Paramedic/AEMT/EMT-PRN

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides emergency medical care, both on-scene and during transport, to patients in the hospital's service area. These roles often involve direct patient care, utilizing basic life support (BLS) or advanced life support (ALS) skills, and working closely with hospital staff. The specific responsibilities can range from responding to 911 calls to assisting with patient transfers and providing specialized care within the hospital setting. BCH POLICY STATEMENT:

It is the obligation of each employee of BCH to abide by and promote BCH's mission, values, Code of Conduct, Standards of Behavior, policies, procedures and related practices. This includes policies relating to Compliance, Infection Control and Safety.

HIPAA SECURITY COMPLIANCE:

Boone County Hospital is committed to following all federal guidelines related to privacy and security. All employees will be held to the highest standard of confidentiality, and will be required to annually sign an employee confidentiality agreement that outlines the rules and expectation for every BCH employee. Failure to abide by these guidelines could lead to disciplinary action including termination.

Security Access: High - Incumbent has access to restricted or confidential patient information and must comply with the terms of the BCH privacy & security policies as it applies to their job.

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS:

Boone County Hospital has developed standards for behavior expectations of all employees. Please refer to the Boone County Hospital Standards of Behavior.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Additional responsibilities may be assigned

·        Facility, Vehicle, & Equipment Maintenance:

o   Ensure staff office, sleep rooms, and garage(s) are clean and organized

o   Perform routine equipment checks and vehicle inspections as assigned

o   Maintain ambulance cleanness and organization

o   Ensure adequate supply levels of medications, medical supplies, and equipment

o   Report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns immediately

·        Emergency Response Patient Care, and Transport: 

o   Respond promptly to emergency medical calls and requests for medical assistance

o   Assess patient’s conditions quickly and accurately in emergency situations

o   Provide appropriate emergency medical care based on training level and protocols

o   Stabilize patients for safe transport to medical facilities

o   Monitor patients continuously during transport and provide ongoing care

o   Administer medications and perform medical procedures within scope of practice

o   Operate emergency medical equipment within scope of practice and according to manufacturer’s instructions

o   Communicate effectively with patients and families during stressful situations

o   Maintain patient safety, confidentiality, and dignity always

·        Communication & Documentation: 

o   Review all staff communication tools at least once every shift (e.g. email, communication boards, etc.)

o   Respond to scheduling communications (e.g. availability, open shifts, etc.) as soon as possible

o   Complete detailed, accurate, and timely patient care reports for all calls

o   Communicate patient information clearly and accuratly to all heath-care team members

o   Coordinate with dispatch, law enforcement, fire department, and other emergency personnel as needed

o   Complete Payroll Book entries at the end of each shift

o   Complete all hospital required documentation in an accurate and timely manor

·        Safety & Quality:

o   Follow all safety guidelines

o   Participate in quality improvement activities and case reviews

·        Clinical and Non-Clinical Assistance: 

o   Provides clinical assistance, consistent with scope of practice, to other departments upon request

o   Provides non-clinical assistance to organization upon request (e.g. – security rounds)

·        EMS Knowledge and Skills Maintenance:

o   Maintains EMS clinical knowledge via continuing education

o   Maintains EMS skills competency commensurate with clinical protocols and certification level

·        Education and Community Outreach: 

o   Provides education and training for organization (e.g. AHA programs, etc.)

o   Participates in public health initiatives, education, and community outreach activities and programs

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

·        Certification and Licensing

o   Current State of Iowa certification as an EMT, AEMT, Paramedic, Paramedic-CCP, or RN Exempt

o   Current Iowa "Class C - Operator" driver's license with a clean driving record

o   Current AHA BLS certification

o   Current AHA ACLS certification (for Paramedic, Paramedic-CCP, or RN Exempt)

o   Current State of Iowa Mandatory Reporter training (child and dependent adult)

·        Education and Experience

o   High school diploma or equivalent required

o   Completion of state-approved EMS training program OR nursing program

o   Previous EMS experience preferred but not required for entry-level positions

·        Work Experience

o   Previous EMS experience preferred but not required for entry-level positions

·        Skills and Abilities

o   Technical Skills

§ Basic Office/Computer Knowledge - Using standard office computer equipment and programs

§ Medical Knowledge - Understanding anatomy, physiology, and various medical conditions and procedures. 

§ Teamwork - Collaborating effectively with other paramedics, EMTs, and healthcare professionals. 

§ Communication - Communicating effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals, both verbally and nonverbally. 

§ Situational Awareness - Being aware of surroundings and potential hazards, and responding appropriately. 

§ Situational Resiliency - Ability to work in various weather conditions and challenging environments

§ Emergency Vehicle Operation - Operating emergency vehicles in a safe mannor and with due regard

§ Patient Assessment - Quickly and accurately evaluating a patient's condition, including vital signs, injuries, and underlying medical problems. 

