RESPONSIBILITIES
Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic (EMT-B) respond to emergency calls to provide efficient and immediate care to the critically ill and injured, and to transport the patient to a medical facility.
After receiving the call from the dispatcher, the EMT-B drives the ambulance to the address or location given, using the most expeditious route, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The EMT-B must observe traffic ordinances and regulations concerning emergency vehicle operation.
THE EMT-B:
- Functions in uncommon situations
- Has a basic understanding of stress response and methods to ensure personal well-being
- Has an understanding of body substance isolation
- Understands basic medical-legal principles
- Functions within the scope of care as defined by state, regional and local regulatory agencies
- Complies with regulations on the handling of the deceased, notifies authorities and arranges for protection of property and evidence at the scene
DUTIES INCLUDE:
- Opening and maintaining an airway
- Ventilating patients
- Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including use of automated external defibrillators
- Providing prehospital emergency medical care of simple and multiple system trauma (controlling hemorrhage, treatment of shock, bandaging wounds, immobilization of extremities, neck and spine)
- Providing emergency medical care for childbirth, altered mental status, respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, allergic reaction, seizures, poisoning, behavioral emergencies, environmental emergencies, and psychological crises
- Searching for medical identification emblems
- Assisting patients with prescribed medications
- Administration of oxygen and oral glucose
- Reassuring patients and bystanders by working in a confident, efficient manner
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to lift and carry 125 pounds
- Lifting the stretcher and placing it in the ambulance
- Providing emergency medical care while en route to the medical facility
- Assisting in lifting and carrying the patient out of the ambulance and into the receiving medical facility
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Restocking and replacing used supplies after each call
- Cleaning all equipment following appropriate disinfecting procedures
- Maintaining ambulance in efficient operating condition
- Decontaminating the vehicle interior after transport of patients with contagious infection or hazardous materials exposure
- Attending continuing education and refresher training programs as required