Paramedic - Emergency Department

POSITION SUMMARY

The Paramedic supports Health First’s Value Promise of Ease, Access, Convenience, Quality and Delight by performing patient care under the direction of and as assigned by the charge nurse, registered nurse and/or physician or their designee. The Paramedic delivers appropriate direct and indirect patient care in compliance with regulatory and department processes.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Completes twelve (12) lead Electrocardiograms (EKGs); initiates cardiac monitoring and performs venipuncture for testing.
2. Initiates oxygen therapy and administers oral and parental medications as directed by Registered Nurse (RN).
3. Inserts peripheral Intravenous’ (IV) and IO’s; hangs IV fluid without medication and maintains prescribed IV flow rates. Observes and documents condition of infusion site; removes IV lines as directed by RN.
4. Transports unmonitored patients to inpatient units as needed; transports stable (no blood infusion, drips, or oxygen >50%) monitored patients to Progressive Care Units (PCU) and med-tele units or accompanies RN when transporting to specialty units.
5. Assists physician or RN with procedures and exams. Applies dressings/slings/splints. Follows CDC isolation guidelines, demonstrates appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), performs hand washing according to policy and enforces safety regulations.
6. Serves as a customer service champion, and maintains room and work area cleanliness.
7. Administers Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) medications when licensed practitioner present at bedside.
8. Performs defibrillation and cardioversion when licensed practitioner present at bedside.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Completion of a Paramedic (EMT-P) program.
• Work Experience: None
• Licensure: Paramedic (EMT-P) licensure in the State of Florida.
• Certification:

1. American Heart Association Basic Life Support (AHA BLS) Healthcare Provider Completion Card prior to start date and maintained.
2. American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (AHA ACLS) Healthcare Provider Completion Card prior to start date and maintained.
3. American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (AHA PALS) Healthcare Provider Completion Card within six (6) months of start date and maintained.

• Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

1. Basic computer skills including proficiency with MS Office and other applications related to role.
2. Demonstrates ability to detect dysrhythmias and notifies the assigned nurse or charge nurse of abnormalities.
3. Ability to use critical thinking to prioritize.
4. Knowledge of regulatory requirements.
5. Demonstrates effective communication with other members of the health care team and promotes effective team functioning.
6. Ability to remain calm in a stressful environment.
7. Excellent customer service skills with ability to communicate effectively with a variety of age groups and other members of the healthcare team.
8. Ability to speak/understand written and verbal instructions in the English language.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification: Paramedic Registry from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physically agile; requires walking, standing, running, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, or crouching majority of the shift.
• Heavy work that frequently includes lifting or moving objects up to 100 pounds or more with or without assistance.
• May require moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces, including reaching out and above shoulders or overhead.
• May lift, turn, pull, push, or ambulate people and/or equipment with or without assistance up to 90% of the assigned shift.
• May be exposed to inside environments and outside environments with extreme temperatures, air contamination, dirt, grease, or water.
• May require working with biohazards such as blood/body fluids and airborne particles following OSHA and CDC guidelines.
• May operate various types of manual and motorized equipment used in the transportation of materials.
• May be exposed to intense noise or vibration and awkward or confined work position.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination to perform tasks.
• Workspace may vary from open to confined.
• May require travel to various facilities within and beyond county perimeter; may require use of personal vehicle.

ABOUT HEALTH FIRST

At Health First, diversity and inclusion are essential for our continued growth and evolution. Working together, we strive to build and nurture a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects the diverse voices of our associates. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more collaborative work environment that delivers better results. As an organization, it fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our associates, customers, and the communities we serve.