EMS Field Training Officer

Performs training and paramedic work for a shift in the Emergency Medical Services unit of the County.An employee in this class performs emergency medical procedures at the certified Paramedic level, performing professional advanced life support work in an approved mobile medical unit, rescuing victims and performing advanced emergency care including the administration of life sustaining treatment to patients on-site and while en route to area hospitals. In addition, the employee serves as a Field Training Officer working with students and with new and existing employees to improve skills and documents training and procedures performed by the trainee. Work involves responding to the scene of emergency and non-emergency calls, applying necessary medical treatment to sick or injured persons, and transporting persons to a medical facility. Work requires considerable independent judgment in assessing the condition of patients and applying short-term relief. Employees are exposed to the normal hazards of emergency rescue work, including risk of exposure to human body fluids and infectious diseases, thus the work is subject to the OSHA requirements for bloodborne pathogens. Work is performed in accordance with established EMT and medical procedures and under departmental and local medical director approved protocols. Shift work is performed under the supervision of a Battalion Chief, while training activities are under the supervision of both the Battalion Chief and the departmental Training Officer. Both training and paramedic duties are evaluated through peer review, conferences, observation, discussion of procedures at emergency scenes, and public feedback.Serves as Field Training Officer to precept new employees and students in the field; documents training and procedures performed by the trainee.Mentors other employees; provides input into performance evaluations; recommends additional or remedial training as needed, and provides input into decisions on when new employees are ready to work independently. Performs remedial training to help employees with specific skills.Meets with the departmental training officer and assists in determining departmental training needs based on review of cases or specific procedures.Reviews patient records completed by other employees for appropriate care and for presence of items needed for timely and accurate billing and payment, including checking for required information to comply with Medicare and Medicaid regulations; returns information to employees for clarification or for completion of missing information.Conducts specified training sessions for employees on various shifts both for skills and for maintaining certifications. Participates in a continuous training program to maintain certification and improve competence in medical technical work and operation, both of own skills and skills of others.Works as a Paramedic on an assigned shift; responds to emergency calls in an ambulance and performs necessary rescue work in accordance with established protocols for advanced life support; makes patient assessments; administers numerous medications including those for cardiac events, respiratory events, and narcotics; treats injuries; assists in normal and abnormal childbirth; provides treatment of injuries and burns; performs lifting and moving of patients for transfer to a medical facility, and extrication of patients from confined areas.Completes full patient care documentation through various paper and electronic based formats during and after calls for service including information for billing documentation, and legal accountability.Participates in community outreach programs to promote safety and prevention awareness and to provide information on EMS services.Exercises on duty to maintain health and fitness.Additional roles and duties:With appropriate training and assignment, may serve as a fill-in for District Chief.Assists with direction and control during disaster situations.Assists with quarterly continuing education sessions.Considerable knowledge of and skill in administering emergency medical procedures and techniques and ability to train and mentor other EMT's in their administration.Considerable knowledge of anatomy and physiology.Considerable knowledge of intravenous therapy and skill in recognizing adverse conditions.Considerable knowledge of equipment and supplies employed in emergency care of patients and accident victims.Considerable knowledge of county geography and locations of roads and streets.Skill in recognizing trauma and signs and symptoms of medical emergencies to determine appropriate treatment. Ability to perform duties in accordance with established emergency medical procedures and techniques, medical protocols and standing orders.Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies and stressful situations.Ability to safely drive an emergency medical vehicle in adverse conditions and according to motor vehicle laws. Ability to communicate effectively in a tactful and firm manner with the public.Ability to deal with stress, death, and dying patients.Ability to accurately record services provided on required forms.Ability to work with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, fire personnel, medical personnel, patients and the general public, and to work with a diverse socioeconomic population based on the unique situations encountered.Ability to maintain vehicles, equipment, and facilities. Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient contact. Ability to meet health and fitness standards.Required Education and ExperienceCertification by the State of North Carolina as an EMT-Paramedic with a minimum of 2 years' experience at the Paramedic level. NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800. Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license. For applicants currently employed by Nash County, must have received "meets or exceeds expectations" on last performance evaluation.Physical RequirementsMust be able to perform the physical life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motion.Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 75 pounds of force frequently, and/or 50 pounds of force constantly to move objects.Must be physically able to read extensively; to operate a variety of machinery and medical equipment; to inspect patients and monitor equipment; to administer medications; to operate a computer; and to inspect and assemble parts and use measurement devices.Special RequirementAbility to obtain certifications such as: Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), International Trauma Life Support (ITLS), and Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS) within timeframes established by the County.Successful completion of an accredited FTO course within timeframe established by the County.Certification as an Instructor preferred.