Emergency Medical Dispatcher
What is the work like?
Emergency medical dispatchers are an important part of the ambulance service control team (also known as command and control). The job title and duties can vary slightly depending on the ambulance service (some services split this role into emergency call handlers and dispatchers).
As an emergency medical dispatcher, you would answer calls from the public and GPs requesting ambulance assistance. Whilst on a call, your duties could include:
- taking essential information from callers (exact location and details of what has happened)
- keeping the caller calm in order to get all the information needed for an ambulance response
- giving advice to people facing life-threatening situations
- helping people to cope until an ambulance arrives.
You would also take urgent 999 calls.
As as result of a call, you would decide on the type of response needed and dispatch the nearest and most appropriate vehicle (for example, an ambulance, rapid response car, motorcycle or paramedic helicopter).
With experience, you could be involved in explaining complex procedures (such as resuscitation or delivering a baby) over the telephone to a caller.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
In general, to be an emergency medical dispatcher you will need:
- good keyboard and computer skills
- map reading skills and knowledge of local geography
- GCSEs (A-C) in English, maths and science
- a typing qualification and/or some understanding of medical terminology.
It would be an advantage to have paid or voluntary experience in the health sector. Contact the voluntary services coordinator or manager at your local NHS Trust for further advice. Some services may also prefer you to have the ability to speak a community language.
Each ambulance service can set its own entry requirements. You can find details of local services on the NHS Choices website.
What further training and development can I do?
As a new recruit you will receive in-house training, either classroom-based or on the job, which can take up to three months.
You will usually be trained in areas such as:
- using switchboards, radio communications and other equipment
- recording information accurately
- the role of the ambulance and emergency crews
- first aid
- prioritising calls
- giving telephone advice
- using computerised command and control systems.
Where can I go for more information?
PO Box 376Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
Sute 30 Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
Belfast
BT8 8SG
Tel: 028 9040 0999
St Andrews House
Devons Road
Bow
London
E3 3PA
Tel: 020 7887 6638
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Emergency medical dispatchers can earn between £13,000 and £16,000 a year.
- With experience, this can rise to around £17,700.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work shifts, providing cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week (including public holidays).
You would work at a switchboard in an office.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to record and process information accurately
- the ability to work with high-tech equipment
- a caring attitude
- a strong sense of responsibility
- a serious attitude to work
- good organisational skills
- the ability to work as part of a team
- the ability to stay calm under pressure, think fast and use your own initiative
- a good telephone manner
- strong communication and listening skills.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most jobs in the NHS, however, there are some opportunities to train and work in the armed forces.
With the appropriate skills and experience you could progress to control room supervisor or another management role, responsible for a team of dispatchers/call handlers. You could also move into a training position.
Working as a dispatcher would give you insight into the work of ambulance crew. However, to move into ambulance work, you would need to meet the same entry requirements as someone from outside the service. Check the ambulance service job profiles for details.
Jobs can be advertised in the local and national press, and Jobcentre Plus. You may also find the following useful for vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
NHS Jobs
NHS Choices (for a list of local ambulance trusts).
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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