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Paramedic Job Description
The
following Functional Job Analysis and Summary of Qualifications of the
Paramedic was developed by the Department of Transportation.
Paramedic
Characteristics
The Paramedic must be a confident leader who can accept the challenge and
high degree of responsibility entailed in the position. The Paramedic
must have excellent judgment and be able to prioritize decisions and act
quickly in the best interest of the patient, must be self disciplined, able
to develop patient rapport, interview hostile patients, maintain safe
distance, and recognize and utilize communication unique to diverse
multicultural groups and ages within those groups. Must be able to function
independently at optimum level in a non-structured environment that is
constantly changing.
Even though the Paramedic is generally part of a two person team
generally working with a lower skill and knowledge level Basic EMT, it is
the Paramedic who is held responsible for safe and therapeutic
administration of drugs including narcotics. Therefore, the Paramedic must
not only be knowledge about medications but must be able to apply this
knowledge in a practical sense. Knowledge and practical application of
medications include thoroughly knowing and understanding the general
properties of all types of drugs including analgesics, anesthetics,
anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives and hypnotics, anti-convulsants, central
nervous stimulants, psychotherapeutics which include antidepressants, and
other anti-psychotics, anticholerginics, cholergenics, muscle relaxants,
anti-dysrythmics, anti-hypertensives, anticoagulants, diuretics,
bronchodilators, opthalmics, pituitary drugs, gastro-intestinal drugs,
hormones, antibiotics, antifungals, antiinflammatories, serums, vaccines,
anti-parasitics, and others.
The Paramedic is personally responsible, legally, ethically, and morally
for each drug administered, for using correct precautions and techniques,
observing and documenting the effects of the drugs administered, keeping
one’s own pharmacological knowledge base current as to changes and trends in
administration and use, keeping abreast of all contraindications to
administration of specific drugs to patients based on their constitutional
make-up, and using drug reference literature.
The responsibility of the Paramedic includes obtaining a comprehensive
drug history from the patient that includes names of drugs, strength, daily
usage and dosage. The Paramedic must take into consideration that many
factors, in relation to the history given, can affect the type medication to
be given. For example, some patients may be taking several medications
prescribed by several different doctors and some may lose track of what they
have or have not taken. Some may be using non-prescription/over the counter
drugs. Awareness of drug reactions and the synergistic effects of drugs
combined with other medicines and in some instances, food, are imperative.
The Paramedic must also take into consideration the possible risks of
medication administered to a pregnant mother and the fetus, keeping in mind
that drugs may cross the placenta.
The Paramedic must be able to apply basic principles of mathematics to
the calculation of problems associated with medication dosages, perform
conversion problems, differentiate temperature reading between centigrade
and Fahrenheit scales, be able to use proper advanced life support equipment
and supplies (i.e. proper size of intravenous needles.) based on patient’s
age and condition of veins, and be able to locate sites for obtaining blood
samples and perform this task, administer medication intravenously,
administer medications by gastric tube, administer oral medications,
administer rectal medications, and comply with universal pre-cautions and
body substance isolation, disposing of contaminated items and equipment
properly.
The Paramedic must be able to apply knowledge and skills to assist overdosed
patients to overcome trauma through antidotes, and have knowledge of poisons
and be able to administer treatment. The Paramedic must be knowledgeable as
to the stages drugs/medications go through once they have entered the
patient’s system and be cognizant that route of administration is critical
in relation to patient’s needs and the effect that occurs.
The Paramedic must also be capable of providing advanced life support
emergency medical services to patients including the conducting of and
interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), electrical interventions to support
the cardiac functions, performing advanced endotracheal intubations in
airway management and relief of pneumothorax and administering of
appropriate intravenous fluids and drugs under direction of off-site
designated physician.
The Paramedic is a person who must not only remain calm while working in
difficult and stressful circumstances, but must be capable of staying
focused while assuming the leadership role inherent in carrying out the
functions of the position. Good judgment along with advanced knowledge and
technical skills are essential in directing other team members to assist as
needed. The Paramedic must be able to provide top quality care, concurrently
handle high levels of stress, and be willing to take on the personal
responsibility required of the position. This includes not only all legal
ramifications for precise documentation, but also the responsibility for
using the knowledge and skills acquired in real life threatening emergency
situations.
