Paramedic Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does a Paramedic Do?

Paramedics provide emergency medical services in high-pressure, fast-paced environments to patients in need. They work in hospitals, ambulance services, and fire departments. These healthcare professionals respond to emergency calls, assess patient needs, and provide immediate care and treatment. Their duties may include administering medications, performing invasive procedures, and using specialized equipment to treat patients. A successful paramedic possesses excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, as well as a genuine passion for helping others.

They are often the first medical professionals on the scene of an emergency, and their quick thinking and skilled interventions can significantly impact patient outcomes. Their work involves close collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care and the highest possible results. It is critical for paramedics to be physically fit and able to lift and move patients, as they often work in unpredictable situations. Additionally, paramedics may be required to document patient care and maintain accurate records.

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National Average Salary

Paramedic salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.

The average U.S. salary for a Paramedic is:

$49,350

Paramedic Job Descriptions

Crafting the perfect job description may be the key to finding an exceptional paramedic. To help you with your recruiting search, our team has put together some examples from past openings.

Example 1

The Paramedic provides and documents individualized patient care to include: patient and personal safety, patient assessments in collaboration with the ED RN, patient re-assessments, maintaining airway patency, IV access and hang normal saline without additives, ECG interpretations, dysrhythmias recognition, and assists with the application of skeletal traction/splints/immobilizers and other orthopedic equipment.

Essential functions

  • Delivers patient care requiring advanced skills and judgment in the Emergency Department setting as directed by the Nursing Operations manager or their designee to include protocol orders or guidelines within approved current Emergency Department Paramedic competency.
    • The competency will not exceed the scope of practice for a paramedic in the State of Florida.
  • ABC Company is a licensed EMS provider and all care delivered in the emergency department is under the supervision of a physician (protocols/standing orders).
  • The Florida paramedic practice model includes invasive and pharmacologic interventions intended to reduce morbidity and mortality in the pre-hospital environment.
  • It is expected that in the hospital setting where medical care and resources are readily available, the practice model will be modified.
  • Communicates appropriate information regarding the patient’s condition to the Nursing Operations manager or their designee
  • Able to maintain reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with ABC Company policies, the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
  • Able to maintain compliance with all ABC Company policies and procedures.
  • Maintains reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with ABC Company policies, the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
  • Maintains compliance with all ABC Company policies and procedures.

Other related functions

  • Participates in maintaining the Emergency Department to be clean, safe, organized and stocked. Demonstrates awareness of patient’s rights and legal issues.
  • Complies with all standards as required by regulatory and accreditation agencies. Performs all other duties as assigned.
  • The Emergency Department Paramedic must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in the emergency department.
  • The individual must demonstrate a knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements related to his or her age specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the emergency departments policies, procedures and competencies.

Education/training

  • Successfully completed a Paramedic program.

Licensure/certification

  • Current certification as a Paramedic (PMD) in the State of Florida renewed every 2 years; and
  • Maintains current BLS/Healthcare provider certification for healthcare providers; and
  • Maintains current ACLS certification; and
  • Must obtain and maintain PALS certification within one year of hire.

Experience

  • Minimum of one (1) year clinical experience as a paramedic or has had a minimum of 1 year experience as an Advanced Clinical Technician or Emergency Medical Technician in a tertiary and/or acute care facility.

Example 2

We’re hiring Paramedics that are passionate about delivering compassionate, high-quality service and basic, as well as advanced, patient care to our customers.

Responsibilities

  • Assess each call situation to determine the best course of action while working with progressive Paramedic protocols.
  • Utilize your Paramedic skills on medical equipment and procedures including defibrillator, EKG monitor, oxygen and suction devices, and intravenous fluids to provide advanced medical care.
  • Communicate with patients and loved ones to provide information and assurance that care is being given.
  • Act as Paramedic team leader and take responsibility for the scene and unit management as needed.
  • Drive the ambulance on 911 responses.
  • Work collaboratively and in a professional manner with all allied health and public safety personnel as well as your fellow Paramedics.

Other responsibilities

  • Participate in community programs to maintain AMR image and establish strong community relations.

Minimum required qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
  • State Paramedic License
  • State Driver’s License
  • BLS, ACLS, NREMT-Paramedic
  • Driving record in compliance with company policy
  • Pass Physical Agility Test
  • Some work experience, preferably in healthcare

Example 3

The role

Under general supervision, the Paramedic is a professional team member responsible for providing direct and indirect patient care. The Paramedic provides basic and advanced life support for all ages, utilizing protocols and on line medical control. Works as a team member during transport and assess and provides patient care per department protocols. Adheres to the ABC Company Corporate Compliance Plan and to all rules and regulations of all applicable local, state and federal agencies and accrediting bodies. Actively participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.

Responsibilities

  • Demonstrates through behavior ABC Company’s core values of Integrity, Compassion, Balance, Excellence, Stewardship and Teamwork as outlined in the organization’s Performance Excellence program booklet.
  • Helps in completing medication, supplies and equipment inventories each shift, restocking as needed. Completes and submits logs as per department protocol. Keeps the work environment clean and organized. Maintains the unit in a constant state of readiness.
  • Utilizes a working knowledge of the service areas and takes the most direct route to reach a destination. Operates emergency vehicles safely in a variety of weather and emergent conditions in accordance to established safety standards. Effectively communicates delays and updates to dispatch. Immediately reports any damage or vehicle issues to the supervisor.
  • Documents patient assessments, provides interventions with accurate administration and calculation of medications and the responses, as per department protocols’ and ABC Company policy. Utilizes specific knowledge in emergency care of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
  • Works as a team member, able to effectively communicate with other health care members. Provides a complete verbal and written document for hand off of care and patient safety.
  • Follows department SOPs (standard operating procedures), treatment protocols’ and use of available resources.
  • Understands and appropriately utilizes equipment/systems in the department to include but not limited to the Right Cad, EPCR, Cerner, cardiac monitor, medication pumps, stretchers etc.

Education and experience

  • Graduate of a Paramedic program.
  • One year patient care experience.
  • Valid Florida State Licensure, Department of Health as a Paramedic
  • Valid Class “E” Florida Driver’s license, or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and driving record in accordance with AH policy.
  • Commercial Emergency Vehicle Operator (CEVO) or Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC)
  • Basic life support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider
  • Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)
  • Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)

Sample Interview Questions

  • When responding to emergency calls, how do you prioritize patients based on their medical needs?
  • What steps do you take to ensure that you have accurate information about a patient’s medical history and current condition?
  • Are you experienced in administering medication, performing invasive procedures, or using specialized equipment for basic and advanced life support?
  • How do you ensure the accuracy and completeness of your patient documentation and record keeping?
  • What strategies do you use to manage stress and anxiety in patients and their families during emergency situations?
  • How do you coordinate care with other healthcare professionals and communicate with first responders when working in a team environment?
  • How do you handle potential complications when faced with challenging patients or difficult medical conditions?
  • How do you manage the unique challenges and risks associated with disaster response?
Pete Newsome

About Pete Newsome

Pete Newsome is the President of 4 Corner Resources, the staffing and recruiting firm he founded in 2005. 4 Corner is a member of the American Staffing Association and TechServe Alliance and has been Clearly Rated's top-rated staffing company in Central Florida for the past five years. Recent awards and recognition include being named to Forbes’ Best Recruiting Firms in America, The Seminole 100, and The Golden 100. Pete also founded zengig, to offer comprehensive career advice, tools, and resources for students and professionals. He hosts two podcasts, Hire Calling and Finding Career Zen, and is blazing new trails in recruitment marketing with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Connect with Pete on LinkedIn

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