Intermediate Life Support Paramedic

PURPOSE OF POSITION

To deliver emergency medical care and safely transport patients requiring ambulance services, providing appropriate treatment within the authorised scope of practice to preserve life, minimise complications, and promote positive patient outcomes through professional and compassionate care.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

CLINICAL PRACTICE AND PATIENT CARE

• Apply sound clinical judgement in the assessment, treatment and management of patients, in accordance with HPCSA-approved protocols, standards and best practices.
• Deliver safe, effective and patient-centred care that is appropriate to the patient's clinical condition and needs.
• Administer medication in accordance with approved protocols, ensuring dosages are titrated appropriately to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome while maintaining patient safety.

CLINICAL CONSULTATION AND ESCALATION

• Seek guidance and consult with ILS colleagues, ALS practitioners or medical practitioners when managing complex, high-risk or challenging clinical situations.
• Facilitate appropriate escalation of care to support optimal patient outcomes and continuity of care.

DOCUMENTATION AND MEDICO-LEGAL COMPLIANCE

• Ensure all patient care records, treatment documentation, incident reports and related medico-legal documentation are completed accurately, comprehensively and within required time frames.
• Maintain compliance with organisational, statutory and regulatory documentation requirements.

REGULATORY AND PROFESSIONAL COMPLIANCE

• Maintain current knowledge of and adherence to the latest HPCSA-approved standards, protocols, guidelines and scope of practice requirements.
• Demonstrate ongoing professional accountability by ensuring all clinical practices comply with applicable legislation, regulations and professional standards.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

• Perform only those clinical procedures, interventions and professional acts that are authorised within the approved HPCSA scope of practice and relevant clinical protocols.
• Ensure all patient care activities remain within the limits of professional competence, training and regulatory requirements.

PATIENT HANDOVER AND ACCOUNTABILITY

• Ensure the safe and effective transfer of patient care responsibilities to appropriately qualified and competent healthcare professionals.
• Maintain accountability for delegated tasks and oversight of patient care when responsibilities are assigned to less experienced personnel, where applicable.
• Promote continuity of care through clear, accurate and timely patient handovers.

QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY

• Uphold the highest standards of patient safety, clinical governance and professional conduct in all aspects of service delivery.
• Identify, report and mitigate clinical risks to ensure quality patient outcomes and continuous improvement in service delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

PATIENT ASSESSMENT, CLINICAL MANAGEMENT AND PATIENT CARE

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and provide appropriate emergency medical care within the authorised ILS scope of practice.
• Apply a systematic approach to patient assessment, treatment, monitoring and reassessment.
• Deliver professional, compassionate and patient-centred care that promotes patient safety, recovery and positive clinical outcomes.
• Maintain effective communication with patients, families, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.

CLINICAL GOVERNANCE AND HPCSA PROTOCOL COMPLIANCE

• Adhere to all HPCSA-approved ILS protocols, clinical guidelines and scope of practice requirements.
• Perform patient assessment and emergency management using recognised clinical approaches, including:
• Scene safety assessment.
• Responsiveness assessment.
• Airway management and cervical spine protection where required.
• Breathing, ventilation and oxygenation management.
• Circulation…