Team Positions & Descriptions
Please contact the IMERT office for more information about these and other team positions.
General Team
Physician Team Leader
Nurse
ALS Specialist (EMT-P/EMT-I)
BLS Specialist (EMT-B)
Allied Health (DDS, PA, etc)
Safety Specialist
Communications Specialist
Logistics Specialist
Pediatric Team 
Physician Team Leader
Physican/Nurse Practitioner
ALS Specialist (EMT-P/EMT-I)
BLS Specialist (EMT-B)
General Team
IMERT PHYSICIAN TEAM LEADER - Medical Lieutenant
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The IMERT Leader - Medical Supervisor is responsible for supervising all medical care provided by the Team and directly providing medical care to critically injured victims in the Medical Zone. The IMERT Leader - Medical Supervisor reports IMERT Lieutenant.
Description of Duties
- Makes recommendations concerning Team member's fitness for deployment and fitness for duty while on deployment based on medical screening at time of activation - will assess physical health of team members
- Supervises subordinates
- Ensures all Team personnel are kept informed of mission objectives and status changes
- Evaluates and advises local public health agencies on medical issues when requested by the IC leader
- Provides medical advice to local EMS personnel as necessary
- Ensures appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used by all members
- Ensures Universal Precautions for all team members against exposure to communicable disease
- Provides direct medical care to Team members and victims as appropriate
- Examines and treats wounds and illnesses due to the effects of a NBC or mass casualty event
- Performs diagnostic tests as appropriate
- Prepares performance evaluations for assigned personnel
Knowledge
- Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree
- Valid and unrestricted State licensure to practice medicine
- Board Eligible (BE) or Board-Certified (BC) and actively practicing emergency medicine or trauma surgery; or
- Other medical specialty (Family Practice/ Internal Medicine/Pediatrics)
and
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification, and/or
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, and/or
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
- Extensive knowledge of ICS
- Extensive knowledge of personnel management and supervision
- Extensive knowledge of methods of support of disaster victims (participation in 2 or more disaster drills as per institutional requirements)
- Extensive knowledge of the terminology and capabilities of the major items in the equipment cache
- Extensive knowledge of Universal Precautions; and
- Comprehensive knowledge of acute/critical medical management of chemical and biological casualties
- Manage subordinates in stressful work environments
- Significant current experience in the practice of pre-hospital care; and
- Capable of searching written and computer databases for NBC information
- Possess good interagency coordination skills; work well with technical experts, local officials, and other organizations; and
- Meet moderate physical fitness requirement
- Complete Intermediate ICS training; and
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
- Complete NIMS training
- Participate in hospital and/or community disaster drills
IMERT NURSE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The nurse is responsible for assisting with medical care of decontaminated victims in the Medical Zone. The Nurse reports directly to the IMERT Leader.
Description of Duties- Assesses nursing needs to provide safe and efficient nursing care
- Records vital signs of all Team members at regular intervals
- Works collaboratively with medical personnel in the identification and management of potentially contaminated patients
- Performs triage of patients on entry to medical services
- Assesses injuries and illnesses; performs resuscitation, inserts intravenous lines, and secures airways; treats shock victims
- Provides medical services to Team members under physician control
- Examines and treats wounds and illnesses due to the effects of a NBC or mass casualty event
- Performs diagnostic tests as appropriate
- Maintains complete and current clinical and nursing records
- Ensures sufficient IMERT drug supply levels
- Maintains medical records for all deployed Team members
- Assists in providing medical advice to local EMS personnel
- Assists in non-ambulatory decon litter positions
- Assists with post decon ambulatory patient monitoring if workload indicates
- Performs all BLS duties as outlined
- Valid and unrestricted State licensure to practice nursing
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) certification
- Working knowledge of Universal Precautions
- Working knowledge of supervisory practices; and
- Extensive knowledge of ICS
Skills
- Significant current experience as a nursing supervisory in a clinical setting
- Capable of searching written and computer databases for NBC information
- Manage subordinates in stressful work environments; and
- Experience in preventive medicine (vaccinations, etc.)
