Emergency Medical Dispatcher
Job Description:Emergency medical dispatchers handle calls from the public and GPs requesting an ambulance.
Job Category:What you will do:
In this role you could:
- keep the caller calm to find out the location, details of what happened and condition of the patient
- give first aid advice to people facing life-threating situations
- decide which crew and vehicles to dispatch based on the situation and who is nearest
- contact the crew and pass on essential information
- create a record of calls
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of public safety and security
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- customer service skills & be adaptable to change
- administration & organisational skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
Restrictions and Requirements
You’ll need to:
- be over 18 years of age
- pass background checks
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course to get some of the computer and typing skills you’ll need in this job.
Apprenticeship
You can get into this role through an emergency service contact handling advanced apprenticeship.
Volunteering
You’ll find it helpful to have some healthcare experience before applying for a job.
In the UK, you could:
- get advice about volunteering in the NHS
- do first aid work with the British Red Cross or St John Ambulance
- find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT
Direct Application
You can apply directly to your local ambulance service.
Each service sets its own entry requirements, but it could help your application if you have taken subjects such as English, maths and science; have experience in customer service, like a call centre operator; have map reading skills and knowledge of local geography; an understanding of medical terminology and a recognised and current first aid qualification.
Working Hours and Environment:
You could work in a control room.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Typically you would work 40-42 hours a week including shift work which includes evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a team leader or control room superintendent.
You could also do additional training to become an emergency care assistant or paramedic.