Emergency Medical Responder

Position Type:

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Closing date:

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Emergency Medical Care Inc. (EMC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medavie Health Services (MHS) that manages and operates ground ambulance, air medical transport and the medical communications operations in Nova Scotia through a performance-based contract with the provincial government's Emergency Health Services (EHS) Operations division and the Department of Health and Wellness. As well, EMC operates TeleHealth/811 medical communications for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island for the Department of Health.

We access all communities in Nova Scotia in a timely and efficient manner with our fleet of more than 180 ambulances and support vehicles operating out of 60+ stations. We respond to 165,000+ calls annually across the province, which are actively managed through the EHS Operations Medical Communications Centre, the hub of all emergency (911) and non-emergency (hospital transfers) medical calls.

The EHS Operations LifeFlight program provides even greater accessibility by responding to patients on scene or through inter-facility transports by our critical care team via helicopter, fixed wing, or ground ambulance.

In addition, paramedics in Nova Scotia participate in various programs both urban and rural such as community-based paramedic programs, collaborative emergency centres, and emergency preparedness and special operations, to name a few.

There are lots of opportunities waiting for you in Nova Scotia. Apply now to learn more about our service and available positions.

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Licensed with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Paramedicine (NSRoP), the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) works within the Emergency Health Services Nova Scotia (EHS NS) system in the emergency response, transport and transition of care domains.

Within the emergency response domain, the EMR attends to requests for service, mass casualty incidents and other emergencies to provide immediate treatment and transportation of the sick and injured to appropriate medical facilities. The EMR will work with other healthcare providers and first responders as part of a team to deliver care to patients outside of the hospital.

Within the transport domain, the EMR may facilitate transport of patients to, from or between hospitals; to or from medical facilities for appointments; as well as transport patients to the hospital following EHS clinical team assessment.

Within the transition of care domain, the EMR will provide support and care for patients in the hospital who are still under EHS care waiting placement within the hospital.

The EMR may also assist with providing medical coverage throughout Nova Scotia at public events such as concerts, festivals, community events, etc.

Due to the nature of the position, the incumbent is in constant contact with the general public, therefore a high level of professionalism will be expected at all times. The EMR will also be expected to conduct themselves in a safe and discreet manner. Protocol and standard operating procedures will guide the EMRs conduct.

As an employee of EMC we are accountable to our patients and coworkers by participating in and supporting all safety related initiatives, as well as acting in a manner that fosters a culture that focuses on patient safety and a safe workplace.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The position entails, but is not limited to the following:

• Determines the nature and extent of a patient's illness or injuries and other pre-existing medical conditions.
• Performs appropriate medical care in accordance with policy, procedure, and clinical practice guidelines.
• Prioritizes the safety of patient handling and movement following all safe work procedures.
• Operate all system and company vehicles in accordance with Nova Scotia laws as well as all applicable Policies and Procedures and Safe Work Practices of EMC and EHS.
• Utilizes EHS NS ambulances and its equipment in accordance with the EHS NS fleet policy manual.
• Works closely with other emergency services realizing limitations and boundaries of those individuals and self, taking safety and training into consideration at all times.
• Provides receiving hospital staff with oral and written report of their observations and patient care provided. Also assist hospital staff if requested, to provide emergency treatment.
• Completes all work-related documentation as per policy within required time frames.
• Replace used supplies and performs equipment and system checks as per policy.
• Use personal protective equipment provided as required and trained.
• Conducts cleaning or decontamination of vehicle interior and its equipment in accordance with Infection Control Manual Protocols.
• Maintains reasonable on-going cleanliness of vehicle, station, and/or premises during scheduled shift.
• Practices good hygiene and demonstrates socially accepted customer service skills, when interacting with patients, family members, other emergency services, colleagues and with the general public.
• Maintain a high degree of discretion and confidentiality to protect patient and client personal and health information.
• Displays capability of decision-making and takes initiative as needed.
• Prudent operation of communications equipment and professional interaction with dispatch center within standard operation procedures.
• Performs other such similar, comparable or related duties as may be required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• Successful completion a CPNS approved EMR training program.
• Pass the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) Entry to Practice Exam for the EMR.
• Obtain and maintain EMR licensure with the CPNS through completing any mandated continuing medical education.
• Thorough working knowledge of EMR essential functions.
• A valid Nova Scotia class 4 driver's license.
• Mandatory Vehicle Safety Program training required.
• Driving experience in a similar environment is an asset.
• Experience operating larger vehicles preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Working knowledge of and proper use of available personal protective equipment.
• Effective oral and written communications.
• Possesses interpersonal skills in dealing with people and working in teams.
• Demonstrates ability to exercise some degree of discretion and independent judgment.

Physical Requirements:

• Must successfully complete the Prehospital Physical Abilities Test.

Physical Environment

• Environment involves indoor and outdoor work in possible extreme weather.
• Irregular working schedules involving shift work, casual relief and potential overtime as needed.
• Prolonged sitting/driving periods of time.
• Be able to work variable hours including weekends and statutory holidays.
• Will be exposed to patients with communicable diseases.
• May encounter violent patients.
• Prolonged noises from sirens.
• Will be exposed to traumatic situations.

Physical Effort

• Good general health and physical coordination.
• Good eyesight (or corrective lenses).
• Be capable of meeting the highly physical demands of the job such as sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time, reaching, gripping, heavy lifting, push/pull, twisting, turning of neck, providing CPR, operating resources and moving patients over uneven/challenging terrain, etc.
• Effectively support and assist with the movement of clients/patients on various medical resources (e.g. wheelchair, stretcher, hospital bed, lifting devices, etc.)

Sensory Attention

• Ability to multitask.
• Be able to react quickly and remain calm in difficult and stressful situations.
• Be able to understand, speak, read, write English to learn training materials, communicate effectively with the travelling public, and write reports.
• Sensory/perceptual demands along with good concentration.

Cognitive Pressures

• Exercises discretion and independent judgment.
• Emotional stability.
• Effective oral and written communications.
• Possesses interpersonal skills in dealing with people and working in teams.
• Be able to demonstrate dependability and reliability.
• Have strong problem-solving skills.

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Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. We are committed to building an inclusive team that represents a variety of backgrounds, cultures, races, perspectives and skills. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons of any sexual orientations and gender identities and/or expressions, Indigenous persons, African Canadians, other racialized groups, persons with disabilities. Candidates who identify as being from any of these groups are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify.