Kelly McDonald
Oakville,CT
Summary
Adept at delivering advanced life support and managing high-pressure medical emergencies, I significantly improved patient outcomes during my tenure at Trinity Health of New England. My expertise in patient assessments and critical decision-making, coupled with a compassionate approach to patient care, underscores my ability to excel in dynamic environments.
In my two years as a field supervisor, I received two recognitions from community agencies. One award was for leadership by the Waterbury Regional Chamber for Unsung Hero in 2023. This year I was recognized by Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps for excellent service during a critical call.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Paramedic
Nuvance Health
11.2022 - Current
- Delivered advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) under pressure.
- Delivered compassionate care to patients with a variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, traumas, strokes, and respiratory distress.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing timely and accurate assessments, treatments, and interventions.
- Documented patient care accurately using electronic medical records software according to regulatory guidelines for billing purposes and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Developed and maintained rapport with coworkers and local hospital staff to facilitate efficient patient care.
- Enhanced team efficiency through clear communication and collaboration during high-pressure emergency situations.
- Transferred patients safely and securely to medical facilities for continued care.
- Assessed patient condition through physical and verbal exams and by collecting information from others at scene.
- Adapted treatment plans quickly and effectively based on changing patient conditions and reactions.
- Ensured patient safety by adhering to strict protocols for proper lifting techniques, equipment use, and infection control.
- Identified appropriate medications based on potential interactions with other medicines, accurately calculating correct dosages according to drugs on hand and patient's weight.
- Responded to daily emergencies and worked alongside firemen and EMTs.
- Triaged injuries by communicating with patients, bystanders and family members and identified appropriate medical facility for transport.
- Streamlined patient handoff processes at hospitals by clearly communicating relevant information to receiving staff, ensuring seamless continuity of care.
- Assisted in training new paramedics by serving as a preceptor and sharing clinical expertise during ridealongs.
- Increased survival rates with rapid recognition of life-threatening conditions and swift initiation of appropriate interventions.
- Evaluated patient vital signs and status to determine care needs using pulse oximeters and electronic vital sign machines.
- Administered fluid replacement via IV, IO, and IM to replace fluid volumes and correct electrolyte imbalances.
- Administered continuous 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring to record heart rhythms in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Paramedic
Vintech Management Services
06.2013 - Current
- Delivered advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) under pressure.
- Delivered compassionate care to patients with a variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, traumas, strokes, and respiratory distress.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing timely and accurate assessments, treatments, and interventions.
- Worked en-route to hospital to prepare patients for arrival or surgery and control wounds.
Paramedic Field Supervisor
Trinity Health of New England
09.2022 - 09.2024
- Facilitated smooth shift transitions through comprehensive briefings that covered ongoing incidents, pending tasks, equipment status updates, and pertinent operational concerns.
- Served as a mentor to junior paramedics, sharing knowledge of best practices in pre-hospital care while fostering teamwork among colleagues.
- Collaborated with medical directors to review patient care reports and discuss opportunities for improvement in treatment protocols.
- Contributed to the development of departmental policies and procedures aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and patient outcomes.
- Coordinated logistics for special events requiring EMS coverage, such as sporting events or concerts, ensuring adequate staffing levels and proper equipment allocation.
- Achieved timely resolution of personnel issues by mediating conflicts between staff members, addressing performance concerns, and providing constructive feedback.
- Managed on-scene operations during emergencies, ensuring timely and effective delivery of medical services.
- Delivered advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) under pressure.
- Transferred patients safely and securely to medical facilities for continued care.
Paramedic
Trinity Health of New England
09.2006 - 09.2024
- Delivered advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) under pressure.
- Delivered compassionate care to patients with a variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, traumas, strokes, and respiratory distress.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing timely and accurate assessments, treatments, and interventions.
- Worked en-route to hospital to prepare patients for arrival or surgery and control wounds.
- Documented patient care accurately using electronic medical records software according to regulatory guidelines for billing purposes and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Transferred patients safely and securely to medical facilities for continued care.
- Assessed patient condition through physical and verbal exams and by collecting information from others at scene.
- Adapted treatment plans quickly and effectively based on changing patient conditions and reactions.
- Ensured patient safety by adhering to strict protocols for proper lifting techniques, equipment use, and infection control.
- Identified appropriate medications based on potential interactions with other medicines, accurately calculating correct dosages according to drugs on hand and patient's weight.
- Responded to daily emergencies and worked alongside firemen and EMTs.
- Triaged injuries by communicating with patients, bystanders and family members and identified appropriate medical facility for transport.
- Assisted in training new paramedics by serving as a preceptor and sharing clinical expertise during ridealongs.
Emergency Medical Technician
Trinity Health of New England
09.2004 - 09.2006
- Enhanced patient care by efficiently assessing and addressing medical emergencies in high-pressure situations.
- Improved patient outcomes by administering appropriate treatments based on thorough assessments of vital signs, physical conditions, and medical histories.
- Evaluated patient vital signs and status to determine care needs using pulse oximeters and electronic vital sign machines.
- Continuously improved skills through regular training sessions, workshops, conferences, and staying up-to-date on industry best practices.
Education
Paramedic Licensure
Yale New Haven Sponsor Hospital Program
New Haven, CT06.2006
Skills
- Documentation And Reporting
- Advanced Life Support
- Critical decision-making skills
- Direct Patient Care
- Intubation
- Patient Assessments
- Patient Management
- IV Insertion
- Intravenous therapy
- Airway Management
- Emergency Management
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Pre-hospital Care
- Patient Transport
- Stroke Management
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Medication Administration
- Emergency Response
- Patient Examination
- Behavioral Emergency Intervention
- Vital sign assessment
- Triaging
- Geriatric Emergency Care
Timeline
Paramedic
Nuvance Health
11.2022 - Current
Paramedic Field Supervisor
Trinity Health of New England
09.2022 - 09.2024
Paramedic
Vintech Management Services
06.2013 - Current
Paramedic
Trinity Health of New England
09.2006 - 09.2024
Emergency Medical Technician
Trinity Health of New England
09.2004 - 09.2006
Paramedic Licensure
Yale New Haven Sponsor Hospital Program
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