Paramedic

City of Suffolk•Suffolk, VA

24d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Paramedic performs emergency medical services response work, providing advanced prehospital medical care in emergency and non-emergency situations. The primary focus is patient care as the attendant in charge of an ambulance. The role includes performing advanced life support, operating associated equipment and apparatus, and maintaining knowledge of emergency medical services methods, patient care, and equipment use. The employee also inspects and maintains equipment and performs maintenance and custodial duties at the assigned fire station. The position reports to a Fire Lieutenant or Captain. The Paramedic responds to emergency calls, assesses and treats patients according to certification and established protocols, and coordinates care with medical personnel and other responders. The position also involves operating emergency vehicles, maintaining readiness of vehicles and supplies, documenting calls and patient care, communicating with the public and partner agencies, and keeping current with relevant procedures, equipment, training, and certifications. Duties may include related tasks not specifically listed that are reasonably incidental to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of pre-hospital emergency medical care at the Paramedic level, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities; this experience is stated as preferred.
Valid driver's license.
Certification as a Paramedic by the Commonwealth of Virginia or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Knowledge of hazards associated with emergency response and applicable safety precautions.
Knowledge of advanced emergency medical procedures and extrication techniques.
Knowledge of city street layouts, subdivisions, buildings, and fire hydrant locations.
Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Ability to assess and compare observable characteristics of data, people, or things; communicate and exchange information; read and prepare reports and correspondence; follow instructions; and communicate using emergency response codes and fire, medical, and legal terminology.
Ability to apply practical reasoning and mathematical concepts, inspect items, maintain reports, express ideas orally and in writing, and establish effective working relationships.
Ability to perform under stress and in emergencies, operate and care for assigned apparatus and equipment, take initiative, analyze situations quickly, choose effective actions, and perform prolonged arduous work under adverse conditions.
Required minimum certifications must be maintained, with records kept current on file with the Training Division.

Nice To Haves

One year of pre-hospital emergency medical care at the Paramedic level or equivalent training and experience.
Tidewater Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) released certification.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS or PEPP).
Hazardous Materials Awareness Course.
Emergency Vehicle Operation Certificate (EVOC).
Preferred minimum requirements must be obtained within 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

Respond to emergency medical calls and other incidents, following dispatcher instructions.
Maintain readiness for emergency response by checking and restocking equipment and supplies and preparing apparatus after calls.
Drive, operate, and monitor emergency vehicles up to Class 2; select routes and position vehicles and equipment safely and effectively.
Provide first aid, basic and advanced life support, patient stabilization, and other care appropriate to certification and protocols.
Assess patients, identify life-threatening conditions, prioritize treatment, perform triage and examinations, obtain patient histories, and record vital signs and assessment findings.
Provide paramedic-level interventions, including ACLS, PALS, trauma and obstetrical care, airway management, cardiac monitoring and defibrillation, spinal management, IV fluid resuscitation, bleeding control, and medication administration, as authorized by protocols or physicians.
Coordinate patient care and transport with medical personnel at treatment facilities and communicate with responders and other agencies as needed.
Lift and move patients between incident locations, stretchers, and ambulances.
Operate emergency vehicles, medical equipment, tools, and supplies, including equipment such as defibrillators, cardiac monitors, glucometers, pulse oximeters, and radio communications equipment.
Follow safety procedures, use safety equipment, and monitor the work environment for hazards.
Inspect, clean, and maintain vehicles, facilities, apparatus, equipment, tools, fire station quarters, and grounds; report faulty equipment.
Prepare and process patient care reports, run reports, forms, logs, billing statements, maintenance records, inspection forms, training records, and other documentation; maintain work records and reference materials.
Communicate by telephone and two-way radio, relay information and messages, and respond to requests for service or assistance.
Maintain positive public relations, provide emergency medical information and education, conduct public blood pressure checks, and participate in parades and civic events.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, policies, procedures, equipment, and professional practices; participate in physical fitness training, continuing education, meetings, workshops, and seminars.
Perform assessments and treatments under established protocols or as authorized or directed by online medical physicians and/or Suffolk Fire & Rescue OMD.
Maintain required certifications and current certification records with the Training Division.
Perform other related duties as required.