Paramedic Program Essential Job Functions

Cognitive Demands

The Paramedic must be a confident leader who can accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility entailed in the position.
The Paramedic must have excellent judgement and be able to prioritize decisions and act quickly in the best interest of the patient, must be self-disciplined, able to develop patient rapport, interview hostile patients, maintain safe distance, and recognize and utilize communication unique to diverse multicultural groups and ages within those groups.
The Paramedic must be able to function independently at optimum level in a non-structured environment that is constantly changing.
The Paramedic must not only be knowledge about medications but must be able to apply this knowledge in a practical sense.
• Knowledge and practical application of medications include thoroughly knowing and understanding the general properties of all types of drugs and be able to independently apply this knowledge in a variety of patient care situations.
The Paramedic must be able to properly interview a patient, obtain pertinent information, and then synthesize that information using appropriate critical thinking and clinical decision making skills.
The Paramedic must be able to apply basic principles of mathematics to the calculation of problems associated with medication dosages, perform conversion problems, differentiate temperature reading between centigrade and Fahrenheit scales, and be able to use proper advanced life support equipment and supplies.
The Paramedic is a person who must not only remain calm while working in difficult and stressful circumstances, but must be capable of staying focused while assuming the leadership role inherent in carrying out the functions of the position. Good judgement along with advanced knowledge and technical skills are essential in directing other team members to assist as needed. The Paramedic must be able to provide top quality care, concurrently handle high levels of stress, and be willing to take on the personal responsibility required of the position. This includes not only all legal ramifications for precise documentation, but also the responsibility for using the knowledge and skills acquired in real life threatening emergency situations.
The Paramedic must be able to deal with adverse and often dangerous situations which include responding to calls in districts known to have high crime and mortality rates. Self-confidence is critical, as is a desire to work with people, solid emotional stability, a tolerance for high stress, and the ability to meet the physical, intellectual, and cognitive requirements demanded by this position.
The Paramedic must be able to collect facts and organize data accurately, and communicate clearly both orally and in writing in the English language (12th grade level or higher)

Physical Demands

Paramedics must demonstrate good physical stamina, endurance, and body condition that would not be adversely affected by frequently having to walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance).
The Paramedic must demonstrate appropriate motor coordination in order to carry equipment, as well as patients, over uneven terrain.
The Paramedic must be able to communicate accurately and concisely via telephone, radio, and in-person to patients, family members, dispatchers, and other members of the healthcare team.
The Paramedic must be able to hear key audible stimuli including radio traffic, alarms, warning sounds as well as audible findings on the physical exam.
The Paramedic must have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment, instrumentation, and medications.
The Paramedic must possess eyesight in a minimum of one eye correctable to 20/20 vision and be able to determine directions according to a map.
The Paramedic must be able to locate sites for obtaining blood samples and perform this task, administer medication intravenously, administer medications by gastric tube, administer oral medications, administer rectal medications, and comply with universal pre-cautions and body substance isolation, disposing of contaminated items and equipment properly.
The Paramedic must also be capable of providing advanced life support emergency medical services to patients including conducting of and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), electrical interventions to support the cardiac functions, performing advanced endotracheal
intubations in airway management and relief of pneumothorax and administering of appropriate intravenous fluids and drugs.

An individual who discloses a disability may request reasonable accommodations. Individuals will be asked to provide documentation of the disability in order to assist with the provision of appropriate reasonable accommodations. The college will provide reasonable accommodations but is not required to substantially alter the requirements or nature of the program or provide accommodations that inflict an undue burden on the college. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be directed to Penn College Disability Services.