EMERGENCY TECHNICIAN
Full-time position, 36 hours per week (0.9 FTE) with 12-hour rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
About the role
An Emergency Department (ED) Technician provides crucial, direct support to clinical staff up to their licensure level (EMT-B, AEMT, Paramedic, and LNA) in a fast-paced emergency setting. The Emergency Department is a Level III, 14-bed facility open 24 hours a day, staffed by registered nurses (all ACLS/PALS/BLS certified) and at least one physician on duty, with on-call specialists available within thirty minutes. The department treats patients of all ages, ranging from non-urgent to critical care, including stabilization and transport.
Responsibilities
- Clinical Care & Monitoring:
- Obtain and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation).
- Perform diagnostic tests such as 12-lead EKGs and point-of-care testing (e.g., blood glucose levels).
- Draw blood (phlebotomy) and collect laboratory specimens (urine, stool, sputum).
- Monitor patients and report significant changes in status.
- Accurately identify patients before starting procedures or providing services.
- Procedural Assistance:
- Assist with trauma resuscitation, CPR, and emergency airway procedures.
- Perform basic wound care, including irrigation, dressing changes, and assisting with sutures or staples.
- Apply orthopedic splints, slings, and immobilizers; fit patients for crutches or canes.
- Departmental & Patient Support:
- Transport patients within the hospital for tests or admissions.
- Stock treatment rooms and procedure carts with medical supplies.
- Maintain a clean, safe environment by changing linens and sanitizing equipment.
- Answer patient call lights and assist with basic hygiene or mobility needs.
- Answer telephones professionally and assist with unit coordinator duties.
- Professional Conduct:
- Comply with all policies, procedures, and regulations related to patient safety, professional ethics, infection control, age-specific care, and patient/family education.
- Engage in quality and performance improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.
- Accurately document all aspects of patient care in the electronic medical record, integrating pain management principles.
- Report incidents, including potential errors and near misses, as outlined in policy.
- Collaboration:
- Collaborate with healthcare team members to ensure patients are informed and involved in care decisions.
- Communicate effectively across departments to address patient needs and identify safety concerns.
- Keep patients and families informed about care delays in a timely and compassionate manner.
- Conduct regular rounding to promote safety and meet patient needs.
- Communication:
- Introduce yourself and your role using AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You).
- Use clear, respectful communication across disciplines.
- Employ closed-loop communication to ensure understanding.
Requirements
- Education: High school graduate. Completion of an educational program required for licensure or certification.
- Experience/Skills: 2 or more years of EMS experience preferred.
- Licensure/Certification:
- Current Healthcare CPR Certification.
- Vermont/National EMT certification (Basic EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic).
- Valid Vermont LNA certification.
Physical Demands
- Estimated time spent on activities:
- Standing: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time.
- Walking: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time.
- Sitting: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time.
- Talking or hearing: 2/3 or more of the time.
- Use of hands to finger, handle, or feel: Up to 1/3 of the time.
- Pushing/pulling: Up to 1/3 of the time.
- Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling: Up to 1/3 of the time.
- Reaching with hands and arms: Up to 1/3 of the time.
- Lifting or force exertion:
- Up to 10 pounds: 2/3 or more of the time.
- Up to 25 pounds: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time.
- Up to 50 pounds: Up to 1/3 of the time.
- Environmental conditions:
- Risk of radiation: Up to 1/3 of the time.
- Typical noise level: Moderate.
- Hearing requirements: Ability to hear alarms, calls, and instructions from staff.
- OSHA Category I: Tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues; requires use of Universal Precautions and bloodborne pathogens standards.
Pay
$18 - $26.22 per hour, based on factors such as relevant experience, education, internal equity, and market competitiveness.