What does an Emergency Medical Dispatcher do?
An Emergency Medical Dispatcher works in a call centre and answers inbound calls from people who have an emergent need for medical assistance. They listen to the caller and decide what type of emergency service to dispatch to the scene. An Emergency Medical Dispatcher helps callers stay calm and directs them in the steps they need to take while they’re waiting for an ambulance and paramedics to arrive. The Emergency Medical Dispatcher also communicates with paramedics and keeps them informed until the ambulance arrives on the scene.
Emergency Medical Dispatcher skills and qualifications
A successful Emergency Medical Dispatcher will possess multiple skills and qualifications that enable them to perform their job duties with ease. These skills and qualifications include:
- Ability to handle the phone system in order to answer calls quickly
- Strong communication skills
- In-depth knowledge of medical terms and their communication
- Ability to maintain composure during stressful situations
- Advanced medical knowledge to help callers handle emergency situations while the ambulance is in transit
- Ability to read maps and knowledge of local geography
- Experience in the health sector either paid or voluntary
- Current first aid qualification
Emergency Medical Dispatcher experience requirements
In order to work as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, candidates must have work experience as an Emergency Call Handler. The role of Emergency Call Handler is similar to that of the Emergency Medical Dispatcher in that the Emergency Call Handler answers 999 calls and records the information provided by the caller. However, the Emergency Medical Handler then passes the information to the Emergency Medical Dispatcher who makes the final decision on what type of emergency response is needed for the caller.
Experience in a call centre or other customer support or healthcare role is a plus.
Emergency Medical Dispatcher education and training requirements
Emergency Medical Dispatchers must have GCSEs in grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in science, maths and English. They must also complete training or apprenticeship that meets the standards of the National Health Service (NHS). They must also obtain industry-recognised certifications, such as the Level 2 Award in Touch Typing and Level 2 ECDL Award in IT User Skills.
Emergency Medical Dispatcher salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Emergency Medical Dispatcher is £34,969 per year. The actual salary depends on geographic location, experience and demand for qualified candidates.
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