PARAMEDIC
Description
Position Summary:
Under the direct supervision of the Emergency Department Medical Director, provides basic to advanced emergency paramedical care to the ill and injured. Performs preparation for transport, transfer of information, and patient care. The Paramedic will function as an additional hospital resource during non-transport times. During working hours, the Paramedic will be under the supervision of the Emergency Department Charge Nurse on shift, who will coordinate all assignments and transport for the scheduled shift.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
• Performs peripheral intravenous line insertion and blood collection using appropriate aseptic technique as outlined in the scope of practice for licensure.
• Collects urine and stool samples and performs blood glucose monitoring via finger sticks, documenting and reporting results to the Emergency Department RN.
• Provides authorized care under applicable law, medical direction, organizational policy, and department protocols; performs only those skills for which the Paramedic is currently credentialed and competent.
• Communicates patient information effectively to the care team, adapts to change, and maintains professionalism in all interactions.
• Maintains a clean, neat, and safe environment for patients and staff, adhering to infection control and safety protocols, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, risk management reporting, and compliance with National Patient Safety Goals and Core Measures.
• Initiates and maintains approved monitoring and interventions, which may include cardiac monitoring, 12-lead electrocardiograms, oxygen therapy, vascular access, specimen collection, medication administration, airway support, immobilization, hemorrhage control, and resuscitation assistance.
• Assists nursing staff in delivering care, performing delegated basic patient care services, and ensuring a clean, safe, and well-organized environment.
• Collects and records patient data, including vital signs, height, weight, oxygen saturation, and intake/output, reporting findings to the Emergency Department RN.
• Supports patients with meals, feeding, bathing, oral care, grooming, linen changes, skin care, elimination assistance, and urinary catheter care.
• Assists with patient positioning, repositioning, dangling, ambulating, and using mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs.
• Assists with emergency procedures, trauma and medical resuscitations, patient movement, splinting, wound care, equipment setup, and other delegated clinical activities.
• Reassesses patients following interventions, documents treatment response, and promptly reports changes in condition.
• Supports patient flow by preparing treatment spaces, restocking supplies, checking emergency equipment, transporting patients within the facility, and completing assigned environmental readiness tasks.
• Uses standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, and appropriate personal protective equipment; follows exposure-control and infection-prevention requirements.
• Provides respectful communication, age-appropriate care, and clear explanations to patients and authorized representatives while protecting privacy and confidentiality.
• May be required to maintain continuous visual observation of the patient and remain with them at all times unless relieved by appropriate personnel.
• Documents all care provided and handoffs within the required timeframes.
• Participates in competency validation, continuing education, drills, case review, quality improvement, safety reporting, and equipment or medication checks.
• Reports errors, near misses, hazards, equipment failures, exposures, injuries, and unusual events through established channels.
• Maintains current knowledge of department policies, EMS protocols, medication requirements, transfer procedures, and emergency preparedness responsibilities.
• Demonstrates professional conduct, teamwork, situational awareness, accountability, and respectful communication in high-stress environments.
• Performs other duties consistent with certification, competency, and organizational policy as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
Interfacility Transport
• Reviews the transport assignment and confirms that the crew’s authorized level of care, staffing, equipment, medications, oxygen supply, and transport resources match the patient’s anticipated needs; escalates any mismatch before assuming care.
• Receives a complete handoff from the primary Emergency Department RN, performs and documents a pre-transport assessment, verifies ordered therapies, and confirms transfer paperwork and destination information are available.
• Verifies receiving-facility acceptance and required transport orders or medical direction in accordance with law, policy, and protocol.
• Confirms the operation and security of monitors, oxygen systems, airway equipment, infusions, medications, stretcher restraints, and other equipment before departure.
• Continuously or intermittently monitors the patient as clinically indicated; maintains ordered therapies within authorized scope; reassesses and documents the patient’s condition, interventions, and response throughout transport as ordered by the Emergency Department provider.
• Recognizes deterioration, initiates approved emergency care, obtains online medical direction when indicated, and redirects to an appropriate facility when required by patient condition and protocol.
• Maintains clear communication with dispatch, the sending team, medical control, the receiving facility, the patient, and the transport partner.
• Provides a structured bedside handoff and transfers all required records, patient belongings, and responsibility for care to authorized receiving personnel.
• Completes transport documentation, medication and equipment reconciliation, cleaning and disinfection, supply replacement, and vehicle readiness activities promptly after each transport.
• Operates or rides in emergency vehicles safely and complies with seatbelt, lifting, securement, traffic-safety, and fatigue-management requirements. Drives only when authorized and qualified by the organization.