Emergency Medical Technician

Overview

This position typically provides primary medical care to the residents of Berkeley County and ensures the safety and welfare of patients.

• Quickly assesses the nature and extent of a patient’s illness and/or injury and administers appropriate emergency care within the licensure and training of a South Carolina State EMT. Emergency care may include managing the patient’s airway; administering oxygen; inserting an esophageal obturator airway; operating automatic external defibrillation equipment; performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation; assisting in childbirth; applying a PCPD or Kendrick Extrication Device (KED);
  
  operating a pulse oximeter; bandaging wounds; and operating and maintaining all other emergency equipment which the EMT is licensed to use in the State of South Carolina.
• Determines patient condition to decide upon appropriate treatment or to assist a physician by conducting a primary assessment (level of consciousness; airway; breathing; blood pressure; pulse; lung sounds; pupils; skin color and skin temperature) and a secondary assessment (focused or complete head-to-toe inspection; asking the patient or others about medications, current treatment, and prior conditions).
• Uses muscular strength, coordination and endurance needed for lifting, moving and restraining patients; able to work in adverse weather conditions and for long periods in a standing position; and to perform well with little sleep.
• Evaluates physical characteristics of a patient such as blood pressure, crepitation, and lung sounds.
• Functions well in stressful situations, maintains tact with patients, family members and co-workers, and cooperates with fire, police and hospital personnel.
• Operates ambulance communication equipment and relays patient assessment information to medical control physicians clearly and concisely, providing updates as needed regarding the patient’s condition.
• Follows BCEMS protocols and/or treatment orders from the medical control physician.
• Prepares patients for transportation by using appropriate splints, back boards, cervical collars, and head immobilization devices; removes patients from vehicle wreckage; and restrains, lifts and carries patients to and from the ambulance or up and down stairs.
• Drives the ambulance to reach and transport patients as quickly as possible while following local and state driving regulations and BCEMS vehicle policies; uses maps and directional guides and applies knowledge of County streets, roads and landmarks.
• Records information related to patient assessment and treatment on the electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) and other documents in a clear, concise and timely manner.
• Establishes priorities of care in multi-casualty situations and directs others to assist as needed using the Incident Command System (ICS) as it pertains to BCEMS operations; assumes a subordinate role when working with a paramedic.
• Checks ambulance inventory at the beginning of each shift, maintains an ongoing inventory, reports damaged or missing equipment, and ensures vehicle and equipment are clean and in good working order.
• Performs an emergency vehicle safety and operational inspection at the beginning of a shift or when assuming control of an emergency vehicle.
• Continually re-evaluates emergency care knowledge and techniques and participates in BCEMS training to maintain proficiency and relic ensure requirements.
• Participates in public relations and public education presentations when requested; provides tours of facilities and vehicles, demonstrates procedures, and answers questions to increase public awareness of emergency medical care.
• Completes routine housekeeping tasks and other duties including cleaning of the ambulance and living quarters to prevent the spread of contagious diseases and maintain preparedness.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High School diploma or equivalent. Associate’s Degree in EMS or other healthcare-related field preferred.
• National Registry Certification or ability to acquire within one (1) year of State licensure; required.
• SC EMT Certification or ability to obtain reciprocity; required.
• One (1) year experience;…