EMS- EMT Paramedic Shenandoah, Iowa

Overview

Job Description

1. Patient Assessment & Clinical Judgment
   Conducts thorough and timely patient evaluations, including rapid primary assessments and detailed secondary exams. Continuously monitors patient status and pain levels, applying suitable pain management strategies when indicated. Interprets provider orders accurately, seeks clarification when needed, and responds promptly to changes in patient condition. Identifies urgent priorities, initiates appropriate interventions, and consistently advocates for patient well-being. Delivers care with professionalism, compassion, and accountability.

2. Emergency & Pre-Hospital Care Services
   Provides both emergency and non-emergency medical services as part of the authorized EMS program under physician or RN oversight. Gathers critical information, including mechanism of injury, and applies established trauma triage and destination protocols. Performs skills across all certification levels—First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic—according to scope of practice and national standards. Advanced procedures may include airway management (including intubation and cricothyrotomy), IV and intraosseous access, medication administration, chest decompression, blood product monitoring, gastric and urinary catheterization, and other life-saving interventions.

Delivers stabilization and resuscitative care to critically injured patients, including scene assessment, safe extrication, initiation of treatment, and rapid transport to the most appropriate facility. Continues patient care at the receiving facility until formally transferred to qualified medical personnel. Serves as an active Trauma Team member when required.

3. Ambulance & Equipment Readiness
   Ensures emergency vehicles remain fully operational and properly stocked. Completes shift-based inspections of vehicles, equipment, and supplies, replenishing items as necessary. Maintains cleanliness and organization of ambulances and station areas to ensure readiness and safety.

4. Communication & Documentation
   Provides clear and concise patient reports, including condition updates and estimated arrival times. Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members and promptly reports any changes in patient status. Accurately completes required patient care documentation and obtains necessary signatures following each call.

5. Team Collaboration & Care Coordination
   Partners with physicians, nurses, and ancillary departments to support coordinated patient care. Communicates patient status, care plans, and satisfaction concerns effectively with involved team members. Assists with patient flow, admissions, and staffing coordination when appropriate. Participates in care planning and delivers patient and family education throughout treatment and at discharge. Demonstrates flexibility, initiative, and leadership in directing support personnel.

6. Emergency Response & Clinical Practice
   Responds to emergent situations within scope of practice, triaging appropriately and utilizing available resources. Provides care to patients across the lifespan—from newborns to geriatric populations—while adhering to established policies and protocols.

7. Records & Credential Maintenance
   Maintains detailed, accurate documentation reflecting assessments, interventions, patient responses, and discharge status. Completes end-of-shift responsibilities prior to departure. Keeps all required certifications current, including EMT-Paramedic, BLS, ACLS, and PALS.

8. Safety & Compliance
   Promotes a safe environment for patients and staff by administering medications and treatments in accordance with orders and policy. Uses proper identification procedures, standard precautions, and infection control practices. Applies safe lifting and transfer techniques to prevent injury. Follows protocols for controlled substances, sharps disposal, and hazardous materials handling.

9. Additional Responsibilities
   Performs other related duties as assigned to support patient care and departmental operations.