EMS Recruiting - Career Paths

All Field Cadets hired will be credentialed at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level (no matter the level of EMT- certification).  A Cadet-Field will attend 10 weeks of paid training at the Academy. Upon graduation, cadets are placed in the position of Medic at which time they will be paid at the Medic-Field rate on a 42 hour work week. All Medics will be individually assigned to a Field Training Officer or Captain for approximately 4 to 6 months of training. At the successful completion of training, the Medic will be credentialed by the Chief Medical Officer to practice at the BLS level. Once credentialed, advanced providers (AEMT, EMT-P, or LP) at the Medic level can provide advanced care after successful skills testing. Newly hired Cadets are considered “at will” employees until the completion of a 12 month probationary period starting from the date of hire.

All Communications Cadets hired will be credentialed at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level (no matter the level of the EMT- certification). A Cadet-Communications will attend 10 weeks of paid training at the Academy. Upon graduation, cadets are placed in the position of Medic at which time they will be paid at the Medic-Communications rate on a 42 hour work week. All Medics will be individually assigned to a Communications Training Officer or Captain for approximately 4 to 6 months of training. At the successful completion of training, the Medic will be credentialed by the Chief Medical Officer to practice at the Advanced Emergency Medical Dispatch (AEMD) level. Newly hired Cadets are considered “at will” employees until the completion of a 12 month probationary period starting from the date of hire.

Austin-Travis County EMS is committed to the development of our medics. In 2017, ATCEMS launched its in-house Paramedic Program. The program is less than 14 months in length (including clinical rotations and the field internship). Clinical rotations require students to practice their medical skills at approved hospitals and external ambulance services under the supervision and approval of a preceptor. The department covers the expenses for the program, tuition and books. Students completing the program are partially reassigned with Scheduling so that the Paramedic Program becomes part of their work assignment. 

To be considered for the program, candidates (current credentialed employees) participate in a competitive selection process and are ranked based on their test score. Top scoring employees will be offered placement into the class of up to 20 students. The class is a TEEX A&M Paramedic Program satellite course with all didactic instruction being completed by the Continuing Education Department Captains. We’ve had amazing success with first attempt passing rates with National Registry testing (both written and psychomotor portions). 

Our employees are provided with many career opportunities to extend their knowledge and experience throughout multiple areas. Provided below is a list of over 20 Specialized Teams that are offered within our department. Each assignment and/or special event team will vary in eligibility, rank, and/or physical requirements.

Continued Education Instructors

CE Instructions are responsible for coordinating and providing continuing education for all medics throughout the year.

COTA Track Medic

 Track Medics provide medical care to drivers at the Circuit of the Americas and are available trackside for all racing events. Medics receive specialized training to rapidly remove drivers involved in accidents out of the vehicle and provide medical care if necessary. "

Motor Medics

 Motor Medic units are staffed with Captains or Clinical Specialists on BMW 1200-RT motorcycles. They carry ALS gear to minimize the response time to a patient in areas with heavy vehicular or pedestrian traffic. All motor medics are certified via the Northwestern University Motor Officer program that is the national standard for public safety motorcycle operators.

Special Operations - Rescue

 Special Operations provide rescue in multiple hazardous environments. Some of their responsibilities include swift water, high angle rescue and hazmat.

Special Operations - Tactical

 Tactical medics provide patient care in the event someone is injured during a SWAT situation. To be assigned to this unit you must complete SWAT school and continued training while assigned.

Special Response Units

 SRUs are staffed with two medics. These units utilize the Polaris Ranger 6X6 platform, carry a full complement of first response bags and Zoll monitors, and are equipped with a power-lift stretcher compatible with ambulance stretchers.

Other specialties:

• Academy Instructor
• DMO Quality Improvement team
• QA/QI Communications
• Community Health Paramedic Program (CHP)
• Injury Prevention
• Safety
• Homeland Security & Emergency Mgmt.
• Field Training Officer
• Public Information Officer
• Recruiter
• Community Relations/Outreach
• Fleet Management
• Bicycle Medic
• Honor Guard
• Explorer Post Advisor
• Aeromedical Communications Specialist
• Car Seat Technician
• Blood Draw Specialist

Captains in the Field and Communications who have held their rank for a minimum of two years are eligible to sit for their division-specific Commander promotional exam. Individuals who pass the exam will be placed on a Civil Service list ranked by their final score, which includes the written exam score, Assessment Center score, and tenure in the department. Promotions are subject to vacant positions only and the Civil Service list is only valid for two years. In the event that the Civil Service list expires with individuals remaining on the list, those individuals will have to repeat the testing process.

Commanders serve as supervisors over their assigned district(s) throughout the city, provide support to ambulance crews, and also assist in emergency response. Commanders in the Field and Communications supervise and coordinate the daily operations and activities of personnel in support of the goals, objectives and leadership principles of the EMS Department.

Division Chiefs are eligible to promote to Assistant Chief through an appointment process by the Chief of EMS.

Under general direction of the Chief of EMS, the Assistant Chief is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and activities of assigned divisions, sections, programs, resources, and personnel.
 

Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff is an Assistant Chief, but more specifically works closely with the Chief of EMS and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and activities of assigned divisions, sections, programs, resources and personnel.

Chief of EMS

The Chief of EMS (currently Rob Luckritz) is appointed by the Austin City Manager and requires approval by members of the Austin City Council.

The Chief of EMS serves as the head of the organization and oversees all business operations for the department. The Chief of EMS works closely with City Council, city management, other City of Austin Public Safety chiefs (Austin Fire Department, Austin Police Department), department managers, and external public safety agencies to create a safer and healthier Austin.