- Possess good interagency coordination skills; work well with technical experts, local officials, and other organizations; and
- Meet the moderate physical fitness requirement
- Complete Intermediate ICS training; and
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
- Complete NIMS training
IMERT ALS Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The ALS Specialist is responsible for assisting the IMERT Leader in providing ALS level medical care to decontaminated victims in the Medical Zone. The ALS Specialist reports directly to the IMERT Leader.
Description of Duties- Works collaboratively with medical personnel in the management of decontaminated patients
- Assesses injuries and illnesses; performs resuscitation, inserts intravenous lines, and secures airways; treats shock victims
- Provides medical services to Team members under physician control
- Examines and treats wounds and illnesses due to the effects of a NBC or mass casualty event
- Performs diagnostic tests as appropriate
- Maintains complete and current clinical records
- Assists in providing medical advice to local EMS personnel; and
- Provides other medical functions as directed
- State licensure at the EMT-P level; and
- Working knowledge of Universal Precautions
- Recent clinical competency and experience in providing pre-hospital care at the appropriate level on a regular basis; and
- Capable of searching written and computer databases for NBC information
- Meet the moderate physical fitness requirement
- Complete Basic ICS training
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
- Complete NIMS training
IMERT BLS Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The BLS Specialist is responsible for assisting the IMERT Leader in providing BLS level medical care to decontaminated victims in the Medical Zone one. The BLS Specialist reports directly to the IMERT Leader.
Description of Duties- Works collaboratively with medical personnel in the management of decontaminated patients
- Assesses injuries and illnesses; performs resuscitation, secures airways; treats shock victims
- Provides medical services to Team members under physician control
- Examines and treats wounds and illnesses due to the effects of a NBC or mass casualty event
- Performs diagnostic tests as appropriate
- Maintains complete and current clinical records; and
- Provides other medical functions as directed
- State licensure at the EMT-B level or higher; and
- Working knowledge of Universal Precautions
- Recent clinical competency and experience in providing pre-hospital care at the appropriate level on a regular basis; and
- Capable of searching written and computer databases for NBC information
- Meet the moderate physical fitness requirement
- Complete Basic ICS training
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
- Complete NIMS training
Other General Team Positions
Team positions have been, or are in the process of being, developed for the following:
Dentist, Physician Assistant, and other Allied Health Professionals
Functional Description
The Allied Health Specialist is responsible for assisting the IMERT Leader in providing medical care to decontaminated victims in the Medical Zone one. The Allied Health Specialist reports directly to the IMERT Leader.
Description of Duties
- Works collaboratively with medical personnel in the management of decontaminated patients
- Performs diagnostic tests as appropriate
- Maintains complete and current clinical records; and
- Provides other medical functions as directed
Knowledge
- State licensure at the appropriate level or higher for their specific skills set; and
- Working knowledge of Universal Precautions
Ability
- Meet the moderate physical fitness requirement
Training Requirements
- Complete Basic ICS training
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
- Complete NIMS training
IMERT Safety Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The Safety Specialist is responsible for assisting the IMERT Leader insuring operations are conducting in a safe manor for all team members. The Safety Specialist reports directly to the IMERT Lieutenant. The Safety Specialist is also responsible providing safety education to team members prior and during deployments.
Description of Duties
- Assist members of the Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team (IMERT)
- Act as the unit’s Safety Officer.
- Act as the liaison with the IMERT Administrator concerning safety issues.
- Act as advisor to the IMERT Team Leader concerning safety issues.
- Act as a liaison with other organizations concerning safety issues.
- Maintain the appropriate safety supplies and equipment in the unit.
Knowledge
- Hold a valid driver’s license.
- Possess good verbal skills when dealing with the public.
- Be able to maintain composure during high stress situations.
- Possess a current CPR and First Aid Training Card
- Possess ICS – safety certification
Ability
- Meet the moderate physical fitness requirement
Skills
- Act as point-of-contact with IDPH personnel and IMERT concerning medical issues.
- Stay current with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
- Maintain the appropriate safety equipment (i.e.; fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, exit signs, etc) in IMERT trailers.
- Ensure the unit’s safety equipment is functional.
- Ensure the unit has a sufficient quantity of safety supplies and the supplies are up to date
- Ensure the unit’s safety programs are kept current and are briefed to all unit personnel.
- Ensure that each unit member is equipped with the appropriate PPE.
- Plan and schedule the appropriate safety training for unit members.
