Paramedic

Wilson County Government•1817 Glendale Dr. Wilson, NC

21d•Onsite

About The Position

A North Carolina Paramedic provides emergency medical care to individuals in urgent situations, responding to 911 calls and transporting patients to healthcare facilities. They assess patient conditions, administer life-saving treatments, and work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes. Paramedics are trained to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, including trauma, cardiac issues, and respiratory distress. They maintain equipment, document patient care, and follow state and federal protocols. The role requires strong medical knowledge, quick decision-making skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure in high-stress environments.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Moderate experience in emergency medical care, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina
Credentialed by the North Carolina Office of EMS as an Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic and approved by the Emergency Medical Services Director to practice.
Completion of additional course work and/or certification as determined necessary by the Emergency Medical Services Director.
Ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
Ability to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Ability to lift at least 200 pounds with a partner.
Lift and carry appropriate emergency bags weighing up to 50 lbs. each and use proper carrying techniques when loading and unloading a patient in various environments.
Ability to carry appropriate EMS bags and equipment to manage an emergency situation.
Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.
Ability to complete patient care reports utilizing appropriate grammar and mathematical computations.
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to apply considerable independent judgment and to perform effectively under stressful situations and emergency situations.
Possesses the cognitive abilities and skills to adapt to varying geographical assignments based on emergency.
Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.
Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including medical terminology and emergency response codes.
Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; to multiply and divide; to calculate decimals and percentages; to interpret graphs; to perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots, and polynomials.
Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.
Possesses visual acuity to operate an emergency medical ambulance or other vehicles and distinguish detail and differences when observing people, places and things on medical emergency calls.
Ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using emergency medical equipment and hand tools.
Operate an ambulance during a 12 or 24-hour shift; in emergency situations involving congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.
Ability to handle a variety of items such as emergency medical equipment and hand tools.
Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Ability to perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters by administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying patients away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.
Ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
Ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
Must be able to communicate via a telephone and two-way radio.
Ability to communicate effectively and coherently over EMS radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
Ability to gather information for patient records by interviewing and obtaining the statements of patients and witnesses.
Considerable knowledge of basic and advanced emergency medical procedures and techniques.
Considerable knowledge of equipment and supplies employed in the emergency care of patients and victims of accidents.
Considerable knowledge of procedures of extrication, movement of patients, rescue techniques, transportation and psychological needs of a patient.
Working knowledge of County geography and of the location of medical facilities and roads and streets within the County.
Working knowledge of radio communications equipment.
Skill in evaluating a patient's condition and applying appropriate emergency medical care.
Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations.
Ability to deal tactfully, courteously and firmly with the general public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Will limit access to protected health information (PHI) to the information reasonably necessary to do the job.
Will share information only on a need to know basis for work purposes.

Responsibilities

Respond to Emergency Calls: Quickly responding to emergency calls, often involving accidents, medical crises, or other urgent situations. Assess the scene for safety, determine the severity of the situation, and provide immediate care as necessary.
Assess and Monitor Patients: Evaluate patients' conditions, taking vital signs and identifying symptoms to determine the severity of illness or injury. Prioritize care based on the patient’s needs and severity. Continuously monitor vital signs and adjust treatments as necessary.
Administer Emergency Medical Treatment: Perform life-saving procedures, such as administering medications, intravenous fluids, and oxygen. Perform advanced airway management, such as intubation, and provide CPR. Stabilize patients before transporting them to medical facilities.
Transport Patients to Medical Facilities: Safely transport patients to hospitals or other medical centers, ensuring patient comfort and stability during the journey. Continue to monitor and provide care while en route. Communicate effectively with hospital staff.
Operate and Maintain Equipment: Ensure the operation and maintenance of emergency medical equipment, such as defibrillators, ventilators, and monitoring devices. Ensure all equipment is properly sanitized, functional, and stocked with necessary supplies.
Document Patient Care: Accurately and detailedly document all treatments, observations, and actions taken during patient care and transport. This documentation is vital for legal, medical, and billing purposes.
Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Relay critical patient information to receiving medical staff at hospitals or care facilities. Collaborate with other emergency responders and agencies.
Provide Emotional Support: Offer emotional support to patients and their families during stressful situations. Provide reassurance, answer questions, and maintain a compassionate demeanor.
Follow Protocols and Regulations: Adhere to all local, state, and federal guidelines, including those set by the North Carolina Office of EMS. Ensure compliance with patient care, confidentiality, and transport protocols.
Continuing Education and Training: Stay current with medical advancements and maintain certifications through ongoing education and training. Participate in regular drills, skill refreshers, and knowledge updates.
Maintain Professionalism and Teamwork: Maintain a high level of professionalism, especially in challenging and emotionally charged environments. Work closely with fellow emergency responders, hospital staff, and other healthcare professionals.
Performs other related work as required.