Paramedic - Ground Transport | UF Health Jacksonville EMS | Full-time, Part-time, & PRN available

Under the direction of the Program Director/Manager and Medical Director, the Transport Paramedic is responsible for assessment, triage, treatment, and evaluation of patients during ground transport. The paramedic functions autonomously using medical protocols and advanced skills, provides comprehensive care, documents patient records, and serves as a clinical resource. This role requires excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in high-stress environments while prioritizing safety throughout the transport continuum.

Responsibilities

• Provides safe interfacility transport of patients according to established UF Health Jacksonville transport protocols and standing orders.
• Performs scheduled observations and monitoring activities according to unit/department/patient population-specific standards.
• Recognizes abnormal findings and changes in patient condition; initiates clinical assessment and treatment.
• Monitors and assesses patients on an ongoing basis according to policies, procedures, protocols, and practice guidelines.
• Assesses and collects data to determine patient stability, safety, and pain; reviews medical orders for completeness.
• Informs patients and families of their rights and responsibilities, including advance directives.
• Recognizes interrelationships between physical assessment findings, monitored parameters, therapies, and laboratory results to identify changes in patient status.
• Safely drives ambulances when required.
• Implements patient care activities according to standards of care and practice; reinforces patient and family education.
• Operates and troubleshoots equipment as indicated for patient care needs; utilizes computer information management systems.
• Documents patient care according to policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Organizes and reprioritizes work based on patient needs, available resources, and unit requirements.
• Follows hospital policies, procedures, and program protocols; supports EMS philosophy and organizational structure.
• Supports compliance with hospital accreditation, state licensure, and external accrediting agency requirements.
• Attends program staff meetings and reviews program goals; directs daily work efforts toward satisfying those goals.
• Practices cost-effective use of personnel, equipment, and supplies; demonstrates flexibility in scheduling.
• Performs related duties such as navigation, radio communication, obstacle avoidance, and other EMS-related tasks.
• Represents the program and hospital at public relations events and educational in-services for surrounding counties.
• Inspects vehicle daily to ensure cleanliness, full equipment, proper operating condition, and compliance with state and local laws.
• Cleans the inside of the vehicle and prepares the stretcher after each call.
• Responds to mission requests in the prescribed timeframe.
• Contributes to a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, and staff by following policies and protocols.
• Safely transports patients and medical equipment; provides appropriate patient care during transport.
• Identifies patients at risk for injury and participates in instituting preventive measures.
• Adheres to age-appropriate protocols to ensure patient safety based on developmental needs.
• Contributes to infection control by adhering to policies and procedures.
• Completes employee accident reports and contributes to patient safety reports; reports environmental safety hazards.
• Ensures emergency readiness and initiates timely emergency measures as appropriate.
• Checks transport vehicle serviceability, including fluid levels, fuel, warning devices, and lights.
• Demonstrates professional development, accountability, and leadership.
• Maintains mandatory certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS, Emergency Pediatric Care, Prehospital Trauma Life Support, and EVOC.
• Identifies learning needs and contracts with preceptor/manager to achieve goals.
• Maintains core and divisional/program-based competencies as described in the competency plan.
• Attends staff development programs and fulfills mandatory educational requirements annually.
• Functions as a preceptor and instructs at outreach education opportunities.
• Complies with work rules, including dress code, time and attendance, and personal use of phones/computers.
• Takes responsibility for obtaining departmental/hospital information and incorporates changes into practice.
• Maintains competence and professional/clinical knowledge through continuing education.
• Completes mandatory in-services, competency updates, and self-evaluation for the evaluation process.
• Communicates professionally with other healthcare team members.
• Serves as a patient advocate by providing compassionate, individualized care.
• Supervises and evaluates assigned drivers.
• Maintains a "clean" driving record and operates all hospital vehicles in accordance with local and state standards.
• Participates in ongoing education to expand and enhance professional development.
• Demonstrates knowledge of regulatory agency standards and incorporates them into daily practice.
• Complies with all hospital and departmental policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates clinical skill in patient care management and knowledge of pathophysiology related to cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and neurological systems.
• Must be able to function in a small environment and be proportionate in build; able to see hazards and maneuver safely around the vehicle.
• Able to lift, push, or pull 250 pounds or more with assistance.

Qualifications

• Required Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Preferred Education: Associate's degree
• Required Licensure/Certifications:
  • Florida Paramedic License
  • BLS from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross
  • ACLS from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross
  • PALS from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross
  • 2 or more years of driving experience and insurable by the hospital's business auto insurance carrier
  • Valid Florida Driver's License
  • Certification of completion of a Florida-approved Emergency Vehicle Operations driving course (NAPD or EVOC) within 30 days of hire/transfer
• Within six months of hire or transfer:
  • Prehospital Trauma Life Support
  • Advanced Medical Life Support
  • FEMA IS 100
  • FEMA IS 200
  • Emergency Vehicle Operations Course
• Preferred Licensure/Certifications:
  • National Registry Paramedic
  • ACLS Instructor
  • PALS Instructor
  • PHTLS Emergency Pediatric Care (EPC)
  • UF Health Jacksonville DECON Training
• Required Experience: Less than 1 year of EMS or healthcare field experience
• Preferred Experience: Over 2-3 years of field experience in an active 911 Emergency Medical Service

Skills

• Ability to learn and adapt to new equipment
• Ability to work in highly stressful situations
• Customer relations and organization skills
• Adherence to hospital policy and Florida Department of Emergency Medical Services guidelines
• Familiarity with Advanced Life Support patient care equipment
• Demonstrated knowledge of pathophysiology related to cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and neurological systems

Age of Patients Served: All age groups