Single Role Paramedic

Paramedic

Department: Emergency Medical Services
Reports To: Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, or Fire Chief

Position Summary

The Northwest Fire Protection District is seeking compassionate, clinically skilled, and patient-focused Paramedics to join our Emergency Medical Services team. The Paramedic provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) care to patients experiencing medical emergencies, traumatic injuries, and critical illnesses while delivering exceptional customer service to the communities we serve.

This position is dedicated exclusively to Emergency Medical Services and does not include firefighting responsibilities. Paramedics work closely with EMTs, firefighters, dispatchers, hospitals, and regional healthcare partners to provide timely, evidence-based prehospital care.

Successful candidates demonstrate sound clinical judgment, professionalism, teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to continuous education and quality improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Advanced Life Support

• Respond to emergency medical incidents and provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) care in accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Regional EMS, and District protocols.

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and formulate appropriate treatment plans.

• Manage medical, traumatic, pediatric, obstetrical, psychiatric, and critically ill patients.

• Establish intravenous and intraosseous vascular access.

• Administer medications within the Illinois Paramedic scope of practice.

• Perform cardiac monitoring, 12-lead ECG acquisition and interpretation, synchronized cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, and manual defibrillation.

• Perform advanced airway management, including supraglottic airway placement and endotracheal intubation when authorized by protocol.

• Utilize mechanical CPR devices, capnography, point-of-care equipment, and other advanced EMS technologies.

• Determine appropriate transport destinations while collaborating with online medical control when required.

• Provide accurate hospital radio reports and patient handoffs.

Patient Care

• Deliver compassionate, respectful, and culturally competent care.

• Educate patients and family members regarding treatment and follow-up recommendations.

• Safely package, lift, move, and transport patients.

• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.

• Advocate for patient safety and quality clinical outcomes.

Ambulance Operations

• Safely operate ambulances under emergency and non-emergency conditions.

• Complete daily inspections of ambulances, medications, controlled substances, medical equipment, and supplies.

• Ensure ambulance readiness through cleaning, restocking, and preventive maintenance reporting.

• Maintain accountability for narcotics and controlled medications in accordance with District policy and state regulations.

Documentation

• Complete electronic patient care reports (ePCRs) accurately and before the end of each shift unless operationally delayed.

• Document assessments, treatments, medications, procedures, and patient dispositions completely and accurately.

• Complete incident reports and equipment documentation as required.

Training and Professional Development

• Participate in continuing education programs and maintain all required certifications.

• Attend department meetings, clinical reviews, skills training, and quality improvement activities.

• Assist with EMS education, public education, and community outreach events as assigned.

• Mentor EMT students, new employees, and field interns when requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• High school diploma or GED.

• Illinois Licensed Paramedic in good standing.

• National Registry Paramedic (preferred or required if applicable).

• Affiliation with Mercyhealth EMS (within 1 month)

• Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS CPR certification.

• Current ACLS certification.

• Current PALS certification.

• Current PHTLS or ITLS certification

• Valid Illinois Driver's License.

• Ability to successfully complete department orientation and probationary requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to applicants possessing one or more of the following:

• Previous 911 EMS experience.

• Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC).

• FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800.

• Experience with electronic patient care reporting systems.

• Experience working within a progressive ALS EMS system.

• Affiliation with Mercyhealth EMS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Deliver high-quality Advanced Life Support patient care using evidence-based medicine.

• Think critically and make sound clinical decisions under pressure.

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, hospitals, physicians, dispatchers, and coworkers.

• Operate ambulances and medical equipment safely.

• Maintain professionalism during emotionally challenging situations.

• Work independently while functioning effectively within a team environment.

• Adapt to changing operational demands while maintaining high standards of patient care.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to:

• Lift, carry, push, pull, and move patients weighing over 100 pounds with assistance.

• Perform prolonged CPR and other physically demanding patient care activities.

• Work in confined spaces, adverse weather, and hazardous environments.

• Stand, walk, kneel, crawl, bend, climb, and lift repeatedly throughout a shift.

• Meet all applicable medical and physical fitness requirements.

Work Environment

Employees regularly work in unpredictable emergency settings and may be exposed to:

• Bloodborne pathogens.

• Infectious diseases.

• Hazardous environments.

• Motor vehicle crashes.

• Violent or emotionally stressful situations.

• Loud noise.

• Extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions.

Employees may work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, mandatory callbacks, and extended emergency operations.

Employment Requirements

Final candidates must successfully complete:

• Background investigation.

• Criminal history check.

• Driving record review.

• Drug screening.

• Post-offer medical examination.

• Physical ability assessment (if required).

• Verification of certifications and licensure.

Benefits

Northwest Fire Protection District offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that may include:

• Competitive hourly wage.

• Uniform allowance.

• Department-paid continuing education and certification renewal.

• Opportunities for advancement.

Why Join Northwest Fire Protection District?

At Northwest Fire Protection District, EMS is more than transportation—it is healthcare. Our Paramedics are trusted medical professionals who provide high-quality, evidence-based care while working alongside dedicated EMTs, firefighters, hospitals, and regional EMS partners.

We are building a progressive EMS organization that values clinical excellence, employee development, innovation, teamwork, and exceptional patient care. If you are looking for a department where medicine is respected and your professional growth is supported, we encourage you to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Northwest Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.