§ Emergency Medical Care - Providing first aid, CPR, and advanced life support techniques like airway management, oxygen administration, and medication administration. 

§ Equipment Operation - Using specialized medical equipment, such as defibrillators, ventilators, and IV equipment. 

§ Transportation - Safely transporting patients to medical facilities, monitoring their condition during transport. 

§ Documentation - Accurately and thoroughly recording patient assessments, treatments, and outcomes. 

o   Soft Skills

§ Empathy and Compassion - Demonstrating empathy and compassion for patients and their families. 

§ Decision-Making - Making quick and accurate decisions under pressure 

§ Problem-Solving -  Identifying and solving problems effectively, even in stressful situations.  

§ Leadership - Taking charge in emergency situations and leading the team.  

§ Stress Management - Remaining calm and focused under pressure and in challenging situations. 

§ Emotional Resilience - Coping with emotionally challenging and distressing situations

§ Physical Stamina - Maintaining physical strength and endurance to handle the physical demands of the job. 

§ Common Sense and Initiative - Exercising good judgment and taking initiative when necessary

§ Interpersonal Skills - Building rapport with patients and their families and interacting professionally with other health-care and public safety professionals.  

·        Annual Mandatory Education and Training

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:

 Physical Demands

  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  A. Activity Level

Percent of Time

  Sedentary Work:

Exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently.

50%

  Light Work:

Exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 10 lbs. of force frequently.

25%

  Medium Work:

Exerting up to 20 – 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 10 - 25 lbs. of force frequently.

15%

  Heavy Work:

Exerting up to 50 – 100 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 20 - 50 lbs. of force frequently.

10%

  Very Heavy Work:

Exerting over 100 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 50 -1 00 lbs. of force frequently.

0%

  Total:

100%

 B. Functions and Activities

  Key

  C = Continuous

F = Frequent

O = Occasional

N = Not Applicable

  More than 5.5 hours (67-100%) > 500 reps/day

2.5 to 5.5 hours (34-66%) 101-500 reps/day

Less than 2.5 hours (1-33%) 1-100 reps/day

Not at all or rarely

  Activity

C

F

O

N

Comments

  Waist to Floor Lift, 0-100 lbs.

X

Waist to floor lift of various equipment, materials, supplies and when responding to patients on calls ranging in weight from 0-100 lbs. up to approximately 18".

  Unilateral Waist to Floor Lift, 0-25 lbs.

X

Lifting of various equipment, materials, and supplies ranging in weight from 0-25 lbs. from approximately 14" to waist.

  Waist to crown lift, 0-15 lbs.

X

Lifting of various equipment, materials, and supplies ranging in weight from 0-15 lbs. up to approximately 63 inches.

  Unilateral Waist to Crown Lift

X

Not required.

  Horizontal Lift, 0-100 lbs.

X

Lifting of various equipment, materials, supplies, and when working with patients ranging in weight from 0-100 lbs. at approximately 18" height.

  Carry (Bilateral), 0-100 lbs.

X

Carrying of various equipment, materials, supplies and when moving patients on calls ranging in weight from 0-100 lbs. approximately 50 ft. May be required to carry while simultaneously ascending/descending stairs.

  Carry (Unilateral), 0-25 lbs.

X

Carrying of various equipment, materials, supplies, and when moving patients ranging in weight from 0-25 lbs. approximately 50 ft. May be required to carry while simultaneously ascending/descending stairs.

  Horizontal Push/Pull, 0-25 lbs. of force

X

Generating 0-25 lbs. of horizontal push/pull force for various work related duties at approximately 38".

  Horizontal Push/Pull, 26-100 lbs. of force

X

Generating 26-100 lbs. of horizontal push/pull force for various work related duties at approximately 38".

  Vertical Push/Pull

X

Not required.

  Reach At or Below Shoulder Level

X

Reaching at or below shoulder level to complete various work related activities. Reaching occurring in all planes.

  Reach Above Shoulder

X

Reaching above shoulder level to complete various work related activities. Reaching occurring in all planes. Reaching up to approximately 63".

  Elevated Work

X

Not required.

  Stooping

X

Sustained forward flexion of the trunk to retrieve various equipment , materials, supplies, and to position oneself to perform various work related duties. Sustained trunk flexion for up to 60 seconds.

  Bending

X

Repetitive forward flexion of the trunk up to 60 degrees required to retrieve various equipment, materials, supplies and to position oneself for work related duties.

  Twisting

X

Repetitive rotation of the trunk and neck to perform and position oneself for various work related duties.

  Squatting

X

Repetitive full flexion of the hips and knees required to retrieve various equipment, materials, supplies, and to position oneself for various work related activities.

