Overview

Job Overview

The Advanced Life Support Medic (ALS Medic) provides advanced emergency medical care to critically ill and injured patients in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Working under general supervision, this role responds to emergency calls, evaluates patient conditions, delivers treatment within established protocols and scope of practice, and safely transports patients to appropriate medical facilities.

The position requires strong clinical judgment, technical expertise, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain effective in high-pressure and hazardous environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Respond promptly to emergency calls and provide advanced life support care to critically ill or injured patients.
  • Assess patient conditions and determine the need for additional medical resources or specialized assistance.
  • Perform emergency medical procedures and administer treatment according to established protocols and scope of practice.
  • Safely operate ambulances and emergency response vehicles while following applicable laws and regulations.
  • Operate, inspect, and maintain ALS equipment, including cardiac monitors, defibrillators, airway devices, and IV therapy equipment.
  • Coordinate patient care with hospitals, physicians, healthcare facilities, public safety agencies, and other responders.
  • Complete accurate patient care reports and electronic medical documentation.
  • Inspect, clean, sanitize, and maintain ambulances, equipment, and station facilities.
  • Monitor and maintain adequate medical supply and equipment inventories.
  • Participate in required training, continuing education, certifications, meetings, and professional development.
  • Assist EMS personnel and public safety agencies during emergency, rescue, mass-casualty, and disaster operations.
  • Participate in community outreach, public education programs, and medical standby assignments.
  • Perform routine vehicle and equipment checks and report defects or maintenance concerns.
  • Follow departmental policies, standard operating guidelines, and medical protocols.

Required Skills & Abilities

  • Strong patient assessment and advanced emergency medical care skills.
  • Ability to accurately calculate medication dosages, conversions, percentages, and other clinical measurements.
  • Ability to document and communicate medical and operational information accurately and confidentially.
  • Proficiency with medical terminology and professional communication.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment and make rapid decisions during emergencies.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills when working with patients, families, healthcare professionals, and public safety personnel.
  • Ability to safely operate and maintain emergency vehicles, medical equipment, communication systems, and rescue equipment.

Physical & Work Environment

This position involves very heavy physical work, including lifting and carrying patients or equipment weighing more than 100 pounds. Duties may require bending, climbing, crouching, prolonged physical exertion, and working in difficult conditions.

ALS Medics may encounter infectious diseases, bodily fluids, hazardous materials, extreme weather, traffic hazards, and other dangerous emergency-scene conditions. The position carries significant responsibility for the safety and well-being of patients, coworkers, and the public.

Professional Responsibilities

Because this role involves critical patient care and emergency response, accurate judgment and adherence to medical protocols are essential. Errors in assessment, treatment, documentation, or emergency operations could result in serious injury, loss of life, property damage, legal liability, or disruption of public safety services.

 

About City-of-Petersburg-VA

The City of Petersburg, Virginia is a municipal government providing public safety, emergency services, public works, health and human services, parks, recreation, and community development.