Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services CASS # 101.02.03 Index # Administration Summary Position Description EMS CAPTAIN Supervises and directs the delivery of skilled emergency and nonemergency services in a variety of areas including emergency medical and rescue operations, advanced medical assistance, mentoring, training, quality improvement, public education, volunteer agency coordination, mass casualty management, and other duties as required. This position serves as the officer in charge of a group of subordinates in the field, office or formal classroom setting.; Incumbent may be assigned to specialty positions including administration, special operations, disaster management, regulation and enforcement, training, or logistics; incumbent may be required to stand duty and respond as needed during off duty periods; fills in for superiors or other EMS captains when necessary; engages in provision of advanced life support pre-hospital patient care as needed; does related work as required. Critical Elements of Performance Supervises individuals performing emergency medical and rescue activities in order to save lives and reduce morbidity; coordinates those activities required to maintain and support the operation of the department s equipment, apparatus, and facilities to ensure operational readiness; supervises the coordination of specialized programs such as safety, disaster response, logistics, special operations, volunteer coordination, training, and public education; safely operates emergency ambulances and other light duty emergency medical response vehicles; follows all emergency medical services regulations and protocols; assumes incident command or leadership position as required for management of emergency scenes including those involving multiple patients or complex rescues; assesses, evaluates, and requests resources needed during emergency operations; ensures personnel safety and accountability, works with career and volunteer personnel alike in order to maintain seamless operations during emergency and nonemergency situations; performs patient care at the paramedic level;
Page 2 monitors and supervises training activities including subject and practical drills; directs the activities of personnel assigned to the brigade including monitoring work assignments, communicating performance expectations, evaluating performance, scheduling personnel, maintaining discipline and control to ensure effective use of department human resources; performs those supervisory activities required to ensure that the delivery of services and performance of subordinates are in compliance with departmental and city policies and procedures; ensures compliance with all EMS regulations; exercises leadership and motivates subordinates to incorporate the department and city s vision and goals for quality service; interacts regularly with citizens, community/civic groups, and other city agencies. Performance Standards Competently directs the operation of emergency and non-emergency services at scenes; demonstrates thorough knowledge of EMS practices and procedures; exercises responsibility for department equipment; efficiently plans and directs the use of personnel and equipment; effectively executes supervisory duties related to the handling of special projects; schedules and assigns department resources in order to meet department objectives; effectively monitors subordinate training; presents quality training drills; effectively performs patient care at the paramedic level; maintains positive working relationships with superiors and subordinates; possesses thorough knowledge of city and departmental procedures; interacts positively with both career and volunteer emergency services personnel; demonstrates understanding of performance standards and capably evaluates employees performance; efficiently utilizes available resources, including other municipal agencies; clearly communications performance expectations and maintains discipline and control among assigned personnel; competently enacts disciplinary procedures; effectively and clearly communicates both verbally and in writing; works effectively under pressure of stress of emergency situations.
Page 3 Knowledge-Skills-Abilities Required to Perform Satisfactorily A. Knowledge a. Comprehensive knowledge of emergency medical services principles and techniques. b. Comprehensive knowledge of laws, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to emergency medical services. c. Comprehensive knowledge of local medical protocols. d. Comprehensive knowledge of local emergency medical response system. e. Comprehensive knowledge of the National Incident Management System. f. Knowledge of modern supervisory and management practices and procedures. g. Knowledge of city s topography, road system, and traffic patterns. h. Knowledge of techniques used in classroom instruction and delivery of programs. i. Knowledge of basic and advanced life support techniques. j. Knowledge of quality improvement analysis and infection control techniques. k. Knowledge of city policies and procedures. l. Knowledge of department policies and procedures. B. Skills A. Skill to perform duties required of a Virginia-certified Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic. B. Skill in the use of tools and adjuncts associated with basic and advanced pre-hospital patient care. C. Skill in the use of heavy rescue equipment. D. Skill in operating light duty emergency medical vehicles, including sedans and ambulances, in emergency conditions. E. Skill in the preparation of training curricula, written reports and oral presentations. F. Skill in dealing with people in a variety of situations. G. Skill in securing cooperation and establishing effective working relationships with both career and volunteer emergency personnel. H. Skill in managing emergency medical incident scenes.
Page 4 C. Abilities A. Ability to work well with others to include under emergency and stressful conditions. B. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with staff, city and community agencies and departments, and local, state and regional agencies and staff. C. Ability to work with and support volunteer emergency personnel in the accomplishment of their mission. D. Good physical and mental condition, capable of performing all assigned duties. E. Ability to use independent judgment in making patient care decisions within the scope of local protocols and medical control guidelines. F. Ability to follow verbal and written orders. G. Ability to evaluate individual technician performance. H. Ability to direct, mentor and counsel, and discipline subordinates. I. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal communication during internal and external interactions such as when issuing commands, directions, or general information or instructions. J. Ability to communicate effectively using written communication when preparing or reviewing memos, correspondence, reports, presentations, and forms. K. Ability to apply written policies and procedures to practical situations. L. Ability to maintain EMT-P and CPR and other required certifications. M. Ability to prepare and present formal training classes. N. Ability to work rotating shifts and in stressful situations including extreme weather environments. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalent; minimum of six years experience in the field of EMS health care of which four most recent years must be at the Paramedic level; experience in the area of pre-hospital care associated with such positions as ALS Instruction Supervisor, BLS Instruction Supervisor, or ALS field training officer (FTO) or ALS preceptor; Virginia or National Registry EMT-P certification; current
Page 5 ACLS certification; current PALS certification; completion of a vehicle extrication course; completion of a BTLS, ITLS OR PHTLS program; classified as fit for employment by the Occupational Health Office; current Virginia or North Carolina Driver s license; completion of the Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness course. Individuals must pass a preemployment physical examination, including a drug screening. Must be eligible to function as an emergency medical vehicle operator in accordance with Virginia Department of Health EMS Regulations and City/Departmental policy. Successful completion of a field training program resulting in release to function as a paramedic under general supervision within forty-five (45) days of initial orientation, including required sanctioning by the Tidewater Regional EMS Council. Preferences Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor s degree in a related field. Pre-hospital experience in a combination service; experience working with volunteers, Thorough knowledge of EMS system principles, regulations, administration and ethics; knowledge of human resources administration principles and practices; knowledge of educational design and principles; thorough knowledge of city and departmental policies and procedures; experience in program management; knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office applications; strong communications skills. APPROVED: 7/11/2009 EMS Chief Date LEGAL REVIEW Signature on File City Attorney s Office Date Originated Revised 09/13/2004 7/11/2009