Paramedic

This position typically provides primary medical care to the residents of Berkeley County; ensures the safety and welfare of patients; and deals courteously and professionally with coworkers and the public.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• 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 paramedic. Emergency care may include computing amounts of drugs or IV fluids and administering them; applying knowledge of drug dosages, reactions, and interactions; performing endotracheal intubation; operating cardiac monitoring equipment and defibrillators; performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
  
  assisting in child birth; applying Kendrick Extrication Device (KED); operating a pulse oximeter; bandaging wounds; operating and maintaining all other pieces of emergency equipment which the paramedic is licensed to use in the State of South Carolina.
• Determines patient condition in order to decide upon appropriate treatment and/or to assist a physician in making such decisions by conducting a primary assessment that includes checking level of consciousness, airway, breathing, blood pressure, pulse, lung sounds, pupils, skin color and skin temperature; and by conducting a secondary assessment that includes a focused or complete head-to-toe physical inspection and asking the patient or other knowledgeable persons about medications, current medical treatment, and prior conditions or illnesses.
• Uses muscular strength, coordination and endurance needed for lifting, moving and restraining patients. Able to work in adverse weather conditions, including extreme heat and extreme cold. Able to work long periods of time in a standing position and perform well with little sleep.
• Uses aural keenness needed to evaluate physical characteristics of a patient such as blood pressure, crepitation, and lung sounds.
• Has the ability to function well in stressful situations to deal tactfully with patients, family members and co-workers. Able to cooperate and maintain a good rapport with fire, police and hospital personnel.
• Operates the ambulance communication equipment and communicates information in a professional manner. Relays patient assessment information to the medical control physician in a clear, concise manner and provides frequent updates as needed regarding the patient's condition.
• Follows the pre-approved BCEMS protocols and/or treatment orders of the medical control physician.
• Prepares patients for transportation by "packaging" patients through use of appropriate splints such as back boards, cervical collars, and head immobilization devices; by removing patients from vehicle wreckage; and by restraining, lifting and carrying patients to and from the ambulance or up and down stairs.
• Drives the ambulance to reach and transport patients as quickly as possible while protecting the community from accidents by following local and state driving regulations and BCEMS vehicle operating policies and procedures; by using various maps and directional guides; and by applying a knowledge of County streets, roads and landmarks.
• Records information relating to patient assessment, treatment administered, and any other pertinent information on the electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) and other appropriate documents in a clear, concise and timely manner.
  
  Ensures all billing information and signatures are obtained.
• Establishes priorities of care in a multi-casualty situation, and directs others to assist in care as needed utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS) as it pertains to BCEMS operations. Assumes a leadership role in patient care situations when working with an EMT.
• Checks the inventory of the ambulance at the beginning of each shift by visually inspecting and counting numerous items such as medical supplies and equipment. Keeps an ongoing inventory of equipment and supplies used during the shift and reports any equipment that is lost, broken or malfunctioning or which is not replaced during the shift. Ensures that the vehicle and all equipment is kept clean and in good working order at all times.
• Performs an…