Intermediate Life Support Paramedic

PURPOSE OF POSITION

• To deliver emergency medical care and safely transport patients requiring ambulance services, providing appropriate treatment within the authorised scope of practice to preserve life, minimise complications, and promote positive patient outcomes through professional and compassionate care.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS CLINICAL PRACTICE AND PATIENT CARE

• Apply sound clinical judgement in the assessment, treatment and management of patients, in accordance with HPCSA-approved protocols, standards and best practices.
• Deliver safe, effective and patient-centred care that is appropriate to the patient's clinical condition and needs.
• Administer medication in accordance with approved protocols, ensuring dosages are titrated appropriately to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome while maintaining patient safety.

CLINICAL CONSULTATION AND ESCALATION

• Seek guidance and consult with ILS colleagues, ALS practitioners or medical practitioners when managing complex, high-risk or challenging clinical situations.
• Facilitate appropriate escalation of care to support optimal patient outcomes and continuity of care.

DOCUMENTATION AND MEDICO-LEGAL COMPLIANCE

• Ensure all patient care records, treatment documentation, incident reports and related medico-legal documentation are completed accurately, comprehensively and within required timeframes.
• Maintain compliance with organisational, statutory and regulatory documentation requirements.

REGULATORY AND PROFESSIONAL COMPLIANCE

• Maintain current knowledge of and adherence to the latest HPCSA-approved standards, protocols, guidelines and scope of practice requirements.
• Demonstrate ongoing professional accountability by ensuring all clinical practices comply with applicable legislation, regulations and professional standards.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

• Perform only those clinical procedures, interventions and professional acts that are authorised within the approved HPCSA scope of practice and relevant clinical protocols.
• Ensure all patient care activities remain within the limits of professional competence, training and regulatory requirements.

PATIENT HANDOVER AND ACCOUNTABILITY

• Ensure the safe and effective transfer of patient care responsibilities to appropriately qualified and competent healthcare professionals.
• Maintain accountability for delegated tasks and oversight of patient care when responsibilities are assigned to less experienced personnel, where applicable.
• Promote continuity of care through clear, accurate and timely patient handovers.

QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY

• Uphold the highest standards of patient safety, clinical governance and professional conduct in all aspects of service delivery.
• Identify, report and mitigate clinical risks to ensure quality patient outcomes and continuous improvement in service delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES PATIENT ASSESSMENT, CLINICAL MANAGEMENT AND PATIENT CARE

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and provide appropriate emergency medical care within the authorised ILS scope of practice.
• Apply a systematic approach to patient assessment, treatment, monitoring and reassessment.
• Deliver professional, compassionate and patient-centred care that promotes patient safety, recovery and positive clinical outcomes.
• Maintain effective communication with patients, families, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.

CLINICAL GOVERNANCE AND HPCSA PROTOCOL COMPLIANCE

• Adhere to all HPCSA-approved ILS protocols, clinical guidelines and scope of practice requirements.
• Perform patient assessment and emergency management using recognised clinical approaches, including:
• Scene safety assessment.
• Responsiveness assessment.
• Airway management and cervical spine protection where required.
• Breathing, ventilation and oxygenation management.
• Circulation assessment and haemorrhage control.
• Defibrillation and resuscitation where indicated.
• Disability and exposure assessment.
• Secondary patient surveys, history taking, vital signs monitoring and physical examination.
• Ensure clinical interventions remain within authorised scope of practice and seek higher-level clinical support when required.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CPD

• Maintain HPCSA registration and CPD compliance requirements.
• Participate in ongoing training, education and competency development programmes.
• Remain current with developments, legislation, clinical guidelines and changes to HPCSA protocols.

Clinical Documentation and Record Management

• Complete all patient care reports, hospital records and company documentation accurately, comprehensively and within required timeframes.
• Ensure all patient encounters are documented in accordance with legal, organisational and professional standards.
• Maintain accurate records of clinical interventions, medication administration and operational activities.
• Ensure all incidents attended are appropriately logged and recorded.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SERVICE EXCELLENCE

• Contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives and clinical governance processes.
• Maintain professional standards of conduct, integrity and accountability.
• Identify and report clinical, operational or service delivery concerns to management.
• Support community outreach, training and health promotion initiatives where required.

OPERATIONAL READINESS AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• Ensure ambulances, vehicles, medical equipment and consumables are operational, clean and ready for service at all times.
• Conduct pre-shift and post-shift vehicle and equipment inspections.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels and ensure timely replacement of medical supplies.
• Safeguard company assets and immediately report any damage, loss or theft.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

• Comply with all Occupational Health and Safety requirements, infection prevention measures and emergency response procedures.
• Utilise appropriate personal protective equipment PPE when required.
• Ensure scene safety prior to initiating patient care and take appropriate action to mitigate risks.
• Report all injuries, incidents, hazards and unusual occurrences in accordance with company procedures.
• Operate company vehicles safely, responsibly and in accordance with road traffic legislation and company policies.

COMPLIANCE WITH ORGANISATIONAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, operational standards and regulatory requirements.
• Perform duties in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures SOPs.
• Carry out any reasonable operational duties assigned by management that are consistent with the role and scope of practice.

TEAMWORK AND PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, healthcare facilities, external agencies and emergency services to ensure continuity of patient care.
• Escalate patient care requirements appropriately and request additional clinical support when patient needs exceed the ILS scope of practice.
• Foster positive working relationships and contribute to an effective multidisciplinary healthcare environment.

COMPETENCIES The following will be advantageous

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Educational Qualifications & Experience

• Successful completion of a recognised Intermediate Life Support ILS qualification that meets the requirements for registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa HPCSA.
• Current registration with the Professional Board for Emergency Care Personnel PBECP of the HPCSA as an Intermediate Life Support ILS Practitioner.
• Valid Professional Driving Permit PrDP for the transportation of passengers.
• Valid Code B 08 driver's licence.
• Proof of registration and licensing must be maintained and remain valid for the duration of employment.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to remain calm, composed and effective in high-pressure and stressful situations.
• Ability to work effectively with indiv