EMS- EMT Paramedic Shenandoah, Iowa

Overview

Job Description

1. Patient Assessment and Clinical Judgment
Conduct thorough and timely patient evaluations, including rapid primary assessments and detailed secondary examinations. Continuously evaluate pain levels and apply suitable pain relief strategies within scope of practice. Interpret clinical findings, determine appropriate interventions, and implement provider orders accurately—seeking clarification whenever necessary. Identify changes in patient condition, prioritize care accordingly, and act decisively. Advocate for patients while delivering care with professionalism, accountability, and compassion.

2. Emergency and Non-Emergency Medical Services
Provide both urgent and routine medical care as part of the authorized emergency response program under physician or registered nurse supervision. Determine the mechanism of injury and apply established trauma triage guidelines to select the appropriate destination facility. Perform skills aligned with First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic scopes of practice, including advanced airway management, medication administration, IV therapy (including blood products), needle decompression, surgical airway procedures, gastric tube placement, urinary catheterization, tourniquet application, and intraosseous access as permitted.

Stabilize critically injured patients in the pre-hospital setting through assessment, safe extrication, resuscitative measures, and rapid transport. Deliver patient care at emergency scenes, during transport, within the emergency department, and throughout interfacility transfers until care is formally handed off. Actively participate as a member of the trauma response team.

3. Equipment and Vehicle Readiness
Ensure ambulances remain fully operational and response-ready at all times. Complete routine inspections of vehicles, medical equipment, and supplies at the start of each shift and restock as needed. Maintain cleanliness of units and garage areas to ensure safety and professionalism.

4. Communication and Reporting
Provide clear, concise patient reports, including condition updates and estimated arrival times. Collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals and promptly communicate significant patient changes to the appropriate provider. Accurately complete required documentation and obtain necessary signatures following each response.

5. Team Collaboration and Care Coordination
Work closely with physicians, nurses, and ancillary departments to coordinate patient management and support continuity of care. Promote teamwork by sharing relevant information regarding patient status, care plans, and satisfaction. Guide support personnel as appropriate and demonstrate adaptability in meeting patient care needs. Communicate patient care concerns to leadership in a timely manner. Assist with patient assignments, admissions coordination, staffing needs, and discharge education for patients and families.

6. Emergency Response Within Scope
Deliver emergency interventions consistent with licensure and organizational protocols. Triage incidents appropriately, engage additional resources when required, and provide care to patients across the lifespan—from neonatal to geriatric populations—while adhering to established policies and procedures.

7. Documentation and Credential Maintenance
Maintain thorough, accurate, and ongoing patient records reflecting assessments, interventions, education provided, and discharge outcomes. Complete end-of-shift responsibilities prior to leaving duty. Maintain current EMT-Paramedic licensure and required certifications, including BCLS, ACLS, and PALS.

8. Safety and Compliance
Promote a safe environment for patients and staff by administering medications and treatments according to provider orders and policy, following standard precautions, verifying patient identity with two identifiers, and conducting routine risk assessments. Use proper body mechanics to prevent injury, apply infection control measures including isolation protocols when indicated, and follow established procedures for handling narcotics, sharps, and hazardous materials.

9. Additional Responsibilities
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall mission and operations of the department.