COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC - INTERNAL ONLY

This is a non-exempt advanced technical and clinical work involving community paramedicine, public health outreach, patient education, and coordinated healthcare services within the Fire Department EMS Division. Employees in this classification provide integrated health services in partnership with physicians, healthcare providers, hospitals, social service agencies, and community organizations. Duties include post-hospital follow-up care, chronic disease management education, wellness initiatives, fall prevention, and coordination of healthcare resources for underserved and general populations. Work is performed with considerable independence under the direction of the EMS Division Chief and in accordance with established medical protocols, Florida Statutes, and departmental policies. Employees are expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain accurate documentation, communicate effectively with healthcare professionals and the public, and perform duties in both emergency and non-emergency environments. Examines, screens, treats, and coordinates healthcare services for patients within the community paramedic program. Must be able to exercise sound judgement determining which individuals require emergency intervention and be able to utilize the radio to request a Rescue unit response. Conducts post-hospital follow-up visits, including monitoring medications, checking vital signs, assessing home safety, and evaluating patient wellness needs. Provides patient education and wellness counseling in areas including: Diabetes prevention and treatment Hypertension Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Nutrition Fall prevention Injury prevention Geriatric frailty assessment Coordinates appointments, referrals, and follow-up services with physicians, hospitals, public health agencies, and community partners. Develops, completes, and maintains required reports, patient documentation, and community paramedic program records. Communicates effectively with dispatch personnel, physicians, hospitals, fire personnel, law enforcement, and other emergency response agencies. Operates and maintains assigned fire department vehicles, medical equipment, and supplies. Conducts routine inspections of vehicles, medical equipment, and inventories; reports defects or deficiencies as required. Participates in community outreach, public education, and healthcare partnership initiatives. Attends required meetings, continuing education, skills training, and certification programs. Performs related work as required and directed. Thorough knowledge of current emergency medical procedures, rescue techniques, patient assessment, and Advanced Life Support practices. Knowledge of public health principles, chronic disease management, wellness education, and community healthcare resources. Ability to assess patient conditions and provide appropriate emergency and non-emergency medical care. Ability to analyze situations quickly and exercise sound judgment in stressful and emergency situations. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, healthcare providers, coworkers, and the public. Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare detailed reports. Ability to operate fire rescue vehicles, medical equipment, and related technology safely and efficiently. Ability to work effectively in stressful and rapidly changing environments. Required Training and Certifications High School Diploma or GED required. Must possess and maintain

• Florida Paramedic Certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
• Healthcare Provider CPR Certification
• Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) Certification
• Valid Florida Driver License with required endorsements Must successfully complete
• Department probationary requirements
• Community Healthcare Worker Certification Program approved by the department
• All required departmental orientation and skills evaluations Must maintain all certifications and continuing education requirements required by the State of Florida and department policy.

Preferred Qualifications Hospital or community healthcare experience preferred. Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred. Physical Demands The work is very heavy work requiring exertion of in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Work requires the ability to:

lift and carry patients and equipment climb, balance, crouch, kneel, crawl, and stand for extended periods operate vehicles and emergency equipment work in indoor and outdoor environments Employees may be exposed to inclement weather and emotionally distressed individuals