Advanced Emergency Medical Technician #1836 - Emergency Medical Services - Public Safety Division

Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has a responsibility to respond quickly and efficiently in the event of a crisis, disaster, or other public emergency. Hamilton County EMS maintains a call system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of an emergency. All Hamilton County EMS employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible should an emergency need arise. During a public emergency, all staff are required to respond should a call to mobilize be made. Please note, during a public emergency, work hours for any and all Hamilton County EMS employees are subject to modification to meet the needs of the community.

Schedule

This posting is for the 24/72 shift schedule. The base hours for this position are: 1,872 regular hours and 312 hours of mandatory scheduled overtime hours due to the 24/72 shift schedule. Mandatory overtime will be paid at time and a half.

Responsibilities

• Stands by in readiness to respond to emergencies during a 24-hour tour of duty; responds to emergency calls; assesses situation and need for assistance; determines most effective method of emergency treatment; applies treatment to victim(s)/patient(s); advises hospital personnel of situation; transports injured or ill to hospital for treatment.
• Maintains records and files; maintains and re-supplies vehicle; identifies needs for additional/replacement supplies and equipment; undertakes continuous training.
• Works with public, medical professionals, and others to educate and advise of the role, capabilities, and responsibilities of an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of applicable State of Tennessee statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Hamilton County policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques, requirements, and activities associated with emergency medical response.
• Knowledge of record keeping, records, and case management.
• Skill in working under stressful situations, in receiving and assessing information, then making appropriate decisions for response.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relations with staff, other departments, law enforcement, and the general public.
• Skill in effectively maintaining equipment, facilities, and operations.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
• Skill in effectively communicating in both oral and written form.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application.
• Possess the equivalent of a high school diploma.
• Possess a current TN AEMT License or be Nationally Registered and eligible for Tennessee licensure prior to employment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, Class D in Tennessee, or the equivalent from the employee’s state of residence.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass a physical ability test to determine ability to perform required physical job duties.
• Must pass a written exam determining medical knowledge and decision-making abilities.
• Must pass an oral interview to evaluate poise, presentation, and verbal skills.
• Must be able to obtain certification in Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided by the County and maintain certification.
• Incumbents must be able to obtain and retain all certifications and licenses required by the State of Tennessee.

Physical Requirements

Work requires good physical fitness with the ability to function effectively in heavy and cumbersome protective gear; the ability to lift and carry heavy, bulky items, equipment, materials, supplies, and people weighing up to 150 pounds (300 pounds as a 2-person team) in unpredictable weather conditions over varying terrain. There is also a risk of bodily harm and potential exposure to infectious diseases, toxic fumes, and chemicals. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Standing/Walking: Frequently to continuously when responding to calls. Includes going to and from the emergency vehicle, getting patients from their locations, and rendering treatment. Must also be able to run these same distances in case of an emergency where time is of the essence. Walking and running may vary as the patient may be located inside a large, multi-floored facility. Standing, walking, and running could be on all types of surfaces, including asphalt, cement, concrete, soft/packed dirt, linoleum, wood, and hardwood floors.
• Sitting: Frequently when responding to a location, the individual will sit in the emergency vehicle.
• Lifting and Carrying: Frequently required to lift and carry weight ranging from a few pounds up to 150 pounds individually, and up to 300 pounds as a 2-person team.
• Bending and Stooping: Frequently throughout a work shift the individual will be required to bend in a range of 1 to 90 degrees or greater.
• Crouching and Kneeling: Frequent crouching and kneeling may be performed when on the scene picking up equipment or assisting patients.
• Climbing: Occasionally required when climbing steps up and down with a patient on a stretcher or other device, and when entering or exiting the emergency vehicle.
• Reaching: Frequently to continuously throughout the work shift in order to review monitoring equipment, operate communication equipment, administer oxygen, and operate equipment.
• Pushing and Pulling: Frequent activities that require force in pushing and pulling when removing or returning a stretcher to the emergency vehicle, with and without a patient on the stretcher.
• Handling or Grasping: Continuously while working at any given location, continual bilateral gross manipulation is performed in this position.
• Hazards: Exposure to dust, fumes, gases, fire, smoke, adverse weather conditions, and chemicals. Driving at speeds beyond the posted limit may occur, exposing the incumbent to vehicular accidents at higher speeds. Exposure to body substances that may contain infectious materials, potential for bodily harm or death from violent patients, bystanders, or other dangers.

Additional Information

This position has been identified as “safety sensitive” under the definition of 49 CFR Part 40-Department of Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy. This position will be subject to drug and alcohol testing for the following: post offer pre-employment, when there is reasonable cause, after an on-the-job accident or contributing to an accident, on a random basis, prior to return to duty after suspension, and/or as follow-up.

Overtime hours reflected in this position are mandatory but may be subject to change based on business needs and community service needs. All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance. All positions may require work on holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.