Paramedic: PRN

Firelands Health•Sandusky, OH

About The Position

The Paramedic is a PRN member of the Emergency Department team who provides care to patients with varying degrees of acute illness or injury. Under the supervision and direction of an Emergency Department physician and registered nurse, the Paramedic assists with patient sorting, information gathering, assessment, and intervention. The role involves interacting effectively with patients, families, significant others, and other healthcare team members while maintaining emergency-care standards and acting within the parameters of Ohio state law. Paramedics are expected to actively participate in the Emergency team and seek opportunities to contribute to patient care. The position requires a minimum of 24 hours per month, including 12 hours on a weekend shift. Firelands Health describes itself as a locally managed, not-for-profit healthcare facility serving the Sandusky Bay region. Its mission is to provide excellent healthcare, promote community wellness, and improve the lives it serves. Its stated values are Attitude, Commitment, and Enthusiasm.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited paramedic training program.
Current Ohio State EMT-Paramedic certification.
At least one year of experience in pre-hospital emergency care.
Current BLS and ACLS certifications.
Obtain PALS certification within one year of employment.
Ability to work with acutely ill patients, including in emergency situations.
Knowledge of equipment used in the clinical area, including awareness of unit-specific competency-based orientation, reference manuals, and consultation resources.
Ability to read and write small letters and numbers and perform complex arithmetic and financial application.

Nice To Haves

National Registry certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with patient assessment by gathering information, and provide instruction to patients and families at the direction of a physician or registered nurse.
Document patient information and care rendered, and communicate patient information to the healthcare team.
Perform life-saving or limb-saving measures; recognize cardiac dysrhythmias and perform ACLS interventions.
Intubate patients under direct physician supervision and at the physician’s direction.
Provide directed patient care, including comfort measures, non-medication pain-control measures, emotional and supportive care, and general information in response to patient questions.
Insert straight catheters to obtain urine samples or measure residual urine, and insert indwelling Foley catheters.
Perform and appropriately label 12-lead EKGs and initiate cardiac monitoring.
Initiate IV/IO access and fluid infusion manually or by infusion device at the physician-ordered rate, or initiate a saline lock.
Insert nasogastric or orogastric tubes.
Prepare wounds for suturing and prepare suture trays; assist the physician with suturing as needed; cleanse, dress, and irrigate wounds using manual or pulse-evac methods.
Apply commercially manufactured splints, slings, wraps, casts, collars, and immobilizers as listed in the job posting.
Initiate aerosol treatments per physician order and administer oxygen using the specified delivery devices as needed.
Assist with application of soft or Tuff Cuff restraints and initiate seizure precautions.
Measure vital signs, including orthostatic vital signs.
Obtain and appropriately label specimens for laboratory testing and send them to the laboratory.
Perform ISTAT procedures and daily quality assurance.
Assist with pelvic or vaginal examinations and appropriately label specimens, when the Paramedic is female.
Perform fingerstick blood sugar testing, assist with lumbar punctures, assess visual acuity, and perform eye, ear, and wound irrigation.
Set up sterile equipment and supplies for procedures and serve as a trauma/stroke team member.
Help maintain the unit by stocking equipment and linens, emptying linen bags, stocking suture carts, cleaning carts and patient-care areas, and keeping hallways clear of extra equipment.
Tag non-functioning equipment for Clinical Engineering and complete a work order.
Help ensure the safety of coworkers, patients, visitors, and self.
Charge for equipment and supplies and assist with ordering supplies if designated.