Description
The Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic responds in emergency vehicle to the scene of reported medical emergencies, as directed by communications center. This position manages, supervises and is responsible for all aspects of patient's emergency care by providing efficient and immediate basic and advanced life support at the scene, in transport, and in the emergency room. This position provides emergency medical care at the basic and advanced life support level according to Indianapolis EMS practices, policies, and established protocols.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Responds in emergency vehicle to the scene of reported medical emergencies, as directed by communications center or instructions from a District Lieutenant or Operations Commander
- Manages, supervises and is responsible for all aspects of patient's emergency care by providing efficient and immediate basic and advanced life support at the scene, in transit to the emergency room in accordance with policies, procedures, and protocols
- Provides specific medical care in conjunction with physician, nursing and allied health staff in the hospital in accordance with established practices and protocol
- Calculates drip rates and drug concentrations, renders appropriate approved intravenous drugs or fluid replacement as indicated by online medical direction and/or established EMS Protocols.
- Document in writing or by approved electronic means all relevant information in a prescribed format (I.E. Run Report, ESO Report)
- Responsible and accountable for maintaining controlled medications (narcotics)
- Drives an emergency vehicle under emergent and non - emergent conditions
- Exercises independent judgment in critical, emergency situations
- Coordinates public safety personnel in emergency situations
- Attends continuing education, refresher courses, medical audit programs and training programs as required by IEMS, medical direction, or certifying agency
- Participates actively in continuing education and medical audit programs
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Indiana Paramedic License
- Valid Driver's License - must meet and remain in compliance with IEMS driver eligibility policy
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification
- American Heart Association CPR Certification
- Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification
- Continuing education to maintain required certifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Must have specific knowledge of:
- practical skills, theory and medical terminology involved in basic and advanced emergency medical care
- principles of human growth and development
- age-appropriate care (i.e. neo-natal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric)
- advanced respiratory skills including endotracheal intubations, cricothyrotomy, pleural decompression and breathing treatments
- cardiac monitoring and interpretation, defibrillation, and cardio version
- intravenous therapy, including peripheral lines, use of I.V., I.M., I.O., and Sub. Q medications
- indications, contraindications, side effects and dosages of all medications carried by the paramedic vehicle
Must be able to:
- work effectively under emergency conditions and stress
- safely operate an emergency vehicle in all weather conditions
- coordinate emergency care with EMT Basics and other Paramedics as well as hospital physicians and staff
- make independent and critical patient care decisions
- interact in a calm, effective and courteous manner with patients, public and hospital staff
- communicate verbally in person and via telephone and telecommunications mediums using the English language
- hear and understand spoken information from co-workers, patients, physician, dispatchers, other allied health personnel, bystanders, and public safety professionals
- read and comprehend written materials under stressful conditions
Must have:
- normal use of limbs, eyes, ears and voice required to treat patients and to operate sophisticated electronic devices
- excellent verbal communication skills
- high level of medical psychomotor skills and cognitive knowledge
- high degree of accuracy in performance of duties
