EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT)

The BVI Health Services Authority (a client-centered healthcare organization) invites qualified and professional applicants for the position of Emergency Medical Technician.  The successful candidate will be responsible for providing EMT care, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and movement of patients in and out of hospital in emergency and non-emergency situations across a wide range of patient groups and in a wide range of difficult settings.  Post holder is expected to work within Ambulance, and other services of BVI Health Services Authority.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (included but not limited to):

• Ensure personal and/or vehicle readiness and availability to attend cases of traumatic and non-traumatic illness, urgent or special patient transfers

• Maintain regular communication with dispatch regarding updates and changes to personal and/or vehicle availability and movements.  Indicate availability status of Ambulance by radio communication or other available communication

• Conduct patient assessment then select and apply in each instance the appropriate patient care procedures in accordance with the current protocol

• Complete and maintain a full and accurate clinical record for all patients, with particular emphasis on patient observations, treatment given, drug administration and eventual patient destination.  To communicate highly sensitive medical information in distressing circumstances to the patient and relatives where appropriate whilst promoting understanding of the presenting medical condition and providing advice and reassurance with empathy, professionalism, assertiveness and tact.

• Assist in the Emergency Room with patient management in accordance with level of training

• Other tasks reasonably and normally incidental to the job as set out in EMS policies and procedures. 

• Liaise with other health professionals and communicate information to all levels both internally and externally     .

• Interact with, persuade and reassure extremely distressed, emotional or mentally disturbed persons.

• Any other reasonable duties as may be assigned from time to time

  VEHICLES

• Drive all relevant vehicle types operated by the EMS as required, in accordance with current road traffic law and any specialist training given, e.g. defensive driving

• Check allocated vehicles and equipment prior to use, ensuring that they are clean and ready for use, fully equipped, and that all equipment is functioning in accordance with EMS policies and procedures.

• At the start and completion of duty carry out vehicle inspections ensuring that all defects, deficiencies and accident damage are reported in accordance with EMS procedures.

  ADMINISTRATION

• Complete and submit all necessary reports and notifications as required by the BVIHSA Operational, Clinical, Health & Safety (and other relevant) policies and procedures and alert operational management if Policies or Strategies adversely affect users of the Service

• Compile accurate reports on accidents, untoward incidents, vehicle serviceability and equipment requirements as necessary in accordance with EMS policies and procedures.

• Maintain confidentiality of patient personal data and limiting access on a strictly need to know basis in accordance with the responsibilities of the EMS/BVIHSA

• When required, attend HM Courts for the purpose of giving evidence.

  TRAINING, EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT

• Attend education and development courses that are mandatory for maintenance of professional qualifications, or which the EMS/BVIHSA deems necessary for individual and/or organizational development. Attend Recertification and Clinical Audit courses as required

• Identify and seek the EMS/BVIHSA support for relevant professional development opportunities necessary to maintain and improve clinical competence

• Identify developmental opportunities within the work context and take part in activities which lead to personal and professional development

• Maintain and take responsibility for standards of personal and career development, including participation in BVIHSA/EMS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives and processes, contributing to the EMS clinical effectiveness

• Maintain CPD portfolio

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (included but not limited to):

SECURITY

• As appropriate, accept responsibility for the security of BVIHSA/EMS property and facilities, including stations, vehicles and equipment.

• Responsible for the safe keeping of Patients’ property, valuables etc., where the patient is incapable of performing this function and document in the presence of third party and be signed off by ER.

  PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION & STANDARDS

• Maintain high professional standards of personal behaviour and appearance in accordance with the EMS/BVIHSA Vision, Values, Motto, Dress Code and other policies and procedures.

• Exhibit standards of personal and professional conduct and performance as required by EMS/BVIHSA.

• Contribute towards maintaining the cleanliness and high professional standard of vehicles, equipment and the workplace.

• Maintain confidentiality of patient personal data and limiting access on a strictly need to know basis in accordance with the responsibilities of the EMS/BVIHSA.

