Advanced Care Paramedic

Your Opportunity:

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Community Paramedics provide immediate or scheduled medical supervision and treatment(s) that are currently unavailable in the community setting in collaboration with the patient's existing healthcare services. The Community Paramedic (CP) works collaboratively with other community health care services to provide care in place for patients who do not require immediate transport to an acute care setting for medical treatment or assessment. The CP is a patient advocate who displays strong communication, time management and clinical decision making skills while interacting with a diverse, multidisciplinary workforce often situated within complex organizational structures. The CP ensures safe, proficient and appropriate patient care through EMS protocols, medical consultation, recognized best practices of care, and clinical referral requests. As a professional, the CP demonstrates ongoing working knowledge of EMS and Allied AHS partners: protocols, policies and procedures; local service and business unit standards; and governance documents. Additional education, training and mentorship will be provided to ensure successful applicants are capable of providing appropriate care in place for patients in the community setting. While the primary role of the Community Paramedic focuses on the delivery of primary and urgent care, they must still be able to provide emergency treatment should the situation arise.

Description:

As an Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP), you will assess emergency scenes and patients and may transport ill or injured patients from emergency scenes and between facilities. This includes operating ambulances or other modes of transportation. You will treat patients by administering medications, advanced life support (ALS) airway adjuncts and electrical therapy. You may also lead the ALS crew in delivering clinical care during patient transport or at emergency scenes. You will assist with ensuring that ambulances or other Emergency Medical Services (EMS) vehicles, such as non-emergent transport (NET), are properly stocked and equipped. The working environment for an ACP is demanding and includes exposure to heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind, moving traffic, and industrial and agricultural equipment. You will need to travel in all weather conditions and to remote locations ( backcountry) with exposure to hazardous and graphic scenes and direct exposure to bodily fluids. The working conditions for an ACP are also physically demanding. You must be able to endure frequent lifting and carrying of up to 105lbs, while transporting and transferring patients, supplies, and equipment. You must be able to endure frequent, simultaneous kneeling and trunk flexion for extended periods. Additionally, you must stand and sit for extended periods, bend, twist, side-carry up to 20lbs in each hand and assume awkward positions.

Non-restricted registration in good standing with the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACOP) as an Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP). Current Basic Cardiac Life Support CPR certification. Must hold or be able to obtain a valid class 4 Alberta Operator License or equivalent and a five (5) year driver abstract current within six (6) months with no more than six (6) demerits prior to commencing work. Proof of the successful completion of the Functional Abilities Recruitment Evaluation ( test via the certificate provided by the Lifemark organization for those who do not already hold a clinical position within AHS EMS (VESST, Clinical Educator, EMR, PCP, ACP and Community Paramedic). Your test must be completed no more than six (6) months prior to the date of your application. Alberta Health Services EMS may verify results with Lifemark to ensure the candidate has successfully completed the test. Please contact Lifemark at to find more information on the test and how to book your evaluation. Candidates must be qualified to perform full operational duties as of start date.

Strong computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, Siren, as well as experience working with health databases such as Meditech or NETCARE. Strong written and verbal communication skills with completion of courses related to communication strategy. Strong understanding of accountability with completion of courses such as Art of Accountability. Strong understanding of Goals of Care/Advanced Planning. Understands and incorporates self-directed learning into daily process to ensure continual education and program requirements are met. Experience developing or working with new EMS and/or AHS initiatives. Experience working independently that demonstrates strong time management skills and self-motivation. Strong understanding of the delivery of primary and urgent health care in Alberta. Strong understanding of community health documentation and procedure standards. Experience working with vulnerable populations in the community. Experience working with seniors and persons with disabilities. Experience or training in delirium/dementia management.

Education and/or experience in Community Health Services, nursing, social work, geriatric medicine, palliative medicine, chronic disease management, primary care, community pharmacology. Experience collaborating within a multidisciplinary team to achieve best patient care practices. Experience working in and demonstrated strong understanding of community senior living such as supportive living sites, independent living lodges and long term care.