Paramedic I

City of La Porte, Texas•La Porte, TX

About The Position

Provides Basic and Advanced Life Support including medical evaluation, treatment and stabilization of both non-critically and critically ill or injured patients; responds to emergency rescue situations involving potential loss of life or severe bodily injury; maintains control, manages and directs patient care at the scene of a pre-hospital emergency; provides training and instruction to lesser trained personnel; operates and maintains assigned Mobile Intensive Care Unit as well as EMS Headquarters; performs other duties as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from the EMS Shift Supervisor. Receives technical and functional supervision from the Paramedic II, Lieutenant and/or EMS Shift Captain. Exercises functional supervision over Relief Medic and Intern classification. EMPLOYEE STATUS All paramedic positions (except Relief Medic and Billing Specialist) are designated as “Emergency Essential” for purposes of civil emergencies and will be required to be available immediately before (Pre-Impact), during (Emergency) and/or after the disaster or emergency condition (Post-Impact/Recovery) to perform duties directly related to the emergency conditions, as determined by the City PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS For indefinite periods of time - mobility within an office and field environment; subject to infectious disease, toxic waste, chemical, dust/mites, fume, odor, explosive, electrical and mechanical hazards; exposure to extreme cold, heat, temperature swings, constant noise and heights; working in trenches; walking; twisting body; stooping; standing; squatting; sorting; sitting; seeing; running; pushing, pulling, lifting, dragging, and carrying up to 150 pounds; climbing; crawling; reading; decision making; reaching above shoulder level; using both hands for simple and firm grasping; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, in person and by two-way radio; fine finger manipulation for writing and typing on a personal computer; operation of Advanced Life Support equipment and light rescue tools; operation of an emergency vehicle through city traffic.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of pre‑hospital emergency medical care.
Knowledge of: Medical terminology and abbreviations.
Knowledge of: Advanced and basic life support and emergency medical techniques.
Knowledge of: Techniques of proper drug administration.
Knowledge of: Accepted Emergency driving techniques.
Knowledge of: Basic vehicle maintenance.
Knowledge of: All applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Knowledge of: Infectious disease universal precautions and decontamination of ambulance and equipment.
Ability to: Learn the geography of local area.
Ability to: Think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately.
Ability to: Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Ability to: Prepare concise and comprehensive written reports.
Ability to: Work safely under hazardous conditions.
Ability to: Work 24 or 48 hour shifts to include weekends.
Ability to: Be on call 24 hours when necessary.
Ability to: Provide routine maintenance of vehicle and equipment.
Ability to: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑employees and those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to: Maintain sufficient personal health and physical fitness to perform all job duties.
A minimum of one year Emergency Medical experience preferred and a High School Diploma or GED.
Possession of a valid Texas Driver’s License
Possession of a Texas Department of State Health Services - Paramedic (EMT-P) Certificate or Licensed Paramedic (LP).
Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months, an American Heart Association - CPR Card, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certificate.
Must maintain yearly CE hours within current TDSHS guidelines.
Must exercise professional initiative to stay current with new drugs and treatment procedure guidelines.
Must maintain ability to carry out standing orders within medical Director's discretion.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of one year Emergency Medical experience preferred

Responsibilities

Render pre‑hospital emergency medical care according to established medical protocols.
Drive Mobile Intensive Care Units to emergency scenes, transport accident victims and medical patients to hospitals.
Assist and coordinate with other emergency service agencies in rescue operations, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations.
Perform a variety of emergency medical treatment services at the basic and advanced life support levels.
Employ safe lifting and moving techniques. Maintain ambulance vehicle and equipment.
Assist in training public on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) standard first aid, and emergency medical techniques. Participate in public health screening.
Assist Paramedic II's in performing the full range of advanced life support functions.
Handle radio communication during emergency and non‑emergency situations.
Perform the duties of a Paramedic II, when needed.
Perform related duties as assigned.