JOB
The Paramedic supports Sevier County Emergency Medical Services by providing advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical care and patient transport in response to a wide range of emergency and non-emergency medical situations. Primary responsibilities include responding to dispatched calls, assessing patients and emergency scenes, administering advanced life-saving medical treatment within the scope of Paramedic certification, and safely transporting patients to the nearest and/or most appropriate medical facility based on the nature and severity of the medical condition or injury. This position also includes operating emergency response vehicles as part of a two-person team, maintaining the readiness and cleanliness of vehicles and advanced medical equipment, completing required patient care and transport documentation, and adhering to all applicable medical protocols, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. Job performance for this position is evaluated by the Shift Supervisor and/or EMS Director based on emergency response effectiveness, clinical judgment and decision-making, adherence to medical and operational protocols, technical knowledge and skill, physical capability, documentation accuracy, and the ability to remain calm, professional, and responsive during emergency situations and extended shift assignments.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Responds promptly and safely to dispatched emergency and non-emergency medical calls in accordance with established EMS protocols and procedures.Assesses emergency scenes and patient conditions to determine appropriate advanced medical care and transport decisions prior to and during patient transport.Provides advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical treatment within the scope of Paramedic certification, including advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, intravenous and intraosseous therapy, medication administration (including narcotics and paralytics as authorized), and continuous monitoring of vital signs and patient condition.Utilizes advanced medical equipment such as cardiac monitors, ventilatory support devices, endotracheal intubation equipment, chest decompression kits, and other ALS tools as required.Obtains relevant medical, situational, and historical information from patients, family members, bystanders, and other involved parties to support clinical decision-making.Transports patients to the nearest and/or most appropriate medical facility based on medical condition, injury severity, protocol guidance, and direction from medical control.Communicates patient status, treatment provided, and observations to receiving physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel upon arrival at medical facilities.Performs scheduled and unscheduled non-emergency advanced medical transports between hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and other facilities as assigned.Completes accurate and timely patient care reports and required documentation, including patient information, insurance details, mileage, dispatch times, and treatments rendered.Maintains ongoing communication with dispatch regarding location, status, and availability throughout assigned shifts.Follows universal precautions and infection control procedures when exposed to bodily fluids and other biohazards.Inspects emergency response vehicles prior to each shift to ensure cleanliness, operational readiness, and adequate medical supplies, medications, and advanced life support equipment.Cleans, restocks, and ensures proper functioning of medical equipment, medications, and supplies on emergency vehicles.Assists with maintaining cleanliness and organization of EMS facilities, vehicles, and equipment.Participates in public education, outreach activities, and presentations related to EMS services, emergency preparedness, and basic first aid, as assigned.Attends required training, continuing education, and certification maintenance activities to maintain licensure and competency.Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTSThis position has no supervisory responsibilities. COMPETENCIESKnowledge of advanced emergency medical principles, techniques, and procedures required for Paramedic practice in the State of Tennessee.Knowledge of advanced medical equipment, medications, materials, and supplies used in pre-hospital emergency care and patient transport.Knowledge of advanced airway management, cardiac care, trauma response, and pharmacological interventions.Knowledge of universal precautions, infection control standards, and safety practices related to exposure to bodily fluids and biohazards.Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and medical protocols governing EMS.Knowledge of local medical facilities and their capabilities in addressing various types of medical emergencies.Ability to apply established EMS protocols, standard operating procedures, and medical guidelines in a consistent, professional, and compliant manner.Ability to assess emergency scenes and patient conditions, prioritize care, and make sound clinical and operational decisions under pressure.Ability to administer advanced life support care, including airway interventions, medication administration, cardiac monitoring, and patient stabilization.Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively with patients, family members, dispatch, physicians, nurses, and other emergency responders.Proficiency in preparing accurate, timely, and legible patient care reports and related documentation.Ability to maintain composure, professionalism, and situational awareness in high-stress, emergency, and extended-shift situations.Ability to interpret and follow written, oral, and electronic instructions, protocols, and dispatch information.Ability to operate emergency response vehicles and advanced medical equipment safely and effectively.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, medical providers, and partner agencies.Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and ethical conduct when interacting with the public and performing assigned duties.Effectiveness in working as part of a two-person team within a coordinated emergency response system to achieve patient care and operational objectives.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This is a medium work position requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly, with the ability to assist in lifting and moving greater weights using proper body mechanics, mechanical devices, or team assistance as required.Work requires prolonged periods of sitting while operating emergency vehicles, manual dexterity, grasping, and reaching, and occasionally requires periods of standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, climbing, and lifting in emergency and non-emergency situations.Work requires the ability to access, enter, and navigate emergency vehicles, patient residences, public spaces, and varied emergency scenes, including confined or elevated areas.Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging information with patients, coworkers, dispatch, medical staff, and other emergency responders by means of spoken word.Hearing is required to perceive radio transmissions, alarms, patient sounds, verbal instructions, and environmental cues at normal and elevated noise levels.Visual acuity, including close, distance, color, depth perception, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus, is required for patient assessment, operating vehicles and medical equipment, reading monitors and documentation, and safely navigating emergency scenes, with or without correction.WORK ENVIRONMENTOperates in emergency, hazardous, or high-stress environments where the employee may be exposed to adverse weather conditions, temperature extremes, loud noise, vibrations, slippery or uneven surfaces, and physically demanding conditions.Regular exposure to outside weather conditions and emergency scenes above or below ground, in and/or around water, hazardous traffic areas, and other unfavorable or unsanitary conditions, including burning debris, unstable or collapsing structures, biohazards, and air- and blood-borne pathogens, is expected.Work with and/or near moving vehicles and equipment, high or precarious locations, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic substances, extreme heat, and vibration is likely.Potential exposure to electrical hazards, hazardous materials, and communicable diseases is possible.Occasionally operates in a station or office environment with moderate noise, requiring routine use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and reporting systems.This position requires variable and rotating shifts based on operational needs; weekend, holiday, overnight, and extended-hour work is expected; mandatory overtime may be required during emergency events or staffing shortages.
