City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Paramedic Practitioner

Under general direction, this position provides medical care to patients in the pre-hospital environment based on the current standards of care. This position supports the Emergency Medical System (EMS), Fire Department, and community health paramedics by providing equitable and reliable care to citizens of Austin/Travis County.

1. Performs physical assessment of patients using observation, inspection, auscultation, palpation, and percussion.
2. Refers patients to physicians for consultation when indicated by clinical exam.
3. Treats patients following standards of care. Secures and evaluates medical histories of patients.
4. Orders, performs, and interprets both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures or tests for individualized patients.
5. Coordinates care by training and directing members of the health care team. Assists families in utilizing health care resources available.
6. Plans, promotes, demonstrates, recommends, and coordinates high standards of EMS practice.
7. Manages low acuity and high acuity patients in the EMS setting.
8. Introduces innovations in emergency medical care and health programs.
9. Assists in EMS education and training. Maintains care of equipment.
10. Completes required documentation and reports in a timely manner and in accordance with guidelines.

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others. 

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of out-of-hospital care.
• Knowledge of driving an emergency vehicle.
• Knowledge of the scope of practice of advanced practice providers in the clinical specialty.
• Knowledge of instruments, equipment, and mechanical devices employed in the specialty area of EMS.
• Knowledge of the relationship between EMS, primary care, and urgent/emergency care.
• Knowledge of community organizations, health programs, and local receiving facilities.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication.
• Skill in establishing an effective and constructive working relationship with patients, families, physicians, departmental personnel, City employees, and the public.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor.
• Ability to maintain current required licenses and certification.

• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant school, plus two (2) years of experience in Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care setting, or a clinically-related field.

Or

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing plus Nurse Practitioner certification in area of Emergency Medicine or Family Practice, plus two (2) years of experience.

• License to practice as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner in the State of Texas.
• Current Paramedic Certification.
• Valid State of Texas Class C Driver License.

• Unimpaired mobility: Must be able to quickly respond to ambulance, to access patients in difficult terrain, to climb stairs, to work in close and dangerous environments such as damaged vehicles,. Must be able, with partner, to carry equipment and patients weighing up to 180 pounds.
• Physical Abilities: Must be able to perform strenuous physical requirements such as CPR and lifting and moving of equipment and patients in a variety of environmental conditions. Must be able to swim at the basic survival level.
• Fine Motor Skills: Must be able to perform required medical skills and techniques such as bandaging, splinting, establishing an IV, performing endotracheal intubation and other advanced airway techniques, manual defibrillation, pleural decompression.
• Vision: Must have correctable vision acceptable for day and night operation of emergency vehicles and color acuity adequate for determination of skin and blood color. Must be able to read medication dosages on drug labels and syringes.
• Hearing: Must be able to hear and understand information provided by patients, family, or bystanders; to hear breath sounds and accurately determine auscultated blood pressures; to differentiate separate conversations in active, distracting environments; to hear and understand radio traffic when responding with lights and sirens.
• Speech: Must be able to speak and enunciate clearly and at a level audible to others in loud conditions; to speak clearly in stressful situations; to verbally communicate with patients, families, and other emergency personnel.