Under general supervision, provides emergency medical treatment on assigned shift. Responsibilities include responding to dispatch calls, rendering aid to victims of trauma or illness, providing basic‑level pre‑hospital emergency medical care and Basic Life Support in accordance with local protocols, medical directives, and state regulations, and utilizing situational analysis and ingenuity to accomplish patient care outside the clinical setting.
Workers may be exposed to hazards of Emergency Medical Service duty, including infectious disease and risk of injury, and must act to prevent harm to the patient, themselves, and coworkers. They may also work with other agencies during mass casualty or terrorist incidents and may be required to perform non‑emergency operational, administrative, or public relations tasks as directed. Reports to the Shift Supervisor, Assistant Supervisor, or Director of Operations.
Examples of Duties
- Operate emergency vehicles, ground ambulances, or non‑transporting quick response vehicles; navigate routes while maintaining radio contact with dispatch and other units and read maps.
- Make decisions regarding utilization of available resources or need for additional resources; summon assistance from higher‑level certification when patient needs exceed basic level capability.
- Communicate clearly to gather necessary information regarding patient medical history and mechanism of injury; deal with the public with tact, courtesy, empathy, and firmness; maintain privacy discretion.
- Work cooperatively with Police, Fire, Dispatch, and other Emergency Medical Service agencies; maintain knowledge of the FEMA National Incident Management System.
- Assess and examine the patient; consider nature of illness or extent of injury; rule out inappropriate treatment; seek Paramedic assistance if needed; provide proper care and treatment, patient handling/packaging, and transport to definitive care.
- Communicate necessary patient information to doctors, nurses, and other emergency medical personnel to enable seamless transfer of patient care to hospital personnel or another transporting agency both verbally and in writing.
- Record accurate and thorough Patient Care Reports; document the physical condition and treatment provided to the patient while in the EMT’s care.
- Maintain vehicles, equipment, supplies, and station facilities to ensure readiness.
- Participate in special roles with specific training such as SWAT medic, STARR team, Bicycle Medic, Field Training Officer, or non‑medical operation positions.
- Provide non‑emergency transportation of patients to/from hospitals, clinical venues, or home; complete assigned administrative tasks; contribute to public relations or public education; provide first‑aid standby at festivals, sporting events, or other public gatherings.
- Participate in ongoing training, skill practice/assessments, quality assurance, and didactic education required to continually enhance care; maintain State certifications; remain recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
- Remain current in American Heart Association Basic Life Support.
- Operate assorted equipment and hand tools used in EMS service, including self‑contained breathing apparatus, life‑saving/life‑supporting equipment, extrication equipment, generators, flood lights, etc.; use diagnostic instruments, medical supplies and instruments, protective clothing, cleaning supplies, hand and power tools, etc.
- Operate two‑way radio, telephone, copier, and GPS.
- Interact and communicate with various groups and individuals such as supervisor, department supervisors, co‑workers, county personnel, other government agencies, municipal personnel, volunteers, fire/EMS personnel of other jurisdictions, civic and community organizations, school personnel, students, business/property owners, sales representatives, medical/hospital personnel, accident/incident bystanders, patients, and the general public.
Typical Qualifications
Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent with vocational or technical school training in Emergency Medical Technician Basic supplemented by one year experience in Emergency Medical Service programs; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Must have completed approved Emergency Vehicle operations training and Basic Life Support courseware.
Must have a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
Equal Opportunity Employer