EMT Apprentice (Wheelchair Van Driver / CST Division)

Summary

The EMT Apprentice is a unique, part-time "bridge" role designed for individuals pursuing a career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This position begins in our CST (Cascade Specialized Transport) division, our dedicated in-house medical transport branch.

As a CST specialist, you are responsible for the Medical Transport of patients who require specialized mobility assistance. This role serves as a professional foundation: you will master patient transfer, safety protocols, and logistics before advancing into clinical emergency medicine.

The Career Path (Phased Approach)

Phase 1: Operational Foundation (Months 0–6)

Status: Medical Transport Specialist (CST)

The first six months focus on mastering the logistics of Medical Transport and safety protocols. Completion of this phase with high performance is a prerequisite for company support in the hybrid EMT program.

Phase 2: EMT Internship (Month 6+)

Status: CST Specialist + Student Intern

Upon reaching the six-month milestone, the employee begins a self-paced, hybrid EMT-Basic curriculum. While continuing CST duties, interns participate in "third-ride" rotations with the Ambulance Division to observe Non-Emergent and Emergency BLS protocols. The goal is to obtain WA State EMT certification and promote to the Ambulance Division.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Medical Transport: Complete patient transportation in the CST unit as directed, specializing in wheelchair-accessible transit.
• Communication: Effectively communicate patient conditions to hospital personnel and facility staff.
• Documentation: Complete required documentation of patient care, Medical Transport logs, and billing information accurately.
• Maintenance: Maintain CST unit and equipment cleanliness; report equipment or vehicle problems to the Supervisor immediately.
• Safety: Keep vehicles and work areas free from all safety hazards and ensure 4-point wheelchair securement is performed for every patient.
• Emergency Care: Administer basic life support (CPR/First Aid) when necessary.
• Compliance: Keep all certifications, academic milestones (if in Phase 2), and insurability current.

Qualifications

Required

• Age: Must be at least 20 years of age.
• Commitment: Must work within the CST division for a minimum of six (6) months prior to beginning the EMT internship phase.
• Compliance: Must pass a full driving abstract and a comprehensive background check.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Licensure: Valid Washington Driver’s License with a safe driving record (MVR check required).
• Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with other caregivers and patients.

Preferred

• CPR Certification.
• General map reading skills or familiarity with the local area.
• Previous customer service experience.

Compensation & Growth

• Starting Pay: $19.13 per hour.
• CST Progression: For individuals who prefer to remain in the CST division or are not yet ready for the Lead EMT transition, pay scales up to a maximum of $21.13 per hour.
• Promotion: Upon earning WA State EMT certification, employees are eligible for promotion to the Ambulance Division with a transition to the EMT pay scale topping out over $28.00(2026)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to push, pull, and bend to move patients in wheelchairs.
• Ability to kneel or squat to secure wheelchairs.
• Ability to step in and out of the vehicle with the use of a step stool.
• Ability to assist with transferring patients from a bed to a wheelchair with the help of another certified medical professional.
• Ability to assist in moving patients up and down stairs either in a wheelchair or a stair chair with the assistance of another trained Company employee.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Ability to drive for several hours at a time.

All employees must meet these minimum requirements in order to be eligible to work as a Medical Transport Specialist in the CST department.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cascade Ambulance Service is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline or discharge will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.