Paramedic I

City of La Porte, Texas•La Porte, TX

About The Position

Provides Basic and Advanced Life Support, including medical evaluation, treatment, and stabilization of non-critically and critically ill or injured patients. Responds to rescue situations involving potential loss of life or severe bodily injury; manages and directs patient care at pre-hospital emergency scenes; provides training to less-trained personnel; and operates and maintains an assigned Mobile Intensive Care Unit and EMS Headquarters. The position receives general supervision from the EMS Shift Supervisor and technical and functional supervision from a Paramedic II, Lieutenant, and/or EMS Shift Captain. It exercises functional supervision over Relief Medic and Intern classifications. All paramedic positions except Relief Medic and Billing Specialist are designated Emergency Essential for civil emergencies. Employees may be required to be available immediately before, during, and/or after a disaster or emergency to perform duties related to those conditions, as determined by the City. The position requires maintaining yearly continuing education hours under current TDSHS guidelines and staying current with drugs and treatment procedures, as well as maintaining the ability to carry out standing orders within the Medical Director’s discretion.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Texas Department of State Health Services Paramedic (EMT-P) Certificate or Licensed Paramedic (LP).
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Possess, or be able to obtain within six months, an American Heart Association CPR Card and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certificate; maintain certifications through required recertification.
Maintain yearly continuing education hours within current TDSHS guidelines.
Ability to learn the geography of the local area; think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions and prepare concise, comprehensive written reports.
Ability to work safely under hazardous conditions and provide routine maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
Ability to work 24- or 48-hour shifts, including weekends, and be on call for 24 hours when necessary.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and others encountered at work.
Maintain sufficient personal health and physical fitness to perform the job duties.
Perform physical tasks including walking, running, climbing, crawling, lifting, pushing, pulling, dragging, and carrying up to 150 pounds; operate Advanced Life Support equipment, light rescue tools, and an emergency vehicle in city traffic.
Work in office and field environments with exposure to infectious disease, toxic waste, chemicals, dust/mites, fumes, odors, explosive, electrical and mechanical hazards, extreme temperatures, constant noise, heights, and trenches.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of emergency medical experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Render pre-hospital emergency medical care according to established medical protocols.
Drive Mobile Intensive Care Units to emergency scenes and transport accident victims and medical patients to hospitals.
Assist and coordinate with other emergency service agencies during rescue operations, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergencies.
Perform emergency medical treatment at basic and advanced life support levels.
Use safe lifting and moving techniques.
Maintain the ambulance vehicle and equipment.
Assist with training the public in CPR, standard first aid, and emergency medical techniques.
Participate in public health screening.
Assist Paramedic II staff with advanced life support functions and perform Paramedic II duties when needed.
Handle radio communications during emergency and non-emergency situations.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Maintain required yearly continuing education and stay current with drugs and treatment procedure guidelines.
Maintain the ability to carry out standing orders within the Medical Director’s discretion.
Be available for duties related to civil emergencies before, during, and/or after a disaster or emergency, as determined by the City.