________________________      DATE:    _______________

DEPARTMENT HEAD:      _________________________      DATE:    ______________

GENERAL MANAGER:      __________________________     DATE:    ______________

H/R DIRECTOR:            __________________________      DATE:    _______________

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