Community Paramedic
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 responds to calls involving overdose, mental health crises, or frequent use of the EMS system; examines, screens, treats, and coordinates health services; and supports patients through follow-up care, education, and referrals. The Community Paramedic also works with Post Overdose Response Teams (PORT), coordinates care with physicians, hospitals, community health care providers, and social service agencies, documents care, and helps maintain vehicles and medical equipment. Completion of an approved Community Paramedic education program is required within six months of hire.
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, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Completion of 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.
- Valid driver’s license issued by the state of residence.
- Knowledge of basic and advanced emergency medical procedures and techniques; emergency-care equipment and supplies; patient extrication, movement, rescue, transportation, and psychological needs; field life-support techniques; County geography and roads; pre-hospital and community paramedicine; and community health care providers, social service agencies, and advocacy agencies, including effective referral practices.
- Skill in diagnosing a victim’s condition and applying emergency medical care.
- Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergencies, safely operate an emergency vehicle, lift substantial weight, and deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the public.
Nice To Haves
- Crisis Intervention Training.
- License to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina, or comparable pre-hospital experience.
- At least one year of experience with Buncombe County EMS.
Responsibilities
- Perform all essential functions listed for EMT-Paramedic I.
- Respond to calls involving overdose, mental health crises, or high utilization of the EMS system; examine, screen, treat, and coordinate health services for patients.
- 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 a physician.
- Provide patient education on diabetes prevention and treatment, hypertension, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), falls assessment, injury evaluation, geriatric frailty visits, and nutrition.
- Administer patient care in accordance with department protocols and physician orders.
- Coordinate appointments and follow-up with physicians and hospitals.
- Develop and complete 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; submit timely reports to partnering agencies and protect patient privacy.
- Assist with inspection and maintenance of vehicles and medical equipment.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
