Paramedic #1835 - Emergency Medical Services - Public Safety Division

Hamilton County•Chattanooga, TN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responds to crises, disasters, and other public emergencies. Employees must keep their contact information current and be available for mobilization. During a public emergency, employees are required to respond when called, and work hours may be modified to meet community needs. Under general supervision, the Paramedic serves as the lead medical staff member on an ambulance or other medical transport unit, providing emergency pre-hospital care and transportation to critically injured or ill people within the limits of their license or certification. This posting is for a 24/72 shift schedule, with 1,872 regular hours and 312 hours of mandatory scheduled overtime annually. Mandatory overtime is paid at time and a half. Overtime hours are mandatory and may change according to business and community service needs. This is a safety-sensitive, in-person position. Applicants must pass a physical ability test, a written examination of medical knowledge and decision-making, and an oral interview. A federal NCIC background check and fingerprinting are required before accepting the position. Employees are subject to drug and alcohol screening, including pre-employment, reasonable-cause, post-accident, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing. Employees must obtain and maintain the required Tennessee certifications and licenses, including County-provided Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) certification. The work involves significant physical demands and exposure to hazards at emergency scenes. Employees must be able to function in heavy protective gear and lift and carry patients and equipment weighing up to 150 pounds individually or up to 300 pounds as a two-person team. The role may involve exposure to infectious materials, toxic fumes, chemicals, smoke, fire, adverse weather, traffic hazards, and risks of bodily harm. A NIOSH- and OSHA-approved respirator is provided and must be worn when conditions warrant.

Requirements

Must be at least 19 years old at the time of application.
Equivalent of a high school diploma.
Current Tennessee Paramedic License, or National Registry status and eligibility for Tennessee licensure before employment.
Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification and International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) certification or equivalent trauma training.
Valid driver's license: Tennessee Class D or equivalent from the applicant's state of residence.
Must pass a physical ability test, a written examination assessing medical knowledge and decision-making, and an oral interview.
Must pass a federal NCIC background check and fingerprinting before accepting the position.
Must obtain County-provided Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) certification and maintain it.
Must obtain and retain all certifications and licenses required by the State of Tennessee.
Must comply with drug and alcohol screening requirements for safety-sensitive employees.
Must be physically able to function in heavy protective gear and lift and carry up to 150 pounds individually or 300 pounds as a two-person team.
Must be able to work in adverse environments and tolerate the physical demands and safety risks described, including frequent standing, walking, running, sitting, lifting, bending, crouching, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pushing, pulling, and handling or grasping.
Must maintain regular and punctual in-person attendance and may be required to work holidays, weekends, irregular hours, shifts, and extended hours, sometimes on short notice.
Must be available for emergency mobilization, with work hours subject to change during public emergencies.
Knowledge of applicable Tennessee statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies, and procedures, and Hamilton County policies and procedures.
Knowledge of emergency medical response techniques, requirements, and activities, as well as record keeping and case management.
Ability to work under stressful conditions, receive and assess information, and make appropriate response decisions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other departments, law enforcement, and the public.
Skill in maintaining equipment, facilities, and operations; operating a personal computer and various software applications; and communicating effectively orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Remain ready to respond to emergencies during a 24-hour tour of duty and respond to emergency calls.
Assess emergency situations and determine the need for assistance and the most effective treatment method.
Provide advanced life support or other appropriate treatment, administer drugs, and perform appropriate invasive procedures within the limits of licensure or certification.
Advise hospital personnel about the patient's situation and transport injured or ill patients to a hospital.
Maintain records and files.
Maintain and resupply the vehicle and identify needs for additional or replacement supplies and equipment.
Undertake continuous training.
Educate and advise the public, medical professionals, and others about the role, capabilities, and responsibilities of a paramedic.
Keep contact information current and respond when mobilized during a public emergency.
Perform other related duties as assigned.