Position Title Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Department Buchanan County Ambulance Service
FLSA Status Non-Exempt
Employment Status Full-Time / Part-Time / PRN
Reports To Director or Designee
Supervises None
Position Summary
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) provides basic prehospital emergency medical care and transportation for patients during emergency and non-emergency responses. Working under the supervision of the Ambulance Director and clinical oversight of the EMS Medical Director, the EMT is responsible for patient assessment, treatment, transportation, documentation, equipment readiness, and maintaining quality care within the scope of practice established by the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Buchanan County Ambulance Service (BCAS) protocols. The EMT is expected to perform all duties with professionalism, integrity, compassion, and respect while supporting the mission, vision, and values of BCAS.
Essential Job Functions
- Respond promptly to emergency and non-emergency calls.
- Perform patient assessments and obtain medical histories.
- Provide care within the Iowa EMT scope of practice, including:
- Provide oxygen therapy and basic airway management.
- Assist with suctioning, BVM ventilation, and CPR.
- Control bleeding and provide wound care.
- Perform splinting and spinal motion restriction when indicated.
- Assist with childbirth and neonatal care when necessary.
- Administer medications authorized at the EMT level.
- Monitor and reassess patients throughout transport.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, hospitals, and first responders.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all EMT skills within the Iowa scope of practice and BCAS approved protocols.
- Work 24-hour shifts and cover extra hours as needed.
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Operational Responsibilities
- Complete daily ambulance, medication, and equipment inspections, as part of a team.
- Restock medical supplies after every call.
- Maintain a clean ambulance and station.
- Report damaged or missing equipment.
- Operate emergency vehicles when authorized, and with proper credentials.
- Assist with mutual aid, standby events, and disaster responses.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintains all required certifications and continuing education.
- Participate in quality improvement activities.
- Protect patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA requirements and county policy.
- Treat patients, families, coworkers, and partner agencies with respect.
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and teamwork.
- Serve as a positive representative of Buchanan County Ambulance Service.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of BLS assessment and treatment.
- Ability to communicate effectively under stress.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to safely lift and move patients.
- Ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Documentation and Reporting
- Complete accurate and timely electronic patient care reports (ePCRs) and associated documentation.
- Ensure all patient care documentation is accurate, complete, and complies with agency documentation standards, HIPAA requirements, and applicable laws.
- Accurately record patient information, vital signs, and care provided.
- Promptly report unusual occurrences, medication errors, safety concerns, equipment failures, workplace injuries, exposures, or any incident that may affect patient care, employee safety, or agency operations.
Training, Quality, and Compliance
- Participate in training sessions, continuing education, and skills verification to maintain competency and certification.
- Adhere to BCAC policies, procedures, and safety standards.
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- Support quality improvement efforts by reporting issues, suggestions, or incidents as appropriate.
- Participate in the BCAS Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program by providing feedback, identifying opportunities for improvement, participating in case reviews as appropriate, and supporting efforts to improve patient outcomes, safety, and system performance.
Team and Agency Support
- Maintain a professional appearance and conduct oneself in accordance with county and departmental values.
- Foster effective teamwork and cooperation within the agency and with partner organizations.
- Participate in community outreach, disaster preparedness, and public education as assigned.
- Perform other related duties as required by supervisory staff.
Licenses/Certifications
- Current Iowa EMT certification.
- High School diploma or equivalent required.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Valid Iowa driver's license and insurable under county policy.
- NIMS Training ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS700 or able to obtain timely.
- Any additional certifications required by state regulation, best practice, or county policy.
Clearances
- Must pass criminal background check and drug screening.
- Must not appear on the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) OIG Exclusion List
- Ability to meet department physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation for qualifying disabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous EMS experience.
- Emergency vehicle operator training.
- Experience with electronic patient care reports.
Physical Requirements
- Lift, carry, and move patients and equipment, individually or with assistance.
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, push, pull, twist, and work in confined spaces. Page 3 of 4
- Work indoors, outdoors, at a variety of emergency scenes, and in ambulance environments under all weather conditions.
- Work effectively in high-noise, stressful, and hazardous environments, including but not limited to exposure to infectious diseases and bodily fluids, fire smoke, dust, dirt, grease, machinery, animals, and irritating chemicals.
- Use appropriate protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, and all protective equipment associated with EMS operations.
- Be available for day, night, weekend, holiday, and extended emergency operations.
Management Statement
This job description is not all-inclusive. The employee may perform other reasonable job-related duties as assigned. Management reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities as necessary. This document is for management communication only and is not intended to imply a written or implied contract of employment. Buchanan County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Employee Acknowledgement
I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description. I understand that it outlines the general duties and responsibilities of this position and that additional duties may be assigned as needed.
Pay: $50,076.00 - $61,204.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
