EMT Basic

General Purpose of Job:

The Emergency Medical Technician- Basic (EMT-B) has strong critical thinking skills and is able to adapt to any given situation.  The EMT-B is skilled in advanced life support. The EMT-B will be able to function as part of a team, assuming the role of the point person to facilitate the needs of the behavioral/mental health patient, promoting safety of patients and staff. The EMT-B is accountable to their immediate supervisor, i.e., House Supervisor or Critical Care Transport Director. This role will also be working in conjunction with DCH Behavioral Health Manager and associated team members to provide one on one monitoring, utilizing de-escalating techniques, general patient care assistance and transportation to inpatient psychiatric facilities and other outside facilities as needed. The EMT-B will provide hands-on care to individuals with varying degrees of mental illnesses and/or developmental disabilities. They will perform a vital, front-line function in all inpatient areas and the Emergency Department as they observe and provide therapeutic interaction with patients. The EMT-B operates within the framework of the Driscoll Children’s Hospital mission, vision and values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; employees will perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor as required.

·         Maintains utmost level of confidentiality at all times.

·         Adheres to hospital policies and procedures.

·         Responsible for providing patient care according to department protocol, policies and procedures.

·         Is a highly motivated, well-organized individual and has demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·         Handles multiple tasks and is self-directed.

·         Possesses efficient skills in respiratory management including basic airway stabilization and ventilation, EKG interpretation, IV access assistance, medication administration, code management, & pain management within the scope of practice of an EMT basic.

·         Provides 1:1 patient monitoring

·         Provides assistance transporting patients from Halo-pad

·         Implements de-escalation techniques

·         Protective holds, movements and carries

·         Blocking and redirecting patient movements against the patient’s weight

·         Physical interventions in response to aggressive and self-injurious behavior

·         Ability to move quickly and confidently to intervene in situations when protective holds and/or movements are deemed necessary

·         Ability to pursue a bolting patient

·         Successfully completes non-violent self-defense training

·         Serves as a hospital porter

·         Maintains professional composure, thinks clearly, quickly assesses and evaluates situations, organizes thoughts, and responds quickly in emergency and stressful situations and effectively coordinates transport duties.

·         Communicates with immediate supervisor any problems or questions pertaining to duties and policies. 

·         Attends regular safety and staff meetings.

·         Shares responsibilities to complete post transport activities including cleaning, refueling and restocking vehicle supplies and equipment as necessary.

·         Shares responsibilities for ensuring readiness of and recording all DCH equipment and supplies in accordance with department policies.

·         Possesses basic knowledge of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) laws, regulations, procedures, and practices as related to radio and telephone operations.

·         Possesses basic computer skills for work related tasks and education.

·         Coordinates transport related phone calls, including inter-institutional or intra-institutional calls.

·         Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships and communicates clearly with general public, referring facility personnel and Transport department personnel.

·         Is able to read maps accurately.

·         Responsible for communication and documentation necessary for proper patient care.

·         Responsible for communication and documentation necessary for Transport billing.

·         Responsible for maintaining required number of continuing education hours.

·         Speaks clearly and concisely over radio and telephone.

·         Demonstrates business practices and personal actions that are ethical and adhere to corporate compliance and integrity guidelines. 

Education and/or Experience:

Select the one level of education and/or experience needed to successfully accomplish the essential duties of this job.  Delete those that do not apply.

Possesses a current Texas Department of State Health Services Emergency Medical Technician certification or licensure.

Has a minimum of two years’ experience in related field.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Currently Certified or Licensed in The State of Texas as an EMT-Basic.

Maintains AHA or ARC cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification and is current upon hire.

Maintain Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification or obtained within 6 months of hire.

Maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification or obtained within 6 months of hire.

Provides proof of personal automobile liability insurance upon hire.

Provides proof of current Texas state driver’s license.