The Paramedic must be able to deal with adverse and often dangerous
situations, which include responding to calls in districts known to have
high crime and mortality rates. Self-confidence is critical, as is a desire
to work with people, solid emotional stability, a tolerance for high stress,
and the ability to meet the physical, intellectual, and cognitive
requirements demanded by this position.
Physical Demands
Aptitudes required for work of this nature are good physical stamina,
endurance, and body condition that would not be adversely affected by
frequently having to walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance at times, in
excess of 125 pounds. Motor coordination is necessary because over uneven
terrain, the patient’s, the Paramedic’s, and other workers’ well being must
not be jeopardized.
Comments
The Paramedic provides the most extensive pre-hospital care and may work
for fire departments, private ambulance services, police departments or
hospitals. Response times for nature of work are dependent upon nature of
call. For example, a Paramedic working for a private ambulance service that
transports the elderly from nursing homes to routine medical appointments
and check-ups may endure somewhat less stressful circumstances than the
Paramedic who works primarily with 911 calls in a district known to have
high crime rates. Thus, the particular stresses inherent in the role of the
Paramedic can vary, depending on place and type of employment.
However, in general, in the analyst’s opinion, the Paramedic must be
flexible to meet the demands of the ever-changing emergency scene. When
emergencies exists, the situation can be complex and care of the patient
must be started immediately. In essence, the Paramedic in the EMS system
uses advanced training and equipment to extend emergency physician services
to the ambulance. The Paramedic must be able to make accurate independent
judgments while following oral directives. The ability to perform duties in
a timely manner is essential, as it could mean the difference between life
and death for the patient.
Use of the telephone or radio dispatch for coordination of prompt
emergency services is required, as is a pager, depending on place of
employment. Accurately discerning street names through map reading, and
correctly distinguishing house numbers or business addresses are essential
to task completion in the most expedient manner. Concisely and accurately
describing orally to dispatcher and other concerned staff, one's impression
of patient's condition, is critical as the Paramedic works in emergency
conditions where there may not be time for deliberation. The Paramedic must
also be able to accurately report orally and in writing, all relevant
patient data. At times, reporting may require a detailed narrative on
extenuating circumstances or conditions that go beyond what is required on a
prescribed form. In some instances, the Paramedic must enter data on
computer from a laptop in ambulance. Verbal skills and reasoning skills are
used extensively.
Qualifications
Must be at least 18 years of age and be a high school graduate or
equivalent. Must have proof of valid driver’s license. Ability to
communicate verbally, via telephone and radio equipment; ability to lift,
carry, and balance up to 125 pounds (250 with assistance); ability to
interpret and respond to written, oral, and diagnostic form instructions;
ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations and
take on the role of “leader”. Must have the ability to read road maps; drive
vehicle, accurately discern street signs and address numbers, read
medication/prescription labels and directions for usage in quick, accurate,
and expedient manner, ability to communicate verbally with patients and
significant others in diverse cultural and age groups to interview patient,
family members, and bystanders, and ability to discern deviations/changes in
eye/skin coloration due to patient’s condition and to the treatment given.
Must be able to document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed
format in light of legal ramifications of such; ability to converse with
dispatcher and EMS providers via phone or radio as to status of patient.
Good manual dexterity with ability to perform all tasks related to advanced
emergency patient care and documentation. Ability to bend, stoop, balance,
and crawl on uneven terrain; and the ability to withstand varied
environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture. Ability
to perform quickly, precise, practical mathematical calculations pertinent
to ratio and proportion of medication and supplies used in emergency patient
care.
Must be independent, confident, able to work independently without defined
structure, have good stable reasoning ability with ability to draw valid
conclusions expediently relevant to patient’s condition, often, using
limited information. Must have knowledge and skills relevant to position and
be able to implement them in stressful situations. Must be cognizant of all
legal, ethical, and moral obligations inherent within scope of practice.
Must have successful completion of approved curriculum with achievement
of passing scores on written and practical certification examinations as
defined by programmatic guidelines. Re-certification is dependent upon an
individual’s successful completion of inter-agency approved Paramedic
continuing education refresher courses. At any given time, performs any or
all tasks performed by a lower level EMT. May supervise activities of
students or interns, and/or may engage in writing of journal articles or
teach. Meets qualifications within the functional job analysis.
Paramedic Program
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