PARAMEDIC - CRITICAL CARE -

Department: Lifeguard RTP | FTE: 0.90 | Shift: Rotating

Position Summary

Provide direct patient care under the supervision of the UNMH Lifeguard Medical Director. Operate within the scope of practice defined by the New Mexico Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, UNMH Lifeguard‑approved special skills, and advanced patient‑care protocols. Work collaboratively with Lifeguard Registered Nurses, the Medical Director, and UNMH Emergency Services Fellows. Serve as a role model to promote a positive work environment, act as a patient advocate, and participate in research, quality, and program outreach initiatives while ensuring adherence to hospital and departmental policies. Patient care assignments may include neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Provide advanced life support, including oral/nasal endotracheal intubation, needle thoracostomy, needle/surgical cricothyroidotomy, intraosseous catheter insertion, pericardiocentesis; perform 12‑lead EKGs and chemical blood glucose tests.
• Assess and monitor patient condition; collaborate with RN team members to devise appropriate plans of care.
• Order point‑of‑care and other testing as approved by the Lifeguard Medical Director and the New Mexico Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.
• Interpret test results and laboratory values to adjust patient therapy within protocol guidelines in discussion with RN team members.
• Perform advanced procedures within scope of practice and authorized special skills, including operation of advanced equipment.
• Document all patient care and treatment rendered using Lifeguard PCR and EMR processes.
• Communicate patient information with appropriate healthcare providers related to assessment and treatments provided by the transport team.
• Follow patient‑safety policies, procedures, and protocols; proactively seek opportunities to improve safety; identify and correct environmental hazards; report safety concerns, medical errors, and near misses in a timely manner; encourage patients to actively participate in their own care.

Qualifications

• Education (essential): High School diploma or GED equivalent; vocational or technical training preferred; associate degree nonessential.
• Experience (essential): Minimum 3 years (or 5,000 hours) pre‑hospital 911 service, or 2 years pre‑hospital 911 plus 1 year acute‑care setting totaling 5,000 hours as a paramedic. Additional experience in critical‑care transport is preferred.
• Credentials (essential): CPR for Healthcare/BLS Provider or Professional Rescuer; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS); Emergency Medical Technician‑Paramedic license; Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or equivalent; FP‑C or CCP‑C within 1 year of hire; Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) within 1 year; STABLE within 1 year; valid New Mexico driver’s license; UNM vehicle operator’s permit within 60 days.
• Additional (nonessential) credentials: National Registry Paramedic, CCEMT‑P, FP‑C, CCP‑C instructor, or instructor certification in courses such as BLS, ACLS, PALS, etc.
• Bilingual (essential or preferred): English and Spanish, Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo.

Physical Requirements

• Very heavy work: exerting >100 lb of force occasionally, >50 lb frequently, or >20 lb constantly to move objects or people.
• Maximum weight 225 lb; ability to climb, squat, and carry a 30‑lb bag.
• Ability to lift a 200‑lb patient on a backboard with one other person.
• Work environment includes helicopter, airplane, or ground ambulance; confined spaces and unusual positions.
• Exposure to chemical and bio‑hazardous materials; required PPE.
• Subject to random alcohol and substance testing; may require travel, on‑call duties, rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends.

Benefits

• Sign‑on bonus available.
• Relocation assistance available.

Shift Differentials

Receive 17 % for weekday nights, 26 % for weekend nights, and 15 % for weekend day shifts.