Critical Care Paramedic

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

The Critical Care Transport Paramedic delivers emergency, and at times life-saving, clinical care and facilitates safe transport of high-acuity patients upon dispatch or implied request for assistance. The Critical Care Transport Paramedic will work within the assigned scope of practice to deliver high-quality, effective, and safe patient care while concurrently facilitating timely patient transport.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

• 1. Provides care utilizing standard operating procedures and protocols for the Critical Care Transport Team, as defined by YNHHS and the EMS Medical Director: a. Critical Care Paramedic utilizes the process of assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation while caring for patients. b. Critical Care Paramedic provides safe, effective, evidence-based care tailored to the individual needs of the patient and family.
• 2. Effectively executes an advanced skillset and scope of practice authorized and approved by the EMS medical director. Examples may include: a. Advanced medical assessments, critical thinking, and associated problem solving. b. Initiation and management of vasoactive medications for the management of shock and hemodynamic status. c. Initiation and management of sedative medications for critically ill patients when indicated for management. d. Endotracheal intubation, advanced ventilator management, and advanced oxygenation and ventilation support by invasive and non-invasive means. e. Obtaining and management of vascular access, including advanced practices such as IO insertion, and the management of critically ill patients requiring intravenous interventions through central venous access. f. Mastery of thoracic decompression techniques and subsequent management including tube, needle, and finger thoracostomy. g. Intra-aortic ballon pump management and output interpretation. h. Arterial line insertion, management, and interpretation.
• 3. Maintains skillset by participating in required continuing medical education, quality improvement/quality assurance activities, and credentialing, including but not limited to any applicable practice, hospital, or regulatory standards assigned to the individual.
• 4. Provide competent, safe, and effective care to patients by utilizing critical assessment skills, critical thinking, sound decision-making, and communication.
• 5. Collaborate across departments and various environments to ensure safe patient care coordination and patient transfers.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree preferred

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 3 years (4000 hours) paramedic experience or specialty care transport service preferred Previous Critical Care Transport experience preferred

LICENSURE

Current unrestricted Connecticut paramedic licensure; National Registry Paramedic preferred Current CPR/BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications Maintains all certifications required by YNHH and State of CT for Transport duties Obtains appropriate Critical Care Transport certification within 18 months of hire and maintains throughout employment

SPECIAL SKILLS

Upon completion of orientation the Critical Care Transport Paramedic will be expected to provide clinical care for patients requiring: Central venous catheter care CPAP/BiPAP Ventricular assist device maintenance Advanced airways including supraglottic devices and endotracheal tubes Chest tube maintenance Video-assisted intubation and direct laryngoscopy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) iSTAT interpretation -- CG4, GC8, ABG, Cardiopulmonary serum study results, such as troponins Mechanical ventilation Transvenous pacing Sigma pump infusion Arterial-line monitoring Epicardial pacing NG/OG tube maintenance Central venous pressure monitoring Ventriculostomy monitoring Blood product administration Swan Ganz care/monitoring during transport Administration of medications authorized by the EMS medical director approved protocols

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Requires prolonged standing; walking; use of sight, hearing, and touch May be exposed to infectious diseases, blood, or body fluids Risk of injury from patient care Frequently bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting and lifting Must be able to assist pushing/pulling/lifting patients ranging from up to 30 pounds independently or up to 250 pounds with assistance Flexibility to work varied shifts including, daytime, evening, or night shift Can be asked to change primary work location to support clinical needs