Community Paramedic

Buncombe County•Asheville, NC

5d•$24 - $35

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to provide non-traditional pre-hospital care to patients affected by substance abuse/overdose, mental health disorders, and/or with chronic health care needs.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by required course work in emergency medical techniques and a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a paramedic including at least one (1) year with Buncombe County EMS, preferred; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
Must be 21 years of age or older.
Certification as a Paramedic by the North Carolina Office of EMS and the Medical Care Commission.
Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the state of residence.
Knowledge of basic and advanced emergency medical procedures and techniques.
Knowledge of equipment and supplies employed in the emergency care of patients and victims of accidents.
Knowledge of procedures in extrication, movement of patients, rescue techniques, transportation, and psychological needs of a patient.
Knowledge of life support techniques of patients in the field.
Knowledge of County geography and of the location of roads and streets within the County.
Knowledge of principles and practices of pre-hospital and Community Para-medicine.
Knowledge of the role of various community health care providers, and social service and advocacy agencies within the community and the ability to effectively refer clients.
Skill in diagnosing a victim's condition and applying emergency medical care.
Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations.
Ability to operate an emergency vehicle in a safe manner.
Ability to lift substantial weight.
Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the general public.

Nice To Haves

Completion of an approved Community Paramedic education program within 6 months of hire.
Crisis Intervention Training preferred.
A license to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina, or comparable pre-hospital experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform all essential functions as listed for EMT-Paramedic I.
Respond to calls for overdose, mental health crisis, or high utilizers of the EMS system
Examine, screen, treat and coordinate health services for patients.
Function as a part of the Post Overdose Response Teams (PORT) to provide access to services for patients experiencing substance abuse issues.
Conduct post-hospital release follow-up care including, but not limited to, monitoring medication, dressing changes, and checking vital signs.
Observe, record, and report to physician, patient’s conditions and reactions to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
Conduct patient education, including diabetes prevention/treatment, hypertension, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), falls assessment, injury evaluation, geriatric frailty visits, and nutrition.
Administer patient care consistent with department protocols and physician orders.
Coordinate appointments and follow-up with physicians and hospitals.
Develop and complete appropriate reports and templates for the Community Paramedic Program.
Attending meetings as requested and available.
Collect, communicate, and accurately document information about medical care to further quality patient care deliver; complete and timely report to partnering agencies and assure patient privacy.
Assist in the inspection and maintenance of vehicles and medical equipment.
Perform other related duties as assigned.