  RISK

• Accept personal responsibility for contributing to the BVIHSA/EMS management of risk, including the reasonable avoidance of any action which would knowingly cause unacceptable risk to self, others, or to the BVIHSA/EMS

• As far as is reasonably practicable attempt to prevent other people from undertaking tasks or actions which would knowingly cause risks to self, others, or to the EMS/BVIHSA, in accordance with EMS/BVIHSA policy and training.

• Identify and report actual or potential hazards/ risks in the work environment in accordance with EMS/BVIHSA policies, and take immediate action to minimize risks where it is reasonably practicable to do so.

• Identify and report to the appropriate authority incidents of risk, neglect, abuse or endangerment to vulnerable adults and children.

• Follow BVIHSA/EMS policy on use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) e.g. High   Visibility Clothing, Gloves, and Visors etc.

• Awareness of and compliance with EMS/BVIHSA Health and Safety regulations

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (included but not limited to):

SECURITY

• As appropriate, accept responsibility for the security of BVIHSA/EMS property and facilities, including stations, vehicles and equipment.

• Responsible for the safe keeping of Patients’ property, valuables etc., where the patient is incapable of performing this function and document in the presence of third party and be signed off by ER.

  PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION & STANDARDS

• Maintain high professional standards of personal behaviour and appearance in accordance with the EMS/BVIHSA Vision, Values, Motto, Dress Code and other policies and procedures.

• Exhibit standards of personal and professional conduct and performance as required by EMS/BVIHSA.

• Contribute towards maintaining the cleanliness and high professional standard of vehicles, equipment and the workplace.

• Maintain confidentiality of patient personal data and limiting access on a strictly need to know basis in accordance with the responsibilities of the EMS/BVIHSA.

  RISK

• Accept personal responsibility for contributing to the BVIHSA/EMS management of risk, including the reasonable avoidance of any action which would knowingly cause unacceptable risk to self, others, or to the BVIHSA/EMS

• As far as is reasonably practicable attempt to prevent other people from undertaking tasks or actions which would knowingly cause risks to self, others, or to the EMS/BVIHSA, in accordance with EMS/BVIHSA policy and training.

• Identify and report actual or potential hazards/ risks in the work environment in accordance with EMS/BVIHSA policies, and take immediate action to minimize risks where it is reasonably practicable to do so.

• Identify and report to the appropriate authority incidents of risk, neglect, abuse or endangerment to vulnerable adults and children.

• Follow BVIHSA/EMS policy on use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) e.g. High   Visibility Clothing, Gloves, and Visors etc.

• Awareness of and compliance with EMS/BVIHSA Health and Safety regulations     

Minimum Requirements:

Education & Experience

• Successful completion of an accredited APPROVED EMT TRAINING PROGRAM.

• Licenses and/or registrations

• Basic- EMT Certificates

• BLS

• Valid BVI driver’s license (Class C)

• No previous driving convictions of driving under of influence of alcohol

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Ability to work cooperatively with team members

• Expert knowledge in providing emergency medical care to patients during emergencies.

• Expert knowledge in the use and care for emergency equipment such as suction machine, Obstetric kits, oxygen, defibrillating systems, KED etc.

• Understanding of medical terminology

• Professional knowledge of sanitizing and disinfections procedures.

• Expert skills in driving an emergency vehicle at high speed in traffic.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all persons contacted during course of working.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent coping skills

• Excellent ability to function under stress.

• Ability to communicate verbally via telephone and radio equipment.

• Ability to interpret written oral and diagnostic forms of instructions.

• Ability to use good judgment and remain calm in highly stressed situations.

• Conflict resolution / violence and aggression avoidance

  Physical Demands

• Highly stressed – mentally and physically conditions.

• Greatly varying, high degree of stress throughout shift

• Exposed to communicable diseases, illnesses, pains and suffering.

• Exposure to radiation.

• Drives emergency vehicle using lights and sirens to most calls

•  Ability to Lift 150 lbs. independently

•  Ability to Perform significant and prolonged bending and stooping

•  With the help of a partner, ability to carry a patient weighing 150-200 lbs. up and down 1 flight of stairs

•  Ability to Load a 250 lbs. patient into an ambulance on a cot from the foot end

•  With the help of a partner, ability to raise and lower a standard ambulance cot loaded with a 250 -300 lbs. patient

SALARY:  Commensurate with qualifications and experience