Description
FIRE SERVICE PARAMEDIC
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is advanced life support and field paramedical work responding to emergency calls from the public to perform medical assistance with emphasis on the stabilization of patients to permit safe transport to a full-service medical facility.
Contact with the general public, the comforting of patients, the reassuring of family and others in the vicinity, and cooperation with fire and police authorities are of major significance to this work. Duties are performed according to standard paramedical practices and established drug therapy protocol. Employees in this class work on rotating shifts are subject to adverse weather conditions, and their duties involve moderate physical effort. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative or technical fire officer.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be
allocated to this class.)
§ Positions in this class must perform advanced life support and field paramedical work responding to emergency calls from the public to perform medical assistance with emphasis on the stabilization of patients to permit safe transport to a full-service medical facility, on a rotational basis.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Drives to scene of emergency in response to call; evaluates the situation and contacts by radio the doctor on duty at the base hospital for medical direction, or takes action, when necessary; contacts fire units to provide equipment such as ladders or hydraulic pliers for use in extricating patients before or after treatment, or police units to provide crowd control or other assistance.
Observes vital signs of patients by checking respiration, pulse, blood pressure, etc.; uses portable electrocardiograph to monitor heart activity; examines body for fractures, wounds, signs of fever or symptoms; contacts the base hospital by radio for medical direction, or, when absolutely necessary, evaluates signs and decides on course of action.
Cleans wounds and applies bandages; treats burns by injection of saline fluids and the application of loose bandages; uses a variety of splints to set suspected broken bones; treats for shock; delivers children, especially under emergency conditions, and treats mother of child.
Gives injections, including intravenous injections, of a variety of drugs based on radioed base hospital physician's instructions or according to established drug therapy protocol; injects drugs in treatment of cardiac problems, drug abuse, burns, trauma, diabetic shock, seizures, and other conditions.
Administers drugs and cardiopulmonary massage techniques, oxygen equipment, and a 400-joule defibrillator to treat cardiac arrest; administers drugs and uses oxygen equipment, resuscitators and suction devices to treat respiratory problems.
Receives orientation and training in use of fire equipment, in extrication and rescue methods and techniques, and in other matters relevant and applicable to paramedical work.
Takes refresher training and instruction in new treatment techniques, protocol changes, and the use of new drugs, materials and equipment.
Prepares individual reports on each treatment given, drugs dispensed, location and identity of patient and receiving hospital, and special problems encountered; requisitions drugs, materials and equipment as needed.
Maintains equipment and supply stocks in emergency vehicle; regularly cleans motor vehicle; performs first echelon maintenance on assigned emergency vehicle; performs assigned housekeeping duties in station.
May be assigned to serve as a preceptor for paramedics in training.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
§ methods, materials and techniques stated in or taught in conjunction with the drug therapy protocol
§ vital signs and symptoms of physical condition of persons requiring emergency treatment
§ procedures, practices, materials and techniques used in the emergency treatment of burns, wounds and other physical trauma
§ procedures, practices, materials and techniques used in the emergency treatment of cardiac problems and cardiac arrest, especially in the application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques, drug therapy and defibrillation
§ procedures, practices, materials and techniques used in the treatment of respiratory problems and respiratory arrest, especially in the application of resuscitation techniques and drug therapy
§ actions and effects of assigned drugs
§ procedures, practices, materials and techniques used in the emergency treatment of shock, problem childbirth deliveries, illness, strokes and drug abuse
§ rescue and evacuation principles, procedures and techniques, departmental operational procedures, directives, and safety practices.
§ physical properties, characteristics and problems of common chemical hazards.
SKILL IN:
§ the use of hypodermic and intravenous needles and other equipment
§ the use of portable electrocardiograph and defibrillator equipment
§ the interpretation of monitor electrocardiograms
§ the application of bandages, splints, and stretcher-carrying techniques
§ the use of a variety of oxygen equipment
ABILITY TO:
§ fulfill all State, City and Fire Department standards for the maintenance of medical command within three months of appointment, and to continue such qualification during tenure
§ follow medical directions in the treatment of medical emergencies
§ understand and interpret established protocol for drug therapy, respiratory and cardiac resuscitation techniques
§ administer drugs in the proper dosage according to instructions or protocol.
§ determine the proper working order of equipment used for drug therapy, the measurement of cardiac activity, defibrillation, and the treatment of respiratory problems
§ drive an emergency vehicle with caution and speed commensurate with the safety of traffic lanes and the patient
§ complete required records and documents accurately concerning application of emergency treatment
§ quiet a patient to hasten proper treatment and install confidence in groups of people in the vicinity to prevent unwarranted interference
§ think clearly and make effective decisions under stressful conditions
§ establish effective working relationships with other fire units, police personnel, medical personnel and the general public
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 03/20
Requirements
EDUCATION:
Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
CERTIFICATION:
Possession of valid certification as a Paramedic in any state.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the-environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a Pennsylvania State certification as a Paramedic prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Fire Service Paramedic.
Possession of any valid state-issued proper class vehicle operator’s license prior to appointment. Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during tenure of employment as a Fire Service Paramedic.
