EMT Trainee

Upon successful completion of the EMT Course and obtaining National Registry of EMTs and South Carolina Department of Public Health EMT certification, the Trainee can be promoted to a fulltime position of EMT. This position requires the employee to attend a 16 week in-person 8-hour classroom and hands-on lab session once per week as well as an additional 24 hours working on an ambulance as an observer or student or perform other duties as assigned by the department for an approximate 36-hour work week during the employee’s initial EMT training. **ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:** - Attends all sessions of the EMT course taught in house and participates in class discussion activities, skills, practice and assessments and ambulance student ride-a-longs. - Completes all assignments given out during EMT class within the required time frame. - Performs tasks during non-classroom days which may include components of new employee orientation and training; inventory and stocking of ambulances; light station and ambulance maintenance and cleaning; and other duties as assigned. - Works assigned shift as a third person attendant and driver on a Berkeley County Ambulance on shifts up to 24 hours in length. - Responds to assignments during county declared major emergencies or disasters like hurricanes. EMT trainees may be utilized in pre-storm preparations and EMT trainees may be subject to disaster personnel recall. - Uses muscular strength, coordination and endurance needed for lifting, moving, and restraining patients. Able to work in adverse weather conditions, including extreme heat and extreme cold. Able to work long periods of time in a standing position and perform well with little sleep. - Uses aural keenness needed to evaluate physical characteristics of a patient such as blood pressure, crepitation, and lung sounds. - Has the ability to function well in stressful situations to deal tactfully with patients, family members and co-workers. Able to cooperate and maintain a good rapport with fire, police and hospital personnel. - Operates the ambulance communication equipment and communicates information in a professional manner. - When functioning as an EMT student, follows the pre-approved BCEMS protocols and/or treatment orders of the medical control physician under the supervision of a BCEMS EMT or Paramedic Preceptor. - Assists the on-duty EMS crew with preparing patients for transportation by "packaging" patients through use of appropriate splints such as back boards, cervical collars, and head immobilization devices; by removing patients from vehicle wreckage; and by restraining, lifting and carrying patients to and from the ambulance or up and down stairs. - Drives the ambulance to reach and transport patients as quickly as possible while protecting the community from accidents by following local and state driving regulations and BCEMS vehicle operating policies and procedures; by using various maps and directional guides; and by applying a knowledge of County streets, roads and landmarks. - Checks the inventory of the ambulance at the beginning of each shift by visually inspecting and counting numerous items such as medical supplies and equipment. Keeps an ongoing inventory of equipment and supplies used during the shift and reports any equipment that is lost, broken or malfunctioning or which is not replaced during the shift. Ensures that the vehicle and all equipment is always kept clean and in good working order. - Performs an emergency vehicle safety and operational inspection at the beginning, or when assuming control of, an emergency vehicle. - Continually re-evaluates emergency care knowledge and techniques and participates in BCEMS training classes to maintain skill and knowledge proficiency. - Participates in public relation and public education presentations as requested. Presentations shall be conducted with a spirit of professionalism and enthusiasm. Provides tours of District facilities and vehicles, talking to groups…