The University of Maryland Baltimore County, Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems (UMBC EDHS Dept.) has recognized the following physical, cognitive, psychomotor, affective, and social abilities as required in unique combinations to provide safe and effective emergency medical care. Admission, progression, and graduation are contingent upon the student/applicant’s ability to demonstrate the essential functions delineated for the UMBC EDHS Dept. with or without reasonable accommodations throughout the program of learning. The purpose of this document is to state the physical and mental qualifications necessary to be successful in the workplace. The UMBC EDHS Dept. and/or its affiliated clinical agencies may identify additional essential functions. The UMBC EDHS Dept. reserves the right to amend the essential functions as deemed necessary.
The Paramedic essential function requirements include but are not limited to the ability to:
- Physical Demands
- Have the physical ability to walk, climb, crawl, bend, push, pull, or lift and balance over uneven and less than ideal terrain
- Have good physical stamina and endurance, which would not be adversely affected by having to lift, carry, and balance at times, in excess of 125 lbs., 250 lbs. with assistance
- See different color spectrums
- Hear key audible stimuli including radio traffic, alarms, warning sounds as well as audible findings on the physical exam
- Have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment, instrumentation, and medications
- Problem Solving Abilities, Data Collection, Judgment and Reasoning
- Be able to send and receive verbal messages as well as operate appropriately the communication equipment of current technology
- Be able to collect facts and to organize data accurately, to communicate clearly both orally and in writing in the English language (12th-grade level or higher)
- Be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings in human physical conditions by using visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile observations
- Be able to make good judgment decisions and exhibit problem-solving skills under stressful situations
- Be attentive to detail and be aware of standards and rules that govern practice and implement therapies based upon mathematical calculations (12th-grade level or higher)
- Possess sufficient emotional stability to be able to perform duties in life or death situations and in potentially dangerous social situations
- Be able to handle stress and work well as part of a team
- Be oriented to reality and not mentally impaired by mind-altering substances
- Not be addicted to drugs
- Be able to work shifts of 24 hours in length
- Be able to tolerate being exposed to extremes in the environment including variable aspects of weather, hazardous fumes, and noise
- Possess eyesight in a minimum of one eye correctable to 20/20 vision and be able to determine directions according to a map. Students who desire to drive an ambulance must possess approximately 180° peripheral vision capacity and must possess a valid driver’s license, and must be able to safely and competently operate a motor vehicle in accordance with state law.
An individual who discloses a disability may request reasonable accommodations. Individuals will be asked to provide documentation of the disability in order to assist with the provision of appropriate reasonable accommodations. The University will provide reasonable accommodations but is not required to substantially alter the requirements or nature of the program or provide accommodations that inflict an undue burden on the University. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be directed to UMBC Student Disability Services and the Paramedic Program Director at the UMBC EDHS Dept. at least 30 days prior to the beginning of class.
NOTE: Non-Discrimination Statement: It is the official policy of the UMBC EDHS Dept. that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or shall be subject to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.