Ambulance Operator

Overview

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without advance notice. The established list from this recruitment may be used for full-time and/or temporary/part-time vacancies.

Under general supervision, to provide basic medical care and transport of the ill and injured as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); to respond to emergency medical calls for service including accidents and other emergencies; and to operate an emergency vehicle to and from the scene of an emergency. This is a non-safety/non-firefighter position that works under the supervision of a Fire Captain and the direction of an EMS Coordinator to perform emergency medical transport services.

This role involves twenty-four (24) hour rotating shifts with overtime after 40 hours in a 7-day work week.

Part-Time employment does not qualify for City paid benefits, except as required by law. The City does not belong to Social Security; enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory with employee contributing 7.5% of base earnings and the City contributing 2.5% (employee contributes 5% under the stated division). Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30).

Working hours require irregular hours and weekends.

Certain budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a current CalPERS member may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.

There are no guaranteed rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

• Safely operate City-owned emergency transport vehicles and other department vehicles within policy; provide basic medical care within the EMT scope (e.g., attaining and documenting vital signs, bandaging, splinting, lifting patients into ambulance) and assist paramedics as directed.
• Maintain and inventory emergency ambulance supplies, equipment, and routine vehicle parts; support patient billing operations.
• Comply with federal, state, county, and city laws and regulations, including HIPAA; attend department and hospital training sessions and drills; participate in station and equipment maintenance; perform other related duties as assigned.

The preceding duties are examples of the essential work performed in this job classification. The City may add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments as needed.

• Applicable federal, state, county, and City of Downey regulations, practices, and procedures.
• Principles of emergency ambulance and transportation procedures including first aid, resuscitation, and gurney operation.
• Safe emergency work practices, infection control, emergency radio communication procedures, medical terminology, and documentation; emergency vehicle maintenance and operation; and applicable driving licenses.

• Read electronic and incident maps, recognize street names, and navigate efficiently.
• Work effectively in difficult emergency situations and environments; safely transport patients; follow instructions; communicate effectively; maintain physical fitness and an acceptable driving record; establish constructive working relationships.

High school graduate or equivalent. A preferred graduate of a 240-hour California Fire Academy or equivalent, or recently completed Fire Technology coursework, is desired. An Associate’s degree with a combination of education and experience directed toward a career in the Fire Service is also desired.

The following licenses and certifications are required:

• Valid Class C California Driver’s License with acceptable driving record at appointment and during employment.
• Current California EMT-1 certificate.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) – CPR & AED card for healthcare providers (American Heart Association).
• Current DMV Ambulance Driver Certificate.
• Current DMV Medical Examination Report with Medical Examination Certificate.
• Proof of passing the CPAT or Biddle exam within one year of application date.

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