  Sustained Squat/Crouch

X

Not required.

  Kneeling

X

Full or half-kneeling required to position oneself for various work related activities.

  Crawling

X

Crawling occasionally required depending on the location and circumstance of the call being responded to.

  Climbing Stairs

X

Climbing stairs required to enter/exit vehicle and when entering/exiting various locations during calls. Step height up to 19 inches.

  Climbing Ladders

X

Not required.

  Walking

X

Ambulating on both indoor surfaces and outdoor surfaces. Surfaces may be slippery and uneven depending on location and weather conditions during calls.

  Standing

X

Standing on both indoor surfaces and outdoor surfaces. Surfaces may be slippery and uneven depending on location and weather conditions during calls.

  Sitting

X

May be required to sit for prolonged periods when driving to/from calls.

  Balancing

X

Average level balance required to complete various work related duties.

  Fine Manipulation

X

Average to above average coordination required to complete various work related duties.

  Simple Grasping 0-25 lbs. of force

X

Gross hand grasping, with preferred hand of 0-25 lbs. of force to perform various work related duties.

  Firm Grasping 26-50 lbs. of force

X

Gross hand grasping, with preferred hand of 26-50 lbs. of force to perform various work related duties.

  2-Point Pinch, up to 5 lbs. of force

X

Pinching up to 5 lbs. of force with bilateral hands to complete various work related activities.

  3-Point Pinch, up to 5 lbs. of force

X

Pinching up to 5 lbs. of force with bilateral hands complete various work related activities.

  Lateral Pinch, up to 5 lbs. of force.

X

Pinching up to 5 lbs. of force with bilateral hands to complete various work related activities.

  Repetitive Hand / Wrist Activities

X

Repetitive bilateral finger flexion/extension and wrist flexion/extension/radial deviation/ulnar deviation to complete various work related activities.

  Repetitive Keying / Mousing

X

To perform various charting/documentation tasks.

  Operates Hand Controls

X

Operating controls on various medical equipment.

  Operates Foot Controls

X

Not required.

  Drives Car / Truck

X

Driving ambulance to/from calls.

  Operates Moving Equipment, Forklift/Skid Mover/Other

X

Operates gurneys when responding to calls (some gurneys have automated features to assist with ease of loading/unloading patients).

 C. Talking Required

Ordinary: Yes

Loudly or quickly: Yes

  Comments:

  D. Hearing Required

Ordinary conversation: Yes

Ability to hear alarms, radio/phone, and instructions from others: Yes

  Comments:

  E. Seeing Required

  Close Vision: Yes

Distance Vision: Yes

Color Vision: Yes

  Peripheral Vision: Yes

Depth Perception: Yes

Ability to Adjust Focus: Yes

  Comments:

  F. Elevated Work Required

  Comments: none

  G. Work in Confined Spaces Required

  Comments: none

  ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

  H. Environmental Factors

  Extreme Heat (non-weather): Yes

  Extreme Cold (non-weather): Yes

  Outdoor weather conditions: Yes

  Wet and humid conditions: Yet

  Quiet Noise, Moderate Noise, & Excessive Noise (Potentially = 85 dB TWA): Yes

  Vibration: Yes

  Hazards: Yes

  Comments:

         I.           Percent of Time Spent in the Performance of Job

Inside: 70%

Outside: 30%

  J. Percent of Time Spent in Temperature Extremes in the Performance of Job

Variable

  Comments:

  K. Atmospheric Conditions to Which Employee is Exposed on a Regular Basis

  Fumes: none

  Gases: none

  Dusts: none

  Mists: none

Poor Ventilation: rare

Vibration: occasionally

  Odors: occasionally

Other (Specify in comments)

  Comments:

  Personal Protective Equipment

  L. General

  Hard Hat: No

Eye Protection: Yes

Hearing Protection: Yes

  Steel Toed Boots: No

Chemical Resistant Clothing: Yes

Gloves: Yes

  Other: Various PPE according to hospital policy

  M. Respiratory Protection

  Dust/Mist Mask: No

Half-mask: No

Full-face Mask: No

  Powered Air Purifying (PAPR): Yes

SCBA: No

Other: Surgical Masks, N95 Masks

               EQUIPMENT/TOOLS:

·        Operate all equipment utilized by the Paramedic level person. Examples include, but are not limited to: Glucometer, B/P cuff, cardiac monitor, suction, doppler, medication administration, etc.

·        Operate a computer, electronic health record, Microsoft Office

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Typical work involves working pre-hospital in multiple settings, from mild to extreme conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Vision must be correctable to view computer screens and read printed information. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

Hearing must be in the normal range for telephone contacts and other conversations.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this job. It is not intended to be a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.