Community Paramedic

Buncombe County•Asheville, NC

About The Position

The Community Paramedic provides non-traditional pre-hospital care to patients affected by substance abuse or overdose, mental health disorders, and chronic health care needs. The role includes responding to calls, assessing and treating patients, coordinating health services and follow-up care, and contributing to the Post Overdose Response Teams (PORT). The position also supports patient education, care documentation, and the inspection and maintenance of vehicles and medical equipment.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent, supplemented by required coursework in emergency medical techniques.
At least three years of experience as a paramedic, including at least one year with Buncombe County EMS, preferred; an equivalent combination of experience and training may be accepted.
Must be 21 years of age or older.
Complete an approved Community Paramedic education program within six months of hire.
Certification as a Paramedic by the North Carolina Office of EMS and the Medical Care Commission.
Possess 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 used in emergency care.
Knowledge of extrication, patient movement, rescue techniques, transportation, and patients’ psychological needs.
Knowledge of field life-support techniques.
Knowledge of County geography and the locations of roads and streets within the County.
Knowledge of pre-hospital and Community Paramedicine principles and practices.
Knowledge of community health care providers, social service agencies, and advocacy agencies, and ability to refer clients effectively.
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 safely.
Ability to lift substantial weight.
Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the general public.

Nice To Haves

Crisis Intervention Training.
License to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina, or comparable pre-hospital experience.

Responsibilities

Perform all essential functions listed for EMT-Paramedic I.
Respond to calls involving overdose, mental health crises, or high utilizers of the EMS system.
Examine, screen, and treat patients and coordinate health services.
Participate in Post Overdose Response Teams (PORT) to connect patients experiencing substance abuse issues with services.
Conduct post-hospital release follow-up care, including medication monitoring, dressing changes, and vital-sign checks.
Observe, record, and report patients’ conditions, reactions to drugs and treatments, and significant incidents to physicians.
Provide patient education on diabetes prevention and treatment, hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 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.
Attend meetings as requested and available.
Collect, communicate, and accurately document medical-care information to support quality patient care; provide complete and timely reports to partner agencies and protect patient privacy.
Assist with inspection and maintenance of vehicles and medical equipment.
Perform other related duties as assigned.