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Be a confident leader who can accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility entailed in the position.
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Have excellent judgment.
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Be able to prioritize decisions and act quickly in the best interest of the patient
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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.
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Be able to function independently at optimum level in a non-structured environment that is constantly changing.
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Be responsible for the safe and therapeutic administration of drugs, including narcotics.
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Be knowledgeable about medications and 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.
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Be 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.
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Obtain 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.
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Be aware of drug reactions and the synergistic effects of drugs combined with other medicines and in some instances, food.
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Be aware of the possible risks of medication administered to a pregnant mother and the fetus, keeping in mind those drugs may cross the placenta.
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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.
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Be aware of the high abuse potential of controlled substances and the potential for addiction, be able to thoroughly report writing and to justify why a particular narcotic was used and why a particular amount was given.
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Have the ability to measure and re-measure drip rates for controlled substances and medications.
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Be able to apply basic principles of mathematics to the calculation of problems associated with medication dosages, perform conversion problems, and differentiate temperature readings between centigrade and Fahrenheit scales.
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Be able to use proper advanced life support equipment and supplies based on patient's age and condition of veins.
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Be able to locate sites for obtaining blood samples and perform this task.
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Be able to 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.
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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.
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Be knowledgeable as to the stages drugs/medications go through once they have entered the patient's system.
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Be cognizant that the route of administration is critical in relation to patient's needs and the effect that occurs.
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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.
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Remain calm when working in difficult and stressful circumstances and capable of staying focused while assuming the leadership role inherent in carrying out the functions of the position.
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Have good judgment along with advanced knowledge and technical skills to direct other team members to assist as needed.
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Provide top quality care, concurrently handle high levels of stress, and be willing to take on the personal responsibility. 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.
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Deal with adverse and often dangerous situations, which include responding to calls in districts known to have high crime and mortality rates.
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Have self-confidence and a desire to work with people.
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Have solid emotional stability, a tolerance for high stress, and the ability to meet the physical, intellectual, and cognitive requirements demanded by this position.
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Have 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.
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Have motor coordination because over uneven terrain, the well-being of the patient, paramedic and other workers must not be jeopardized.
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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.
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Use advanced training and equipment to extend emergency physician services to the ambulance.
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Make accurate independent judgments while following oral directives.
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Perform duties in a timely manner is essential, as it could mean the difference between life and death for the patient.
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Use telephone or radio dispatch for coordination of prompt emergency services.
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Accurately discerning street names through map reading and correctly distinguishing house numbers or business addresses.
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Concisely and accurately describing orally to dispatchers and other concerned staff one's impression of a patient's condition as the paramedic works in emergency conditions where there may not be time for deliberation.
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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.
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Use verbal skills and reasoning skills.