Paramedic-Emergency Department

Overview

Memorial Medical Center of Las Cruces – Paramedic-Emergency Department )

The Emergency Department serves the patients and staff in many different capacities. The Paramedic in the Emergency Department performs patient care duties that include PCT duties, care for wounds and orthopedic injuries, performing 12-lead EKGs, blood glucose checks, urinary catheter insertion, phlebotomy, and assisting medical and nursing staff with emergency procedures. The Paramedic also has expanded duties approved specifically for the Emergency Department under supervision and guidance of the Emergency Department nursing and medical staff, including:

• IV insertion
• IV fluid maintenance (without additives), including continuing drip by hanging new bags, changing tubing and discontinuance of IV catheters
• Maintenance of IV pumps (non-PCA)
• Insertion of nasogastric tubes

The Paramedic can also give certain medications, monitor their effectiveness, and report patient status to the registered Nurse and/or the Doctor. The Paramedic can also function in triage as a secondary person after successfully completing the triage class. The Paramedic also provides service to patients throughout the life span, including newborns, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric age groups.

• Perform patient care duties including PCT tasks, wound and orthopedic injury care.
• Conduct 12-lead EKGs and blood glucose checks.
• Administer and monitor medications as permitted; report status to RN/Doctor.
• Assist medical and nursing staff with emergency procedures.
• Perform IV insertion and manage IV therapy and related equipment.
• Maintain IV pumps (non-PCA) and manage IV fluid administration.
• Insert nasogastric tubes as required.
• Support triage as a secondary responder after completing the required triage class.
• Provide patient care to individuals across the lifespan from newborns to geriatrics.

• Minimum Education: High School diploma or equivalent and successful completion of approved and accredited paramedic training.
• Minimum Experience: One year field experience as a paramedic preferred.
• Certification/Licensure: NM Paramedic Licensure required.