Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Minimum Qualifications

At least eighteen (18) years of age. High School Diploma or equivalent supplemented by college level course work. EMT Certification from a recognized EMT training program and EMT Certification from the County of Tulare EMS. Although not entirely necessary, would prefer at lease one (1) year of experience in the field of pre-hospital EMS. Must be insurable by the District’s driver’s insurance provider.

Primary Function

Primary function for the EMT is the driving of emergency vehicles, both basic and advanced life-support. In addition, under general supervision, accesses injuries, administers emergency medical care, and extricates trapped individuals. Provides emergency rescue and care to the ill and injured to include assessment of illness and/or injury, management of illness/injury, preparation for transport, transfer of information and compassionate patient care.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

1. Administers first-aid treatment and life-support care to sick or injured persons in pre-hospital settings.
2. Operates equipment such as EKG’s, external defibrillators and bag-valve resuscitators in advanced life-support environments.
3. Performs or assists in the initial assessment and management of illness or injury to emergency patients in accordance with specified protocols and procedures.
4. Assesses nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
5. Maintains vehicles and medical and communication equipment and replenishes first-aid equipment and supplies.
6. Observes, records, and reports to physician the patient’s condition or injury, the treatment provided and reactions to drugs and treatment.
7. Coordinates work with other emergency medical team members and police and fire department personnel.
8. Communicates with dispatchers and treatment center personnel to provide information about situation, to arrange reception of patients, and to receive instructions for further treatment.
9. Prepares or assists in the preparation of patients for transport, insuring compliance with emergency medical transport regulations, protocols, and procedures.
10. Leads, guides and/or assists in the training of lower level technicians and/or students as specifically assigned.
11. Follows established departmental policies, procedures and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental and/or infection control standards.
12. Inspects emergency medical equipment to insure serviceability and compliance with safety and infection control regulations and standards.
13. Completes and transfers patient care information and records as per established procedures.
14. Comforts and reassures patients and patients’ family members.
15. Drives emergency vehicles in stressful situations.
16. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

1. Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
2. Knowledge of and skill in the application of basic on-site emergency medical protocol and procedures.
3. Must possess knowledge for records maintenance.
4. Knowledge of the use of emergency medical transport procedures, facilities, and equipment.
5. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
6. Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
7. Ability to perform standardized emergency patient care activities within established protocols.
8. Ability to provide guidance and support to other EMT staff and/or students.
9. Knowledge of emergency medical equipment maintenance regulations and policy standards.

License and Certification Requirements

1. Valid and current Tulare County Licensure as an Emergency Medical Technician.
2. Valid and current Ambulance Driver Certification.
3. Valid maintenance and periodic renewal of Medical Examiners Certificate.
4. Annual TB clearance.
5. Valid and current Class C California Drivers License.
6. In good standing with State and County EMSA.
7. Valid and current CPR card.