Job description
Position: Medical Officer – Accident and Emergency (A&E)
Department: Accident & Emergency (A&E) Services
Reports To: Medical Officer In-Charge (MOIC)
Key Responsibilities:
- Emergency Medical Care:
- Provide initial assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients presenting to the A&E department.
- Stabilize patients in critical condition, including performing life-saving procedures such as intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and defibrillation.
- Triage patients based on the severity of their condition to ensure those needing immediate attention are prioritized.
- Administer appropriate medications, including pain relief, antibiotics, and other emergency drugs.
- Emergency Procedures:
- Perform essential emergency procedures such as airway management, intubation, CPR, resuscitation, and inserting IV lines.
- Conduct minor wound suturing and provide basic care for minor injuries and wounds.
- Perform diagnostic tests like ECGs to assess patient conditions and assist with immediate management decisions.
- Manage trauma cases with basic non-invasive interventions such as wound care and immobilization of fractures.
- Patient Communication & Care:
- Communicate effectively with patients and their families, explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and follow-up care instructions.
- Provide reassurance and guidance to patients and families, particularly in critical and stressful situations.
- Ensure comprehensive and timely discharge planning, including appropriate referrals to specialists or admission for further care.
- Collaboration & Teamwork:
- Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including nurses and consultants, to ensure holistic care.
- Liaise with multidisciplinary teams for the ongoing care and transfer of patients to other departments or hospitals as required.
- Participate in inter-departmental case discussions and collaborative emergency response when large-scale emergencies or disasters occur.
- Documentation & Compliance:
- Maintain accurate and complete medical records, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Document all patient encounters, diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up care in the electronic medical record (EMR) system or paper records.
- Ensure that medical documentation aligns with hospital protocols and A&E standards.
- Professional Development & Attitude:
- Maintain a positive attitude towards continuous learning and professional growth.
- Proactively seek opportunities to improve skills and knowledge in emergency medicine and related areas.
- Attend and participate in continuing medical education (CME) programs, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on the latest emergency medicine practices.
- Actively participate in training sessions, including teaching junior medical staff and nursing personnel.
- Stay informed about the latest guidelines in emergency care and disaster management.
- Shift Work & On-Call Duties:
- Perform duties during day, evening, and night shifts as assigned, ensuring 24-hour coverage of the A&E department.
- Be available for on-call duty when required, especially during mass casualty events or disaster response.
- Health & Safety Compliance:
- Adhere to hospital protocols regarding infection control, safety, and risk management.
- Ensure proper use and maintenance of medical equipment and follow protocols for reporting faulty or damaged equipment.
- Maintain awareness of hospital disaster protocols and participate in regular drills and training for mass casualty and disaster response.
- Take reasonable care for the safety and health of self and other persons who may be affected while at work.
- Hospital Representation & Professional Image:
- Project a good image of the hospital and the profession through delivery of quality patient care.
- Behave professionally and courteously towards patients, colleagues, and all other hospital staff.
- Clinical Practice Guidelines & Protocols:
- Whenever possible, follow the Clinical Practice Guidelines / Critical Care Pathways / Governing Policies / Hospital Protocols while examining and treating patients.
- Ensure that clinical decisions are in line with current standards and best practices in emergency medicine.
- Proactivity & Initiative:
- Demonstrate a proactive approach in managing patient care and solving clinical problems.
- Show willingness to take initiative in improving patient outcomes and department processes.
- Anticipate patient needs and ensure a high standard of care is provided.
- Additional Duties:
- Participate in hospital committees and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of emergency services.
- Provide input in protocol development and continuous improvement of patient care standards in A&E.
- Assist in any other duties as required by the department or hospital administration.
Qualifications:
- Medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
- Valid practicing license with the Medical Council or relevant regulatory body.
- Postgraduate qualification in Emergency Medicine or other fields (preferred but not required).
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong clinical decision-making skills with the ability to work under pressure.
- Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to professional growth.
- Proactive and self-motivated with a focus on improving patient outcomes.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and colleagues.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and lead during emergencies.