- Develop a Hazardous Communications program within the unit.
- Develop a Lock Out/Tag Out program within the unit.
- Perform periodic safety inspections in unit offices, garages, and meeting spaces.
- Refer any correspondence, e-mail, memos, or telephone calls dealing with IMERT safety issues to the IMERT Statewide Team Coordinator.
Training Requirements
- Complete Basic ICS training
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
- Complete NIMS training
IMERT Communications Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The Communications Specialist is responsible for assisting the IMERT Leader in all communications during a deployment. The Communications Specialist reports directly to the IMERT Leader.
Description of Duties
- Assist members of the Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team (IMERT).
- Reports to the Field Administrator, Administrator or Team leader as assigned.
- Insure there is sufficient communications equipment to complete the assigned IMERT mission.
- Ensure each piece of communications equipment functions properly and within specifications.
- Perform periodic performance checks and Preventive Maintenance Inspections (PMI) on the team’s communications equipment.
- Ensure sufficient accessory equipment is available (i.e.; microphones, antennas, spare batteries, and carrying cases) for the team.
- Be familiar with emergency services radio procedures and agency call signs.
- Provide familiarization training in radio operations to each team member.
Knowledge
- Hold a valid driver’s license.
- Be physically capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects.
- Be physically capable of walking over rough terrain to remote sites.
- Possess good verbal skills when dealing with the public.
- Be able to maintain composure during high stress situations.
- Have prior training in the HF, VHF, and/or UHF radio maintenance career fields.
- Be current in CPR training.
Ability
- Meet the moderate physical fitness requirement
Skills
- Be familiar with installing and operating mobile radio UHF and VHF radio equipment.
- Be familiar with the operation of hand held UHF and VHF radio equipment.
- Be familiar with troubleshooting procedures to determine malfunctions in the radio equipment.
- Be proficient in the use of RF Wattmeters and VOM Multimeters for testing radio equipment.
- Be familiar with radio wave propagation and be able to determine the best location for radio installation and antenna erection.
Training Requirements
- Complete Basic ICS training
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
- Complete NIMS training
IMERT Logistics Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The Logistics Specialist is responsible for assisting the IMERT Leader in providing logistical support. The Logistics Specialist reports directly to the IMERT Leader.
Description of Duties
- Assist members of the Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team (IMERT) .
- Assist with or procure transportation, operations and support equipment as needed by AOC/FAOC during deployment
- Assist members of the IMERT in deploying and erecting team assets.
- Assist members of the IMERT during triage and transportation of victims
- Function as safety observers for IMERT members during rescue operations and report safety concerns immediately to IMERT on-site Administrator, Team Leader or Safety Officer
- Provide security for the IMERT while deployed in the field
- Assist with various equipment setup and operation (i.e.: generators, lighting, etc.), with qualified operators
Knowledge
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Possess good verbal skills when dealing with the public
- Be able to maintain composure during high stress situations
- Be current in CPR training
- Be current in First Aid training
- Possess ICS training
Ability
- Meet the moderate physical fitness requirement
- Be physically capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects
- Be physically capable of walking over rough terrain to remote site
Skills
- Be familiar in the proper use of or current procedures in:
- various power tools (i.e.: generators, lighting, etc.)
- various rope knots used in rescue work.
- various types of maps (i.e.; aerial, topographical, mercator).
- lensatic compasses for use in land navigation.
- Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment.
- traffic control and proper crowd control
- radio communications techniques
Training Requirements
- Complete Basic ICS training
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
- Complete NIMS training
Pediatric Team
IMERT PEDIATRIC PHYSICIAN TEAM LEADER - Medical Supervisor
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The IMERT Pediatric Team Leader – Medical Lieutenant is responsible for supervising all medical care provided by the Pediatric Team and directly providing medical care to critically injured and general pediatric victims in the Medical Zone. The IMERT Pediatric Team Leader – Medical Lieutenant reports up the IMERT chain of command.
