PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The position requires significant physical strength and dexterity and the ability to function in very adverse environments with exposure to numerous safety risks typically found at emergency scenes. The following guidelines are used to describe the frequency of activities in this position: (Occasionally equals 1-33%; Frequently equals 34%-66%; and Continuously equals 67-100% of a typical work day.)
STANDING/WALKING: Frequently to continuously when responding to calls. Optional while at rest at the facility. This usually includes: going to and from the emergency vehicle, getting patients from their locations, and rendering treatment. Most walking would be for short distances, as emergency vehicles are allowed to get as close to the location as possible. However, the incumbent must also be able to run these same distances, in case of an emergency where time is of the essence. Walking and running may vary, however, as the patient may be located inside a large, multi-floored facility. Standing, walking and running could be on all types of surfaces, including but not limited to: asphalt, cement, concrete, soft/packed dirt, linoleum, wood, hardwood floors, etc. The individual must be able to go up and down slight inclines or declines that may be found at roadsides, agricultural areas, etc. At a location, standing would occur more often than walking or running. Standing would occur on the wide variety of surfaces mentioned above. Standing could last from a few minutes to hours, depending on the situation. Standing could occur in the standard erect position, the kneeling or squatting position, etc.
SITTING: Frequently when responding to a location, the individual will sit in the emergency vehicle. The emergency vehicles are equipped with a standard installed vehicle seat. The time performing the sitting activity on a call would depend upon the specific situation.
LIFTING AND CARRYING: Frequently required to lift and carry weights ranging from a few pounds to ten (10) pounds and above. Occasionally required to lift and carry weights scaled at above 100 pounds or more. Incumbents will need to lift and carry, with one team member, adult patients, lifting them from various positions (such as a bed or a chair) onto various patient movement devices, such as an ambulance stretcher, a stair chair, long back boards, etc., and then efficiently move them into an ambulance. Other heavier objects in the high range category would be 5-foot tall, 10-inch diameter oxygen cylinders, and medical equipment boxes. The oxygen cylinders can be made of quarter-inch steel and weigh up to 113 pounds. The medical equipment boxes can weigh approximately fifty pounds or more.
BENDING AND STOOPING: Frequently throughout a work shift the individual will be required to bend in a range of 1 to 90 degrees. The average situation will require the individual to work in a range of 35 to 65 degree bends. This would involve: lifting a patient, lifting equipment, treating a patient at ground level, sitting on a bench located in the ambulance. This activity may be prolonged and last up to 30 minutes or more. During any given call, the provider may bend and/or stoop 1 to 15 times per incident.
CROUCHING AND KNEELING: Frequently. Crouching and kneeling may be performed when on the scene picking up equipment or assisting patients. The actual number of times this is done depends on the particular incident but may be up to 15 times for a duration up to 30 minutes or greater.
CLIMBING: Occasionally. This is required when climbing steps up and down with a patient on a stretcher or other device, and when entering or exiting the emergency vehicle. Generally, the climbing would require that the incumbent be lifting and carrying heavy objects such as a stretcher or other device with a patient on it. Balancing may be required when backing down staircases.
REACHING: Frequently to continuously throughout the work shift in order to review monitoring equipment, operate communication equipment, administer oxygen, and operate equipment. The incumbent may also be required to reach in precarious positions, such as in a vehicle, which has been crushed in an accident, or in other confined spaces. If working inside the ambulance en route to a medical facility, the incumbent will need to reach to access the patient and supplies. Reaching will involve partial to full extension of the arms.
PUSHING AND PULLING: Frequently. The activities that would require the most force in pushing and pulling is when removing or returning a gurney to the emergency vehicle, with and without a patient on the gurney. The weight required to push/pull will vary, depending on the weight on the gurney. Slight pushing will be required if the incumbent is performing CPR, which can require repetitive pushing and may range from a few minutes to hours. Pushing and pulling is required when operating and closing vehicle doors.
HANDLING OR GRASPING: Continuously. While working at any given location, continual bilateral gross manipulation is performed in this position. This may be involved when: opening/closing doors; and using, handling, carrying and/or operating medical equipment boxes that may weigh approximately fifty (75) pounds or more, stretcher rails, various handles attached to equipment, and tools. The arm and hand must be able to perform al types of positions, including supination and pronation. Hyperextension, extension and flexion of the fingers will be involved, ulnar and radial deviation, abduction and adduction of the hand and wrist will be required. A wide variety of grasping will be required, such as cylindrical grasping, palmer grasping, hook grasping, tip grasping, lateral grasping and spherical grasping.
HAZARDS: The incumbent, when responding to emergencies, can be exposed to dust, fumes, gases, fire, smoke, adverse weather conditions, and chemicals. Driving at speeds beyond the posted limit may occur and, therefore, the incumbent may be exposed to vehicular accidents at a higher speed than normal. There is also exposure to body substances that may contain infectious materials that could cause illness or death. There is potential for bodily harm or death from violent patients, bystanders, or other dangers. Applicant must be medically cleared to wear a respirator and a respirator fit test.
OTHER PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Maintain balance and strength in awkward positions;
- Speak clearly under stressful circumstances;
- Accurately communicate ideas orally and in writing in English;
- Respond physically with speed;
- Speak loudly; and
- Get along well with others.
Malta-Stillwater EMS is a drug-free workplace. All applicants will be subject to a pre-employment drug test and physical examination through a third-party vendor.