COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC (INTERNAL CANIDIDATES ONLY)

Description

 The purpose of this job is to provide emergent, nonemergent, and preventative healthcare by engaging with high-risk individuals in the community often outside of traditional Emergency Medical Services response situations. The responsibilities of this class include advanced patient assessment, chronic disease management, medication adherence checks, and connecting patients to necessary social services. The goals of this class are to specifically work with patients who are unsheltered and or dependent on opioids or other illicit substances. 

This position works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks.  ## Duties ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS   Provides advanced life support and emergency care to the sick and injured; determines nature and extent of injuries or illnesses; assists in lifting and carrying patients in and out of ambulance; and transports patients to appropriate medical facility. 

Drives emergency vehicles in response to emergency calls; requests additional resources for the control of incidents as required; ensures safety at the scene; and serves as incident commander until relieved by higher authority. 

Inspects vehicles and equipment daily to ensure cleanliness, sanitation, decontamination if needed, proper condition of equipment, and an adequate inventory of supplies; reports any discrepancies of required equipment and tools necessary to perform job; cleans and sanitizes vehicles; and notifies proper personnel of equipment/vehicle maintenance needs. 

Performs such procedures as immobilization and bandaging, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), intubation, cardiac activity monitoring, preventing shock, administering medications, electrical cardioversion and/or defibrillation, IV therapy, and others as permitted according to certification; maintains constant awareness of patient condition; identifies and relays diagnostic signs to medical personnel while in route to medical facility; and reports verbally and in writing to emergency room personnel upon arrival. 

Reviews the work of assigned crew for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers training, advice and assistance as needed; and relays needs of crew to supervisor. 

Assists with extrication and other rescue procedures as necessary. 

Works in conjunction with other first responders such as firefighters and law enforcement, hospital staff, and physicians. 

Actively identifies and contacts high-risk individuals in the community, including those with chronic conditions like illicit drug abuse, diabetes, heart failure, or asthma, to conduct wellness checks and provide education. 

Performs basic and advanced health assessments, including vital signs checks, medication reviews, and basic lab screenings, to monitor patient status and identify potential issues. 

Provides education and support for managing chronic conditions, including medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and self-care strategies. 

Connects patients with necessary community resources like social services, transportation assistance, and primary care providers to address social determinants of health. 

Educates patients and their families about condition, medications and/or disease process. 

Performs follow-up visits with patients’ post-hospital discharge to monitor progress and prevent readmission. 

Works closely with primary care providers, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated patient care. 

Maintaining detailed patient records and documenting interventions to track the effectiveness of community paramedicine programs 

Ensures crew compliance with infection control procedures. 

Performs general housekeeping duties as required. 

Receives and responds to public inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility. 

Performs general clerical work as required including, but not limited to, preparing reports, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, etc. 

Keeps abreast of new technology, methods and regulations for emergency medical assistance operations; attends meetings, training and continuing education classes as required and/or appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain certifications. 

May need to be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, for emergency response as assigned. 

Performs other related job duties as assigned.  ## Qualifications **Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:  **

Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent supplemented by specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one (1) year of college. 

Two years of EMT Paramedic or related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  ## Additional Requirements **Special Qualifications, Certifications and Licenses:  **

•Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history. 

•Must possess and maintain the following medical certifications: 

•State and National Registry of EMT’s certification in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Paramedic) 

•Completion of a South Carolina approved Community Paramedic Program 

•Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 

•Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 

•International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) 

•Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) 

•Must be released to practice as a Community Paramedic by the EMS Medical Director 

•Must possess strong clinical skills and knowledge of advanced life support procedures 

•Must complete a minimum of 60 hours continued education (CEUs) per year. 

**Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment): ** Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs.

Dorchester County has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not?represent?in any way a contract of employment.

**Position Type and Expected Hours of Work ** This is a full-time position; typical work hours and days?are?Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00?p.m.??Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but employees must be available during the “core” work hours?are?9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.?Must work 40 hour each week to?maintain?full-time status.? 

E.O.E.  Dorchester County does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.