Description of Duties
- Makes recommendations concerning Team member’s fitness for deployment and fitness for duty while on deployment based on medical screening at time of activation;
- Assesses medical health of team members and makes medical decisions in partnership with the onsite medical director;
- Supervises subordinates;
- Ensures all Team personnel are kept informed of mission objectives and status changes;
- Evaluates and advises local public health agencies on medical issues when requested by the IC leader;
- Provides medical advice to local EMS personnel as necessary;
- Ensures appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used by all members;
- Ensures Universal Precautions for all team members against exposure to communicable disease;
- Provides direct medical care to Team members and victims as appropriate;
- Examines and treats wounds and illnesses due to the effects of a NBC or mass casualty event;
- Performs diagnostic tests as appropriate;
- Prepares performance evaluations for assigned personnel.
Knowledge
- Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree;
- Valid and unrestricted current Illinois licensure to practice medicine;
- Board Eligible (BE) or Board-Certified (BC) and actively practicing pediatric emergency medicine or pediatric critical care medicine;
- Required current certifications:
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification, and
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, and
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification or Advanced Pediatric Life Support (APLS) certification
- Extensive knowledge of ICS;
- Extensive knowledge of personnel management and supervision
- Extensive knowledge of methods of support of disaster victims (participation in 2 or more disaster drills as per institutional requirements)
- Extensive knowledge of the terminology and capabilities of the major items in the equipment cache;
- Extensive knowledge of Universal Precautions; and
- Comprehensive knowledge of acute/critical medical management of chemical and biological casualties
Skills
- Manage subordinates in stressful work environments;
- Significant current experience in the practice of pre-hospital care
Abilities
- Possess good interagency coordination skills; work well with technical experts, local officials, and other organizations; and
- Meet moderate physical fitness requirement
Training Requirments
- Must complete all training requirements defined for General IMERT Team members (see above) as well as additional Pediatric Specialty Team training requirements
- Complete Intermediate ICS training
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
- Participate in hospital and/or community disaster drills
IMERT PEDIATRIC PHYSICIAN/PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTIONER
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The IMERT Pediatric Team – Physician/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialist is responsible for the direct provision of medical care to pediatric victims in the Medical Zone. The Physician/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialist reports directly to the IMERT Pediatric Team Leader – Medical Lieutenant.
Description of Duties
- Supervises subordinates;
- Evaluates and advises local public health agencies on medical issues when requested by the Pediatric Team Leader – Medical Lieutenant;
- Assesses patient medical needs to provide safe and efficient care;
- Provides medical advice to local EMS personnel as necessary;
- Ensures appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used by all members;
- Ensures Universal Precautions for all team members against exposure to communicable disease;
- Provides direct medical care to pediatric victims and Team members as appropriate;
- Examines and treats wounds and illnesses due to the effects of a NBC or mass casualty event;
- Performs diagnostic tests as appropriate.
Knowledge
- Physician
- Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree;
- Valid and unrestricted current Illinois licensure to practice medicine;
- Board-Certified (BC) and actively practicing pediatric medicine.
- Nurse Practitioner
- Completion of a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program;
- Valid and unrestricted current Illinois Advanced Practice Nursing license;
- Actively practicing as a pediatric nurse practitioner.
- Required current certifications:
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification, and/or
- Advanced Pediatric Life Support (APLS) certification, and/or
- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) certification.
- Extensive knowledge of ICS;
- Extensive knowledge of personnel management and supervision
- Extensive knowledge of methods of support of disaster victims (participation in 2 or more disaster drills as per institutional requirements)
- Extensive knowledge of the terminology and capabilities of the major items in the equipment cache;
- Extensive knowledge of Universal Precautions; and
- Comprehensive knowledge of acute/critical medical management of chemical and biological casualties.
Skills
- Manage subordinates in stressful work environments;
Abilities
- Possess good interagency coordination skills; work well with technical experts, local officials, and other organizations; and
- Meet moderate physical fitness requirement
Training Requirments
- Must complete all training requirements defined for General IMERT Team members (see above) as well as additional Pediatric Specialty Team training requirements
- Complete Intermediate ICS training
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
- Participate in hospital and/or community disaster drills
IMERT PEDIATRIC NURSE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The pediatric nurse is responsible for assisting with medical care of decontaminated pediatric victims in the Medical Zone. The Pediatric Nurse reports directly to the IMERT Pediatric Team – Physician/PNP Specialist.
