The EMT-Basic provides emergency medical assessment, Basic Life Support (BLS) treatment, patient stabilization, and transport in a 911 EMS system. This position responds to medical emergencies, works collaboratively with other public safety personnel, and maintains readiness of ambulances, equipment, and EMS facilities.
- Respond promptly and safely to emergency and non-emergency assignments; assess scene safety and patient needs.
- Perform patient assessments, establish care priorities, and deliver BLS care within the current Texas EMT scope of practice, medical direction, protocols, and applicable law.
- Provide authorized basic airway management, CPR, AED use, bleeding control, splinting, oxygen therapy, and other appropriate EMT-level interventions.
- Operate assigned ambulances safely when authorized; assist with patient lifting, moving, packaging, transportation, and transfer of care.
- Coordinate care with paramedics, fire departments, first responders, law enforcement, mutual-aid agencies, and receiving hospitals.
- Prepare accurate, timely, and complete electronic patient care reports and other required documentation.
- Inspect, clean, restock, and maintain ambulances, medical equipment, and supplies; report deficiencies promptly.
- Follow department policies for equipment inventory, supply accountability, infection control, and safety reporting.
- Communicate clearly and professionally by radio, telephone, electronically, and in person.
- Participate in continuing education, skills training, quality improvement, community education, and other assigned activities.
- Maintain cleanliness and operational readiness of EMS facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
- Carry out other job-related duties as assigned by EMS leadership.
- Current Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, maintained in good standing.
- Current valid Texas driver’s license and ability to meet applicable departmental driving requirements.
- Ability to maintain required certification, continuing education, and departmental training throughout employment.
- Ability to perform the physical and cognitive demands of emergency patient care, including lifting and moving patients and equipment using approved safety practices.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, and complete accurate electronic documentation.
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively in high-stress situations.
Preferred Qualifications
At least six (6) months of 911 emergency medical services experience is preferred, not required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of prehospital basic emergency care, medical equipment, infection prevention, and ambulance operations.
- Ability to recognize changes in patient condition, prioritize care, and function calmly and professionally under pressure.
- Ability to recognize and report problems with vehicles, equipment, supplies, and facilities.
- Effective interpersonal skills for working with patients, families, coworkers, and partner agencies.
- Ability to follow written and verbal directions, agency policies, medical protocols, and documentation standards.