**The Staff Paramedic provides direct patient care to the critically ill during transportation from referring hospitals under the direction of a physician or MICN.   The paramedic will effectively manage the plan of care for each patient based on appropriate protocols, policies and procedures.  The Staff Paramedic is also responsible for continuing his/her own personal development to enhance practice. Performs other duties as assigned.  The Paramedic assumes accountability for his or her own ongoing learning needs and competency. May perform moderate or waived point of care testing per CLIA guidelines, based upon completion of initial training with appropriate documentation and on going annual competency assessment. The initial competency assessment should be done six months post training, and annually thereafter. For documentation of testing performed, see the Education/Training/Competency file for the individual employee. Performs other appropriate duties as assigned.

1.      Utilizes all aspects of the primary and secondary survey to develop the appropriate plan of care based on the assessment of the patient.  Also develops a plan of care to effectively manage the patient during the transport.

2.      Completes the assessment of the patient and documents appropriately into the record.

3.      Collaborates with physicians and other health-team members in developing a plan of care.

4.      Effectively and appropriately delegates specific patient care duties to assure optimal patient outcomes.

5.      Evaluates patient's response to plan of care and coordinate care appropriately.

6.      Facilitates patient/family teaching as appropriate.  Also facilitates the care of the patient based on the physiological, psychological, and spiritual needs of the patients.

7.      Annually continues personal development to enhance practice and profession.

8.      Appropriately communicates information in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.

9.      Organizes and performs work effectively and efficiently.

10.  Maintains and adjusts schedule to enhance team performance.

11.  Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with all members of the team

12.  Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction.

13.   Effectively demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of the medical center on a daily basis.

14.  Performs other duties as assigned.

1.      Education: Completion of an accredited program of study leading to a current and valid EMT-P certification in North Carolina.  Current and valid certification in the following:  ACLS, BTLS and PALS.

2.      Certification: Certificate to practice as an EMT-P in the state of North Carolina.   

3.      Experience: Minimum of three years experience with a paid EMS provider at the paramedic level.

4.      Essential Technical/Motor Skills:  The paramedic assesses and manages medical emergencies, initiates invasive and non-invasive treatment at an advanced level for life threatening arrhythmia's, respiratory compromise, shock and trauma utilizing established protocols.  Must have advanced clinical skills and be able to react quickly and appropriately to medical emergencies.  Must be able to function independently when medical consultation is not available.  Requires excellent oral and written communication skills.  Hand/eye coordination in order to give injections, draw blood, start IV's, etc.

5.      Interpersonal Skills: Must be able to work effectively with a wide variety of personalities and disciplines.  All contacts require public relation skills.  Ability to develop positive interaction with patients, families, physicians and staff in order to effectively care for patients.

6.      Essential Physical Requirements:  Great amount of physical effort when providing patient care.  Requires lifting, bending, pushing patient stretchers (up to 250 lb.). Carrying of supply packs and equipment (up to 75 lb.).  Ability to function in back of a moving vehicle.  Must be able to stand, walk, and/or sit for extended periods of time.  Must possess contortive body mechanics in order to initiate emergency procedures while the vehicle is in motion.  Ability to utilize proper body mechanics. Requires fine motor skills and dexterity to start IV's, place tubes and catheters, etc.

7.      Essential Sensory Requirements: Ability to visually assess patients and to utilize sight to implement and evaluate plan of care.  Ability to hear for assessment of breath/heart/bowel sounds changes in skin color. 

8.      Essential Mental Abilities:  Position can be extremely stressful and fast-paced. Requires the ability to comprehend and operate sophisticated advanced life support and communication equipment.  Requires higher level of mental faculties accompanied by short- and long-term memory.

9.      Exposure to Hazards:  Frequent exposure to blood and body fluids, infectious diseases, needle puncture wounds.

10.  Other (Hours of Work): Flexible schedule to accommodate staffing needs that may include weekends/holidays rotating shifts, with the potential for on-call and overtime.  12-hour shifts, rotating day/night, every other weekend.

11.  Population Served:   Infants    Pediatrics    Adolescents (12 - 17 years)  Adults ( 18 - 71 years)   Geriatrics ( 72 + years)