Community Resource Paramedic Responder I

SUMMARY

This is a professional technical position assisting in developing, implementing, administering, and presenting a robust preemptive Community Resource Paramedicine (CRP) Program and services for the organization, its facilities, and local community. An employee assigned to this classification provides care coordination services, comprehensive information, and resource referrals via telephone and in person; performs safety and health checks and offers follow-up care to persons in need. Employee also acts as a professional member of the pre-hospital emergency care team in providing comprehensive basic life support treatment and care.

Positions allocated to this classification report to the CRP Program Coordinator and work under general direction. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its lack of managerial responsibility and from lower classes by its administrative responsibilities. Errors in this classification have a significant effect on program and patient health outcomes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responds to emergencies with operational fire crews when emergencies arise on CRP visits or by 911 dispatch via a district chief when a CRP unit is available and needed.

Performs technical work and documentation in the provision of Basic Life Support (BLS) for the acutely sick and injured as defined in Florida Administrative Code 64J-1. Uses medical equipment, based on competency level under the direction of a physician.   

BLS Care includes the following:

The application of basic treatments under the supervision of a paramedic.

The use of an automatic external defibrillator

The treatment of traumatic injuries with non-invasive procedures such as c-spine protection, basic airway support and bleeding control

The treatment of cardiac arrest with chest compressions, the use of an AED, and noninvasive airway management

The treatment of respiratory distress under the direction of a paramedic with noninvasive airway procedures such as BVM, a nebulizer, and the assistance of an inhaler.

Assisting a paramedic by preparing the equipment needed for invasive procedures, identifying medications per the request of the paramedic, and preparing an ECG including a 12 lead for analysis and interpretation

The performance of a full body examination in search of life-threatening injuries.

The performance of basic vital signs such as Blood pressure, O2 saturation, respiratory rate, and heart rate from various pulse points.

Provide in-home assessments and treatments at the BLS level on behalf of primary care physicians either through written orders or via telemedicine conferencing that include assessments, interpreting ECGs, and delivering prescribed medications more consistent with primary care or chronic disease management such as antibiotics, insulin, and anti-viral medications. Assessments and treatments will require protection of privacy for all patient information in accordance with the agency’s privacy policies, procedures, and practices, as required by federal and state law, and in accordance with general principles of professionalism as a healthcare provider.

Managing Student Interns/Volunteers from various health programs at the local educational institutions including mentoring, supervising during patient visits, and completing evaluations.

Prepares, decontaminates, inspects, inventories, repairs, and/or maintains medical equipment and supplies, first aid materials, and vehicles for safe operation; tests all equipment on a regular basis and checks for future readiness.

Attends team meetings and in-service training as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing emergency medicine techniques, state/local policies, procedures, codes, and laws.

Provides direct service through mobile response to identify, prioritize, and resolve social issues including unmet needs in order to reduce repeat 911 use, decrease hospital readmission, and increase patient quality of life.

Coordinates with CRP Program Coordinator and designated medical supervision to create care plans for program patients. Assists in analyzing, designing, implementing, and maintaining a strong and proactive CRP program to meet program goals as established by the Program Coordinator.

Develops and maintains effective liaison with assisting community agencies. 

Ensures the proper tracking of data and statistical information related to the program.

Conducts special projects in conjunction with the program, to include assisting with grant applications and funding implementation.

Drives and operates ambulances, and other response vehicles to and from incidents in response to emergencies and regularly scheduled appointments.

Assists in advancing and planning city wide health events such as mobile vaccination, mobile preventative testing, and community health fairs. 

Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma, and one (1) year progressive experience in health, social services, public health, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Completion of Emergency Medical Technician certification program within twelve (12) months of appointment. Program must include a 12 credit-hour academic program and National Registry and/or State of Florida licensure.

Time working in a community resource program or paramedicine program preferred.

Associate’s (2 year) degree preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

Valid driver license required upon appointment.

Certifications

Must possess Florida State Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Emergency Vehicle Operations Course required within twelve (12) months of appointment.

American Heart Association CPR certification.