This position will be hired as an EMT Paramedic I or II depending on the candidate's qualifications. The pay rate for Paramedic I is $30.84/hour and the pay range for a Paramedic II is $33.31/hour to $35.35/hour depending on the candidate's education and experience above the minimum qualifications.

We are hiring for both Full-Time positions. The schedules will be discussed during the interview process.

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to provide emergency first-aid and medical treatment and respond to emergency rescue situations involving bodily injury or potential loss of life.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by required course work in emergency medical techniques and at least one (1) year experience as an EMT; or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must be 18 years of age or older.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the state of residence and Credentialed as a Paramedic by the North Carolina Office of EMS.

Additional Training and Experience required for an EMT Paramedic II: Certification as a Critical Care Paramedic by International Board of Specialty Certification (IBSA) or University of Maryland – Baltimore County (UMBC); Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS); Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS); and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)

Additional Training and Experience: Experience in emergency medical service work preferred.

Physical Requirements: The work is primarily very heavy work requiring in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and /or in excess of 30 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, smelling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, walking, mental and visual acuity and multiple repetitive motions. This work is performed in a physically threatening environment that require life and deaths decisions for self or others.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Maintain readiness and serve as a crew member responding to emergency medical calls and administering medical stabilization to patients in the field.

• Provide service and medical care in the context of the medical emergency that follows established protocols.

• Collect, communicate, and accurately document information about medical emergencies to further quality patient care; deliver complete and timely report to hospital staff and assure patient privacy.

• Administer medical care to patients if other members of the crew are classified as Emergency Medical Technician or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician.

• Administer fluids and drugs to patients in route to hospital, start and maintain intravenous infusion; perform pulmonary ventilation and obtain blood for laboratory analysis.

• Administer emergency cardiac care as well as other advanced emergency medical treatments such as administering drugs parenterally, orally, or topically; obtaining blood; and perform pulmonary ventilation.

• Participate in training to improve competency in medical technical work and ambulance service/operation.

• Observe and learn street and road patterns and networks of the County in order that future runs may be made with minimum difficulty and delay.

• Respond to non-emergency calls such as requests to transport patients from hospitals to their homes or from a local medical facility to a specialized medical center.

• Assist in the inspection and maintenance of vehicles and equipment used in emergency medical service.

• Test and maintain medical instruments such as mechanical CPR units, defibrillators, oxygen tanks, masks, gauges, and regulators.

• Act as preceptor for statewide pre-hospital education program by mentoring and evaluating student performance as a Paramedic or EMT trainee.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic and advanced emergency medical procedures and techniques.

• Knowledge of equipment and supplies employed in the emergency care of patients and victims of accidents.

• Knowledge of procedures in extrication, movement of patients, rescue techniques, transportation, and psychological needs of a patient.

• Knowledge of life support techniques of patients in the field.

• Knowledge of County geography and of the location of roads and streets within the County.

• Skill in diagnosing a victim's condition and applying emergency medical care.

• Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations.

• Ability to operate an emergency vehicle in a safe manner.

• Ability to lift substantial weight.

• Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the general public

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.