Under general supervision, responds to emergency and/or non-emergency calls by driving an ambulance or other vehicle to the call location, providing basic life support (BLS) services to ill and/or injured patients at the scene as required, and transporting patients to an appropriate treatment facility as needed; supports billing and record keeping operations by preparing reports and other documentation; participates in vehicle, station, and equipment maintenance and cleanup activities; participates in drills and trainings, as well as educational, public relations, and service programs; and performs other related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the first level non-sworn, non-safety class in the Citys emergency medical response class series. Incumbents in this class are fully trained and skilled in driving an emergency vehicle and providing BLS services in response to a wide variety of medical emergency situations. This class is distinguished from the class of Ambulance Operator - Paramedic in that the latter class is the second level non-sworn, non-safety class in the emergency medical response class series where incumbents are licensed and certified as paramedics and are fully qualified to provide the full range of advanced life support (ALS) services in response to medical emergencies.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responds to emergency medical service (EMS) calls for assistance including traffic collisions, fire alarms, and other types of accident and rescue situations.
• Safely drives and operates an ambulance or other vehicle to and from the scene of an emergency in a variety of traffic conditions, including Code-3 as required.
• Monitors communications equipment and maintains contact with dispatchers, emergency services staff, and hospital medical personnel.
• Assesses the emergency and the need for medical assistance; provides basic life support (BLS) services to ill and/or injured patients at the scene of the incident in accordance with established protocols, policies, and scope of licensure; assists paramedics and/or other emergency medical personnel as directed.
• Lifts, carries, and/or pushes ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients as needed to move or transfer them to wheelchairs, stretchers, ambulances, or other assistive devices.
• Transports patients to an appropriate treatment facility as needed in a safe and timely manner; assists the receiving facility by obtaining, recording, and communicating patients vital statistics and circumstances of the emergency.
• Supports billing and record keeping operations by preparing pre-hospital care reports, incident reports, travel information, training records, and other required documentation.
• Operates within federal, state, county and city laws and regulations; maintains medical information in a confidential manner subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Participates in vehicle, station, and equipment maintenance and cleanup activities; checks assigned vehicle(s) and equipment to ensure response readiness; maintains an inventory of ambulance supplies, equipment, and routine vehicle parts.
• Participates in drills and trainings; stays current on City geography, occupational requirements, and department policies, rules, and procedures.
• Participates in educational, public relations, and service programs as directed.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and Application of:

Principles and practices of emergency medical technician (EMT- ) care at a basic life support (BLS) level.

Applicable federal, state, county, and city regulations, practices, and procedures.

Infection control equipment and procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment.

Emergency radio and other communication procedures.

Emergency ambulance transportation procedures, including the use of emergency medical equipment and safe emergency work practices.

Emergency incident management, including the Incident Command System (ICS).

Safety principles and practices applicable to areas of assignment,

Geography and street layout of the City and surrounding areas.

California vehicular laws, including those related to the operation of ambulances and emergency vehicles.

Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Basic vehicle maintenance procedures.

Basic math operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Basic principles of customer service.

Ability to Perform and Successfully Apply Skill In:

Understanding and following oral and written directions.

Understanding and interpreting laws, regulations, and requirements applicable to areas of assignment.

Safely and effectively operating an emergency vehicle under normal and emergency response conditions.

Working effectively in difficult and hazardous emergency situations and environments.

Making accurate observations and rapid judgments under pressure and in stressful situations.

Handling a high volume of emergency calls with tact and good judgment.

Maintaining a safe work environment.

Communicating clearly and concisely using a radio and/or other types of communications equipment.

Reading, writing legibly, and comprehending English.

Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.

Maintaining accurate records and preparing clear and concise reports.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees, other service providers and the public.

Effectively providing customer service to the public and internal City employees.

Reading maps and learning City geography and street layout.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Daily work requires physical strength and agility to move, lift and carry heavy objects, up to 150 pounds when transporting patients; lifting, pulling and operating a gurney; climbing ladders and stairs; bending, stooping, kneeling and crawling in tight places.

Employees are regularly exposed to a variety of environmental conditions, including working in the heat or cold, confined spaces, and slippery, uneven surfaces.

Work includes risk of exposure to bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens as well as toxic chemicals, fumes, smoke, gases, and solvents.

Duties include driving emergency vehicles in a variety of traffic conditions.

Other Work Conditions

Hours of work may include 24-hour shifts, as well as weekends and holidays; overtime is paid after 40 hours worked in one week.

Training and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Requires graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license in good standing and acceptable driving record.

Must possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Ambulance Certification Endorsement at the time of appointment.

Must possess a valid Emergenc