Description of Duties
- Assesses nursing needs to provide safe and efficient nursing care;
- Records vital signs of all Team members at regular intervals;
- Works collaboratively with medical personnel in the identification and management of potentially contaminated patients;
- Performs triage of patients on entry to medical services;
- Assesses injuries and illnesses; performs resuscitation, inserts intravenous lines, and secures airways; treats critically ill/injured victims;
- Provides medical services to Team members under physician control;
- Examines and treats wounds and illnesses due to the effects of a NBC or mass casualty event;
- Performs diagnostic tests as appropriate;
- Maintains complete and current clinical and nursing records;
- Ensures sufficient IMERT drug supply levels;
- Maintains medical records for all deployed Team members;
- Assists in providing medical advice to local EMS personnel;
- Assists with post decon ambulatory patient monitoring if workload indicates;
- Performs all BLS duties as outlined.
Knowledge
- Valid and unrestricted current Illinois licensure to practice nursing;
- Required current certifications:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS);
- Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) certification or Trauma Nurse Specialist (TNS)
- certification or Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification;
- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC);
- Working knowledge of Universal Precautions;
- Extensive knowledge of ICS;
- Working knowledge of supervisory practices.
Skills
- Significant current experience as a nursing supervisor in a clinical setting;
- Manage subordinates in stressful work environments; and
- Experience in preventive medicine (vaccinations, etc.)
Abilities
- Possess good interagency coordination skills; work well with technical experts, local officials, and other organizations; and
- Meet the moderate physical fitness requirement.
Training Requirments
- Must complete all training requirements defined for General IMERT Team members (see above) as well as additional Pediatric Specialty Team training requirements
- Complete Intermediate ICS training
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
IMERT PEDIATRIC ALS Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The ALS Pediatric Specialist is responsible for assisting the IMERT Pediatric Team – Physician/PNP Specialist in providing ALS level medical care to decontaminated pediatric victims in the Medical Zone. The ALS Pediatric Specialist reports directly to the IMERT Pediatric Team – Physician/PNP Specialist.
Description of Duties
- Works collaboratively with medical personnel in the management of decontaminated patients;
- Assesses injuries and illnesses; performs resuscitation, inserts intravenous lines, and secures airways; treats shock victims;
- Provides medical services to Team members under physician control;
- Examines and treats wounds and illnesses due to the effects of a NBC or mass casualty event;
- Performs diagnostic tests as appropriate;
- Maintains complete and current clinical records;
- Assists in providing medical advice to local EMS personnel; and
- Provides other medical functions as directed.
Knowledge
- Current Illinois licensure at the EMT-P level;
- Required current certification:
- Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP);
- Working knowledge of Universal Precautions;
Skills
- Recent clinical competency and experience in providing pre-hospital care at the appropriate level on a regular basis.
Abilities
- Meet the moderate physical fitness requirement.
Training Requirments
- Must complete all training requirements defined for General IMERT Team members (see above) as well as additional Pediatric Specialty Team training requirements
- Complete Basic ICS training
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session
IMERT PEDIATRIC BLS Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Functional Description
The BLS Pediatric Specialist is responsible for assisting the IMERT Pediatric Team – Physician/PNP Specialist in providing BLS level medical care to decontaminated pediatric victims in the Medical Zone one. The BLS Pediatric Specialist reports directly to the IMERT IMERT Pediatric Team – Physician/PNP Specialist.
Description of Duties
- Works collaboratively with medical personnel in the management of decontaminated patients;
- Assesses injuries and illnesses; performs resuscitation, secures airways; treats shock victims;
- Provides medical services to Team members under physician control;
- Examines and treats wounds and illnesses due to the effects of a NBC or mass casualty event;
- Performs diagnostic tests as appropriate;
- Maintains complete and current clinical records; and
- Provides other medical functions as directed.
Knowledge
- Current Illinois licensure at the EMT-B level;
- Required current certification:
- Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP);
- Working knowledge of Universal Precautions;
Skills
- Recent clinical competency and experience in providing pre-hospital care at the appropriate level on a regular basis.
Abilities
- Meet the moderate physical fitness requirement.
Training Requirments
- Must complete all training requirements defined for General IMERT Team members (see IMERT website) as well as additional Pediatric Specialty Team training requirements
- Complete Basic ICS training
- Complete WMD/mass casualty educational session