Behavioral Health Paramedic

Paramedic

Provides basic and advanced emergency medical treatment and assistance from the Behavioral Response Unit (BRU) to people experiencing mental health and substance use crises.

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Assesses patient conditions by conducting systematic physical examinations to determine the extent of illness or injury.
• Determines treatment methods and priorities for care according to established protocols.
• Performs pre-hospital medical procedures including resuscitation; intubation; administration of medications or fluids by intravenous, intraosseous, intramuscular, sublingual, and oral (PO) routes; and other stabilizing treatment within their scope of practice.
• Evaluates, treats, and monitors patients by using complex and specialized medical equipment including defibrillators, EKG monitors, blood analyzers, breathalyzers, and oxygen and suction devices.
• Calculates patient medication doses considering factors such as potential interaction with other medications, patient weight, dose prescribed by written protocols, and method of delivery.
• Obtains and records patient information including vital statistics, relevant social and medical history, and personal details.
• Observes, records, and reports to hospital or medical provider the patient's condition or injury, treatment provided, and reactions to drugs or treatment.
• Communicates with patients, behavioral health professionals, and others to obtain and provide information and reassurance.
• Cleans, services, and maintains emergency equipment including blood analyzers, specialized kits and bags, splints, oxygen delivery system, and monitoring equipment. Cleans and maintains the emergency response vehicle.
• Secures patients into ambulances and monitors conditions en route to hospital while providing continuous medical care, treatment, and stabilization.
• Ensures proper disposal of biohazard materials.
• Replaces used intravenous needles, solutions, linens, blankets, and other expendable supplies.
• Maintains inventory and control of authorized medications in accordance with policy.
• Lifts and moves patients for treatment and transportation to medical facilities.
• Represents the Spokane Fire Department and Integrated Medical Services at professional conferences, in the media, and on video as directed.
• Drives the Behavioral Response Unit to and from behavioral health incidents.
• Consults with behavioral health professionals to determine appropriate courses of treatment and action.
• Performs related work as required or directed.

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Education:
  
  High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience:
  
  No prior experience is required.
• Licenses and
  
  Certifications:
  
  Must possess a National Registry Paramedic certification or Washington State Paramedic license.

Post Employment Requirements:

• Applicants who possess a National Registry Paramedic certification must obtain a Washington State Paramedic license within 3 months of employment. Once obtained, it must be maintained throughout employment.
• Must possess a valid driver's license throughout employment.

Background Investigation:
All applicants are subject to a thorough background investigation prior to employment.

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E).

A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training…