Behavioral Health Paramedic

Class Summary

Provides basic and advanced emergency medical treatment and assistance from the Behavioral Response Unit (BRU) to people experiencing mental health and substance use crises.

Responsibilities

• Assesses patient conditions by conducting systematic physical examinations to determine the extent of illness or injury.
• Determines treatment methods and priorities for care according to established protocols.
• Performs pre‑hospital medical procedures including resuscitation; intubation; administration of medications or fluids by intravenous, intraosseous, intramuscular, sublingual, and oral (PO) routes; and other stabilizing treatment within their scope of practice.
• Evaluates, treats, and monitors patients by using complex and specialized medical equipment including defibrillators, EKG monitors, blood analyzers, breathalyzers, and oxygen and suction devices.
• Calculates patient medication doses considering factors such as potential interaction with other medications, patient weight, dose prescribed by written protocols, and method of delivery.
• Obtains and records patient information including vital statistics, relevant social and medical history, and personal details.
• Observes, records, and reports to hospital or medical provider the patient's condition or injury, treatment provided, and reactions to drugs or treatment.
• Communicates with patients, behavioral health professionals, and others to obtain and provide information and reassurance.
• Cleans, services, and maintains emergency equipment including blood analyzers, specialized kits and bags, splints, oxygen delivery system, and monitoring equipment.
• Cleans and maintains the emergency response vehicle.
• Secures patients into ambulances and monitors conditions en route to hospital while providing continuous medical care, treatment, and stabilization.
• Ensures proper disposal of biohazard materials.
• Replaces used intravenous needles, solutions, linens, blankets, and other expendable supplies.
• Maintains inventory and control of authorized medications in accordance with policy.
• Lifts and moves patients for treatment and transportation to medical facilities.
• Represents the Spokane Fire Department and Integrated Medical Services at professional conferences, in the media, and on video as directed.
• Drives the Behavioral Response Unit to and from behavioral health incidents.
• Consults with behavioral health professionals to determine appropriate courses of treatment and action.
• Performs related work as required or directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: No prior experience is required.
• Licenses and Certifications: Must possess a National Registry Paramedic certification or Washington State Paramedic license.
• Post‑Employment Requirements:
  • Applicants who possess a National Registry Paramedic certification must obtain a Washington State Paramedic license within 3 months of employment and maintain it throughout employment.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Background Investigation: All applicants are subject to a thorough background investigation prior to employment.

Examination Details

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass will be placed on the hiring list. The examination consists of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), a written test based on the applicant’s prior training, experience, or education.

A video with tips for completing the T&E is provided. The exam is online and requires a computer; applicants without computer access should notify Civil Service for assistance. Computer reservations can also be made through local public libraries.

Testing window: October 1 – 5, 2026. Instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on September 30 2026 from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com). Alternative accessible tests are available upon request for individuals with disabilities that affect manual, sensory, or speaking skills.

Benefits

• Promotions by competitive examination
• Major medical and life insurance policies available at group rates to employees and families
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• LEOFF II retirement program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Uniform allowance (offered for some classifications)
• Hazardous duty pay
• Shift differential pay
• Tuition reimbursement program