Paramedic

General Definition of Work

Under general supervision of the EMS Battalion Chief, the EMS lieutenant, or acting upon their own volition, performs skilled and technical work in operating an approved mobile medical unit and administering appropriate emergency medical care to patients while in route to hospital. Work involves responding to the scene of emergency calls, applying necessary medical treatment to sick or injured persons, and transporting persons to the appropriate medical facility. Engages in administering medications, starting IV’s, obtaining blood, performing gastric suction, and placing advanced airways. Employees must exercise tact, courtesy, and firmness when interacting with sick or injured persons and with the public. Employee is responsible for performing in accordance with established emergency medical procedures and techniques; but must exercise considerable independent judgment in evaluating and testing victims, and in applying short-term relief. Employees are exposed to the normal hazards of emergency rescue work, including risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Candidate must have the ability to work extended hours to meet all operational needs.

Essential Functions

• Provides emergency medical care to injured, sick, or incapacitated patients. • Observes, records, and reports to the physician the patient’s condition or injury, the treatment provided, and reactions to medications or treatment. Performs first-aid and emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures such as airway management, and heart monitoring during ambulance transport. • Maintains familiarity with specialized equipment. • Operates equipment such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), external defibrillators, or bag valve mask resuscitators in advanced life support environments. Administers drugs either orally or by injection or performs intravenous procedures as required by medical control and NCOEMS. • Immobilizes patient(s) for placement on stretcher and ambulance transport using a backboard or other spinal immobilization device. • Responsible for understanding the geography and street layout of the service districts and surrounding area. • Drives approved mobile medical care unit in a safe manner. • Performs daily inspections of assigned vehicles, radios, linens, medical equipment, and supplies; restocks supplies as required to maintain operational readiness. • Determines that vehicle is in proper mechanical condition by checking items required by service management. Refuels vehicle and reports any unsafe operating conditions of vehicles and radios. • In accordance with local, state, or federal regulations, decontaminates the interior of the ambulance after every transport. • Attends mandatory continuing education programs as required by medical control and NCOEMS. • Attend mandatory training as required by Pender County Emergency Services. • Perform daily station duties; ensure stations are kept clean and orderly. • Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education & Experience

• Must possess High school diploma or GED equivalent. • Possession of a valid class C (or higher) driver’s license • Possession of a valid, unrestricted North Carolina EMT-Paramedic credential • Possession of a valid American Heart Association (AHA) cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Certification • Possession of a valid American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification • Possession of a valid American Heart Association (AHA)Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification • Ability to become released by Medical Director to operate as an EMT-Paramedic upon completion of preceptorship program. • NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 • Successful Completion of Candidate Ability Performance Test (CPAT) • Annual Successful Completion of Job Performance Ability Test (JPAT) preferred 

REQUIRED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR OF EMPLOYMENT: • Annual Completion VFIS Driving Course

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Two (2) years of experience as a licensed EMT-Paramedic

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform heavy lifting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, with or without assistance. Must possess the visual acuity to operate mobile equipment. Employees must successfully complete a Job Physical Ability Test (JPAT) on an annual basis.

There are a wide variety of benefits available to eligible Pender County employees. These benefits include: health, dental, vision, life insurance, optional life and disability insurance plans, flexible spending account, retirement program, 401(k) program, deferred compensation program, credit union membership and an employee assistance program.

Pender County Benefits Overview can be viewed here.