• Receives call from dispatcher, responds appropriately to emergency calls, reads maps, may drive ambulance to emergency site, uses most expeditious route and observes traffic ordinances and regulations.
• Determines nature and extent of illness or injury, takes vital signs, makes determination regarding patient status, establishes priority for emergency care, renders appropriate emergency care.
• May administer intravenous drugs or fluid replacement as directed.
• May use equipment such as but not limited to, defibrillator, EKG, performs advanced airway techniques, performs intravenous therapy and medication modalities.
• Assists in lifting, carrying, and transporting patients to the ambulance and on to a medical facility.
• Extricates patients from entrapment, assesses extent of injury, uses prescribed techniques, provides light rescue service if required, provides additional emergency care following established protocols.
• Complies with regulations in handling deceased, notified authorities, arranges for protection of property and evidence at scene.
• Determines appropriate facility to which patient will be transported, reports nature and extent of injuries or illness to the facility.
• Identifies diagnostic signs that require communication with facility.
• Reports verbally, and in writing, concerning observations about the patient, patient care at the scene and in route to the facility, provides assistance to emergency staff as required.
• Maintains familiarity with all specialized equipment.

The Paramedic candidate must have successful completion of an approved curriculum with achievement of passing scores on written and practical examinations as defined by the program’s guidelines. Re-licensure is dependent upon an individual’s successful completion of inter-agency approved Paramedic continuing education courses. At any given time, performs any or all tasks performed by a lower level EMT. May supervise activities of students or interns, and/or may engage in writing of journal articles or teach.

To qualify for EMS licensure an individual must successfully complete a State approved course and achieve competency in each of the psychomotor skills. In addition the individual must achieve a passing score on the State written licensure examination.

EMS personnel must have the ability to:

• Communicate verbally via telephone and radio equipment.
• Lift, carry and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance).
• Interpret written, oral and diagnostic form instructions.
• Use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations.
• Work effectively in an environment with loud noises and flashing lights.
• Function efficiently throughout an entire work shift.
• Calculate weight and volume ratios and read small print, both under life-threatening time constraints.
• Read and understand English language manuals and road maps.
• Accurately discern street signs and address numbers.
• Ability to interview patients, family members, and bystanders.
• Document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such.
• Converse in English with coworkers and hospital staff as to status of patient.

EMS personnel should possess good manual dexterity, with ability to perform all tasks related to highest quality patient care. Ability to bend, stoop and crawl on uneven terrain and ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold and moisture is vital. The ability to work in low light, confined spaces and other dangerous environments is required.

Students wishing to be considered for admission to the Paramedic Program must contact one of the approved agencies affiliated with South Cook County EMS Systems at Ingalls Memorial Hospital for additional information and referral. To qualify for referral, students must:

1. Possess an EMT-B Illinois license, and
2. Be at least 18 years of age;
3. Be a graduate from an approved high school or have earned a High school equivalency (HSE/GED®) certificate;
4. Preferably have at least six months work experience
5. Must complete Application and Testing for admission to the program. Applications and admission procedures can be found at www.regionviiems.com under South Cook County.
6. Get admitted into the program by contacting the Coordinator (708) 915-6900 for further instructions.
7. A photocopy of the student’s current health care insurance must be submitted to each respective program coordinator in order to participate at any clinical education site. Failure to maintain comprehensive health care insurance will result in the student being immediately withdrawn from the clinical site and thereby receiving a failing grade in the clinical education class. Furthermore, the student will be financially responsible to pay all medical bills and co-payments as a result of injuries or health issues that arise from participation of clinical education programs.
8. Students are required to pay for, and pass a background check prior to admittance into the program. Students will be required to pay for this service.