Essential Functions

The paramedic must be a confident leader who can accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility entailed in the position. The paramedic must have excellent judgment and be able to prioritize decisions and act quickly in the best interest of the patient, must be self-disciplined, able to develop patient rapport, interview hostile patients, maintain safe distance, and recognize and utilize communication unique to diverse multicultural groups and ages within those groups. The paramedic must be able to function independently at optimum level in a non-structured environment that is constantly changing.

Even though the paramedic is generally part of a two-person team working with a lower skill and knowledge level EMT, the paramedic is held responsible for safe and therapeutic administration of drugs, including narcotics. Therefore, the paramedic must not only be knowledgeable about medications, but must be able to apply this knowledge in a practical sense. Knowledge and practical application of medications includes thoroughly knowing and understanding the general properties of all types of drugs.

The paramedic is personally responsible legally, ethically, and morally for each drug administered, for using correct precautions and techniques, for observing and documenting the effects of the drugs administered, for keeping one's own pharmacological knowledge-base current as to changes and trends in administration and use, for keeping abreast of all contraindications to administration of specific drugs to patients based on their constitutional make-up, and for using drug reference literature.

The responsibility of the paramedic includes obtaining a comprehensive drug history from the patient that includes names of drugs, strength, daily usage, and dosage. The paramedic must take into consideration that many factors, in relation to the history given, can affect the type of medication to be given. Awareness of drug reactions and the synergistic effects of drugs combined with other medicines and in some instances, food, are imperative. The paramedic must also take into consideration the possible risks of medication administered to a pregnant mother and the fetus, keeping in mind those drugs may cross the placenta.

The paramedic must be cognizant of the impact of medications on pediatric patients based on size and weight, special concerns related to newborns and geriatric patients, and the physiological effects of aging such as the way skin can tear in the geriatric population with relatively little to no pressure. There must be an awareness of the high abuse potential of controlled substances and the potential for addiction; therefore, the paramedic must be thorough in report writing and able to justify why a particular narcotic was used and why a particular amount was given. The ability to measure and re-measure drip rates for controlled substances and medications is essential. Once medication is stopped or not used, the paramedic must send back unused portions to the proper inventory arena.

The paramedic must be able to apply basic principles of mathematics to the calculation of problems associated with medication dosages, perform conversion problems, differentiate temperature readings between centigrade and Fahrenheit scales, be able to use proper advanced life support equipment and supplies based on patient's age and condition of veins, and be able to locate sites for obtaining blood samples and perform this task, administer medication intravenously, administer medications by gastric tube, administer oral medications, administer rectal medications, and comply with universal precautions and body substance isolation, disposing of contaminated items and equipment properly.

The paramedic must also be able to apply knowledge and skills to assist overdosed patients to overcome trauma through antidotes and have knowledge of poisons and be able to administer treatment. The paramedic must be knowledgeable as to the stages drugs/medications go through once they have entered the patient's system and be cognizant that the route of administration is critical in relation to patient's needs and the effect that occurs.

The paramedic must also be capable of providing advanced life support emergency medical services to patients, including conducting of and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), electrical interventions to support the cardiac functions, performing advanced endotracheal intubations in airway management and relief of pneumothorax and administering appropriate intravenous fluids and drugs under direction of an off-site designated physician.

The paramedic is a person who must not only remain calm when working in difficult and stressful circumstances, but must be capable of staying focused while assuming the leadership role inherent in carrying out the functions of the position. Good judgment along with advanced knowledge and technical skills are essential in directing other team members to assist as needed. The paramedic must be able to provide top quality care, concurrently handle high levels of stress, and be willing to take on the personal responsibility required of the position. This includes not only legal ramifications for precise documentation, but also the responsibility for using the knowledge and skills acquired in real life threatening emergency situations.

The paramedic must be able to deal with adverse and often dangerous situations, which include responding to calls in districts known to have high crime and mortality rates. Self-confidence is critical, as is a desire to work with people. Paramedics must have solid emotional stability, a tolerance for high stress, and the ability to meet the physical, intellectual, and cognitive requirements demanded by this position.

Aptitudes required for work of this nature include good physical stamina, endurance, and body condition that would not be adversely affected by frequently having to walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance weight that is at times in excess of 125 pounds. Motor coordination is necessary because over uneven terrain, the well-being of the patient, paramedic and other workers must not be jeopardized.

Response times for the nature of work are dependent upon the nature of the call. For example, a paramedic working for a private ambulance service that transports the elderly from nursing homes to routine medical appointments and check-ups may endure somewhat less stressful circumstances than the paramedic who works primarily with 911 calls in a district known to have high crime rates. Thus, the particular stresses inherent in the role of the paramedic can vary, depending on the place and type of employment.

The paramedic must be flexible to meet the demands of the ever-changing emergency scene. When emergencies exist, the situation can be complex and care of the patient must be started immediately. In essence, the paramedic in the EMS system uses advanced training and equipment to extend emergency physician services to the ambulance. The paramedic must be able to make accurate independent judgments while following oral directives. The ability to perform duties in a timely manner is essential, as it could mean the difference between life and death for the patient.

Use of the telephone or radio dispatch for coordination of prompt emergency services is required. Accurately discerning street names through map reading and correctly distinguishing house numbers or business addresses are essential to task completion in the most expedient manner. Concisely and accurately describing orally to dispatchers and other concerned staff one's impression of a patient's condition is critical as the paramedic works in emergency conditions where there may not be time for deliberation. The paramedic must also be able to accurately report orally and in writing all relevant patient data. At times, reporting may require a detailed narrative on extenuating circumstances or conditions that go beyond what is required on a prescribed form. In some instances, the paramedic may be required to enter data on a laptop while riding in an ambulance. Verbal skills and reasoning skills are used extensively.