GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The primary purpose of the paramedic is the response, assessment, triage, treatment, and transport of victims of accidents, injuries, medical emergencies; and other duties as assigned. This position requires that the employee must have proficiency in the entire continuum of medical, cardiac, and traumatic injuries for adult and pediatric to ensure that the department's services are provided on a 24 hour basis.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Employees in this class provides rapid response to varying citizen request and emergencies, which result in the assessment of victims of accident/injury or medical condition and provides basic and advanced life support treatment. Provides for the safe transport of patients to local medical facilities, and provides medical documentation of medical assessment, treatment, and response to interventions. Prepares and maintains equipment for response to emergencies, as well as developments to ensure system coverage and timely response. Interacts with the general public, patients, medical professionals, and public safety personnel extensively in a multitude of situations, many of which are high stress and potentially life threatening. Assist with Public Health emergencies as needed including vaccinations, mass prophylaxis, and staffing mass clinics as needed and available. This includes distribution of antibiotics, vaccinations such as seasonal influenza, H1N1, and any other vaccinations deemed appropriate by the health department. This position is subject to mutual aid request and out of county deployment for mass casualty, mass gathering, or disaster response. Performs other duties as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Checks condition and function of all vehicle systems and equipment at start of shift.
• Checks inventory and expiration dates of all medical supplies in med boxes and vehicular storage compartments.
• Responds to emergency calls for medical assistance as either the driver or the attender.
• Evaluates situation upon arrival on scene and prioritizes patient treatment/rescue activities.
• Renders appropriate medical care at the required level: basic, intermediate, or advanced.
• Administers IV solutions of DSW, 0.9% NACL, Lactated Ringers, and Lactated Ringers and when D5W appropriate and indicated by patient condition.
• Performs primary and secondary survey and treatment, and gets patient history if possible.
• Uses prescribed tools and techniques for safe, quick extrication of entrapped patients.
• Transports patients to the requested or appropriate medical facility.
• Constantly observes patient enroute to medical facility, records changes in condition or vital signs, and administers additional care as needed or as directed by emergency room MICN (Mobile Intensive Care Nurse) or physician.
• Delivers patient to Emergency Room or other staff upon arrival and reports verbally and in writing all observations, initial care, equipment used, changes in patient during transport, and additional care provided enroute.
• Resupplies unit with necessary medical supplies before placing unit back in service.
• Completes all manual and computerized forms and reports, such as Ambulance Call Report, Driver Checksheet, Attendant Checksheet, etc.
• Performs general base duties such as washing vehicles, cleaning the bay, cleaning and waxing floors, etc.
• Studies street and road maps and networks for most efficient routes to possible emergency call locations.
• Reports to base by radio any new street repairs, detours, etc. not previously listed on street condition list.
• Helps train and evaluate new or lower level employees in Guilford County techniques, standards, equipment, etc. and completes daily evaluation form on their performance.
• Participates in both ongoing and special training classes on new techniques, advanced techniques, new equipment, new medicines or drugs, new protocols or standing- etc.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of a variety of emergency medical procedures and techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of a variety of medical supplies, drugs, solutions, and equipment used in emergency medical care.
• Considerable knowledge of city and county geography and the location of roads and streets within the county.
• Good knowledge of radio communications equipment operation and procedures.
• Considerable skills in diagnosing and treating patients in need of emergency medical care.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations.
• Ability to train and evaluate the performance of new or lower level Emergency Medical Technicians.
• Ability to function with a high degree of independence and confidence while assigned to a remote one-person Medic Unit.
• Ability to safely drive an ambulance at high rates of speed.
• Ability to lift and manipulate substantial weights in the performance of duties, whether patients, equipment and tools, or medical supplies.
• Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with patients, family members, and bystanders.
• Ability to work closely and cooperatively with coworkers, law enforcement personnel, and on-scene staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a high school graduate or have a GED.
• Must be credentialed as a North Carolina Paramedic or have the ability to obtain a North Carolina Paramedic credential through reciprocity.
• Must maintain a current, valid DMV operator’s license.
• Must have experience directly related to emergency medical services.

Applicants must complete the following pre-employment steps:

• Submit Official Transcript (High School or College)
• Physical Agility Testing
• Online Personal History Questionnaire
• Drug Screening
• National Background Check
• Driving Record Check
• Physical with Cone Health
• Psychological Testing with LESI
• E-Reference Checks

Note: Applicants must attach a copy conferred degree or an unofficial transcript to their application before submitting. Failure to include this documentation may result in the delay of your application process. An official transcript will be required no later than the date of hire.

Special Requirements

Must have current certification in the following: ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support BTLS Basic Trauma Life Support BCLS Basic Cardiac Life Support PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support Hazmat Hazardous Material Operation level training

Driving is Essential
Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.