Paramedic 1

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Department

Paramedics

Job Summary

Under general supervision, provides advanced life support and pre-hospital emergency medical care to patients who are ill and/or injured within established protocol and medical direction. Transports and transfers patients and assesses the extent of an illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures to follow. Performs other emergency medical procedures during the ambulance transport. Performs testing of emergency equipment and maintains supplies. Provides pre-arrival notifications to receiving Emergency Departments, and communicates with Paramedic Dispatchers.

Essential Functions:

• Patient Care
  * Independently performs rapid assessment of emergency scene to determine the need for auxiliary services such as fire and police.
  * Demonstrates an awareness of a changing environment and is able to identify hazards.
  * Orders resources accordingly and accounts for all patients at an MCI.
  * Determines medical disposition of patients and medical facility used.
  * Secures patient into ambulance and monitors the patient’s condition en route to the hospital, providing continuous medical care and treatment.
  * Demonstrates a working knowledge of Paramedic Division Destination policies.
  * Upon arriving at the medical facility, reports observations and care rendered to emergency department personnel and provides an organized and concise triage report to the receiving facility. (25%)
• Documentation
  * Submits one complete trip report for each patient encounter, and leaves and/or transmits a copy of the trip report at the receiving hospital.
  * Demonstrates appropriate medico-legal documentation which protects both the crew and the Division.
  * Billing information is as complete as possible. Face-sheet to be included for in-patient transfers.
  * Submits Paramedic Incident Reports in a prompt, concise and professional manner. (10%)
• Evaluation
  * Evaluates the extent of illness or injury and establishes priorities for care following standing orders, or protocols, or as directed by the Denver Health base physician via voice communications.
  * Performs full and appropriate assessments with complete set of vital signs as indicated.
  * Demonstrates an appreciation for mechanism of injury.
  * Obtains appropriate history.
  * Utilizes an appropriate workup site, considering patient condition and scene safety.
  * Cognizant of scene times, taking into consideration safety, proximity to the hospital, and current call volume. (10%)
• Emergency Vehicle Operations
  * Maintains control of the vehicle at all times, allowing for the unpredictable responses of other drivers.
  * Uses appropriate lanes and speed with appropriate cornering and braking techniques.
  * Uses all emergency equipment in accordance with State and municipal laws and regulations.
  * Abides by standard traffic laws while driving in the non-emergency mode.
  * Maintains due safety when parking the vehicle at the scene of an emergency, and the use of emergency equipment while standing at such scenes. (10%)
• Equipment and Supplies
  * Ensures readiness of ambulance for service, checks mechanical equipment, performs routine preventive maintenance, tests biomedical equipment such as Lifepak and suction units for electrical charge and function, checks medical supply stock levels and restocks as necessary.
  * Inspects and reports any deficiencies to the vehicle braking system, vehicle lights and emergency equipment.
  * Assures that all biomedical and communications equipment is functional.
  * Assures that the vehicle is stocked with an adequate supply of medical supplies, and that dated supplies have not expired.
  * Maintains a safe and aesthetically clean working environment.
  * Is in service within 15 minutes of the beginning of the shift unless dispatch or a supervisor is notified due to an outstanding circumstance. (10%)
• Radio Communications
  * Responds to dispatcher to render pre-hospital emergency care and resuscitation to victims at the scene as demonstrated by keeping dispatch informed of the unit’s status and location.
  * Speaks with a clear, articulate voice; avoiding unnecessary comments of attitudes on the air.
  * Answers dispatch with an exact location and repeats trip and information back. (10%)
• Safety
  * Follows safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
  * Approaches all scenes and patients in a safe manner consistent with the environment and patient presentation.
  * Performs proactive weapons searches of scenes and patients.
  * Uses all means available to diffuse a hostile and/or emotional situation. If unsuccessful, enlists police assistance, and attempts to avoid physical confrontation if possible.
  * Uses appropriate and low impact means of restraint.
  * Performs lifting techniques with a low likelihood for injury to self or peers.
  * Utilizes “as clean as possible” techniques for invasive procedures and disposes of all contaminated materials and sharps in an approved method.
  * Follows up with the appropriate resource in the event of exposure to potentially injurious substances. (10%)
• Basic Life Support
  * Initiates life-sustaining procedures including advanced life support in accordance with current standards/protocols.
  * Demonstrates a working knowledge of the Denver Metropolitan Paramedic Protocols.
  * Demonstrates a working knowledge of the Paramedic Division’s Policy. (5%)
• Department Functions
  * Reports to work as scheduled.
  * Provides notice of request for use of unscheduled leave in accordance with Division Leave Policy.
  * Participates in Peer Evaluation Process when requested.
  * Complies with Uniform Policy. (5%)
• Support Functions
  * Participates in mass casualty management and disaster preparedness and occasionally assumes lead role in mass casualty events.
  * Provides necessary pre-hospital emergency care to the public in a variety of environments, such as sports facilities, Denver International Airport, and other public gathering places and represents the Division in a positive manner during special event operations.
  * Provides operational support functions to the Paramedic Division by orienting and acting as a preceptor for EMT-Basic students, paramedic students and new employees.
  * May, at the request of the Chief Paramedic and Medical Director, act as a field trainer for new employees. While in the role of field trainer, completes appropriate documentation for students and new employees.
  * Occasionally transports critical care and other patients into, and between, health facilities.
  * Assists in the evaluation of new equipment and medical procedures and the analysis of new drugs and medicines and prepares detailed reports.
  * Participates as a preceptor for students in the field and as assigned, may perform field orientation of new employees and interacts in a professional and educational manner with student and other third riders. (5%)
• Promotes positive interpersonal (customer) relationships with fellow employees, dispatchers, nurses, physicians, patients, co-responders, bystanders, students, 3rd riders and visitors. Treats these individuals with courtesy, dignity, empathy and respect; consistently displays courteous and respectful verbal and non-verbal communications. (0%)
• Adheres to, complies with and demonstrates support for the mission and values of Denver Health. Supports and adheres to the Denver Health Dozen. Follows established departmental policies, procedures and quality improvement objectives. (0%)
• Ensures confidentiality of patient information by creating and maintaining a secure and trusting environment by not sharing information learned on the job, except when necessary in the performance of the job responsibilities or to improve a patient’s care. (0%)
• Has regular and predictable attendance. (0%)

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Work Experience:

• Typically, one year of advanced life support ambulance experience.

Licenses:

• Current Colorado Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMT-P) Certificate issued by the State of Colorado OR Graduate EMT required.
• Must successfully complete certification requirements, as specified in the State EMS Rules, within six months of the successful completion of Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment approved training course to continue to function under the provisions of Colorado Code of Regulations: Rule 500, 3-CCR-713-6.
• Valid Colorado Class “R” Driver’s License required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Able to determine nature and extent of illness or injury.
• Able to make determination regarding patient status, establishes priority for emergency care and renders appropriate emergency care.
• Able to interact in a professional manner with other personnel and ancillary services with the patient's best interest in mind.
• Able t