Paramedic - Critical Care

Position Summary

Provide direct patient care under the supervision of UNMH Lifeguard Medical Director. Operates within scope of practice as defined by New Mexico Bureaus of Emergency Medical Services, UNMH Lifeguard approved Special Skills, and UNMH Lifeguard approved advanced patient care protocols and clinical procedures. Works in conjunction with Lifeguard Registered Nurses, Lifeguard Medical Director, or UNMH Emergency Services Fellows. Serve as a role model to promote a positive work environment and quality patient care.

Function as a patient advocate. Participate in research, quality, and program outreach initiatives. Ensure adherence to hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include Neonate, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, and Geriatric age groups.

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Provide advanced life support, including oral/nasal endotracheal intubation, needle thoracostomy, needle/surgical cricothyroidotomy, intramuscular catheter insertion, pericardiocentesis; perform 12‑lead EKGs and chemical blood glucose tests.
• Assess and monitor patient condition, and in conjunction with RN team members, devise an appropriate plan of care based upon information gathered.
• Perform POC and other appropriate testing as approved by Lifeguard Medical Director and New Mexico Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.
• Assess test results and laboratory values to adjust patient therapy within protocol guidelines and discuss with RN team members.
• Perform advanced procedures within scope of practice and authorized special skills, including operation of advanced equipment.
• Document all patient care and treatment rendered using Lifeguard PCR and EMR processes.
• Communicate patient information with appropriate healthcare providers related to patient assessment and treatments provided by the transport team.
• Follow patient safety‑related policies, procedures and protocols.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning current policies and processes.
• Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk.
• Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner.
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatments or situations that they do not understand or may “not seem right.”

Essential: High School or GED Equivalent;
Vocational or Technical.

Non‑essential: Associate Degree.

Emergency Medical Services.

Essential: 3 years or a minimum of 5,000 hours Pre‑Hospital 911 service, or 2 years Pre‑Hospital 911 service and 1 year in an acute care setting for a minimum of 5,000 hours clinical practice as a paramedic.

Non‑essential: 4 years and minimum 6,000 hours Pre‑Hospital 911 service, or 3 years Pre‑Hospital 911 and 1 year experience in an acute care setting for a minimum of 6,000 hours clinical practice as a paramedic. Previous Critical Care Transport experience. Bilingual in English, Spanish, Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo.

Essential:

• CPR for Healthcare/BLS Provider or Professional Rescuers
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification
• Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic License
• PALS or equivalent pediatric advanced life support certificate
• FP‑C or CCP‑C within 1 year of position
• NRP within 1 year
• STABLE within 1 year
• Valid New Mexico Driver’s License
• UNM Vehicle Operator’s Permit within 60 days

Non‑essential:

• One of National Registry Paramedic, CCEMT‑P, FP‑C, CCP‑C
• Instructor Certificate in courses such as BLS, ACLS, PALS, etc.

Very Heavy Work:
Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work. Maximum weight 225 pounds, ability to climb, squat, carry a 30‑pound bag, ability to lift 200‑pound patient on backboard with one other person.

• Significant Hazard:
  Chemicals, biohazardous materials requiring PPE
• Work environment is helicopter, airplane, or ground ambulance
• Working in confined space or unusual positions
• Subject to random alcohol and substance testing
• May be required to travel to various work sites
• Must perform on‑call duties or may be required to do so
• May work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Health Care Provider

Hospitals and Health Care