(The following is from the VDH OEMS TR14B)
Introduction
The following is a position description for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) within Atlantic EMS Council states. This document identifies the minimum qualifications, expectations, competencies and tasks expected of the EMT.
Qualifications for State Certification
To qualify for state certification, the applicant must at a minimum:
- meet minimum state entry requirements.
- meet course requirements such as attendance and grades.
- successfully complete all certification/licensure examination(s).
Competencies
The EMT must demonstrate competency in handling emergencies utilizing basic life support equipment and skills in accordance with the objectives in the U.S. Department of Transportation National EMS Education Standards for the EMT to include having the ability to:
- verbally communicate in person, via telephone and telecommunications using the English language;
- hear spoken information from co-workers, patients, physicians and dispatchers and in sounds common to the emergency scene;
- ability to lift, carry, and balance up to 125 pounds (250 with assistance) a height of 33 inches, a distance of 10 feet;
- read and comprehend written materials under stressful conditions;
- document, physically in writing, document physically patient information in prescribed format;
- demonstrate manual dexterity and fine motor skills, with ability to perform all tasks related to quality patient care in a safe manner;
- bend, stoop, crawl, and walk on uneven surfaces;
- meet minimum vision requirements to operate a motor vehicle within the state.
Description of Tasks
The Basic Life Support Provider must:
- Receives a dispatched call, verbally acknowledges the call, reads road maps, identifies the most expeditious route to the scene, and observes traffic ordinances and regulations.
- Upon arrival at the scene, ensures that the vehicle is parked in a safe location. Safely performs size-up to determine scene safety including the presence of hazardous materials, mechanism of injury or illness, and the total number of patients. Performs triage and requests additional help as necessary.
- In the absence of public safety personnel takes safety precautions to protect the injured and those assisting in the care of the patient(s).
- Using body substance isolation techniques, protects the patient(s) and providers from possible contamination.
- Inspects for medical identification emblems, bracelets or cards that provide patient emergency medical care information.
- Determines nature and extent of illness or injury, checks respirations, auscultates breath sounds, takes pulses, auscultates/palpates blood pressure (including proper placement of the cuff), visually observes changes in skin color, establishes priority for emergency care. Based on assessment findings renders emergency care to adults, infants and children.
- Skills performed include but are not limited to: establishing and maintaining an airway, ventilating patients, cardiac resuscitation, use of automated external defibrillators where applicable. In addition, provides prehospital emergency care of single and multiple system trauma such as controlling hemorrhage, bandaging wounds, treatment of shock (hypoperfusion), spinal immobilization and splinting of painful swollen or deformed extremities.
- Manages medical patients to include, but are not limited to: assisting in childbirth, management of respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, allergic, behavioral, and environmental emergencies and suspected poisonings.
- Performs interventions and assist patients with prescribed medications, including sublingual nitroglycerine, epinephrine auto injectors, and metered dose aerosol inhalers observing safety measures for others and self.
- Responsible for the administration of oxygen, oral glucose and activated charcoal.
- Reassures patients and bystanders by working in a confident, efficient manner.
- Functions in varied environmental conditions such as lighted or darkened work areas, extreme heat, cold and moisture.
- Performs in situations that create stress and tension on a regular basis.
- Where extrication is required, assesses extent of entrapment and provides all possible emergency care and protection to the patient. Uses recognized techniques and equipment for removing patients safely (to include proper strap placement) Communicates verbally for additional help as needed.
- Complies with regulations for the handling of crime scenes and prehospital deaths by notifying the appropriate authorities and arranging for the protection of property and evidence at that scene.
- Lifts and moves patients into the ambulance and assures that the patient and stretcher are secured, continues emergency medical care enroute in accordance with local protocols.
- Determines most appropriate facility for patient transport. Reports to the receiving facility, the nature and extent of injuries, and the number of patients being transported.
- Observes patient enroute and administers care as directed by medical control or local protocol. Able to maneuver to all points in the patient compartment while transporting with a stretchered patient. Assists in lifting and carrying patient and appropriate equipment from ambulance and into receiving facility.
- Reports verbally and in writing, observations and emergency care given to the patient at the scene and in transit to the receiving staff for record keeping and diagnostic purposes. Upon request, provides assistance to the receiving facility staff.
- Disposes of contaminated supplies in accordance with established guidelines, decontaminates vehicle interior, sends used supplies for sterilization.
- Maintains ambulance in operable condition which includes cleanliness, orderliness and restocking of equipment and supplies. Determines vehicle readiness by checking oil, gas, water in battery and radiator, and tire pressure.
- Checks all medical equipment for future readiness. Maintains familiarity with all specialized equipment.
- Attends continuing education and or refresher training programs as required by EMS agency, medical direction, and/or certifying agency.
- Meets qualifications within the functional job analysis of the EMT.