Emergency medical dispatcher

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course to get some of the computer and typing skills you'll need in this job.

You could do a level 2 award in touch typing or a level 2 ICDL award in IT user skills.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can get into this role through an emergency service contact handling advanced apprenticeship.

You'll usually need to be over 18 years old and might need a GCSE grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English or equivalent.

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to have some healthcare experience before applying for a job.

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

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to your local ambulance service .

Each service sets their own entry requirements, but it could help your application if you have:

• GCSEs grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English, maths and science
• experience in customer service, like a call centre operator
• map reading skills and knowledge of local geography
• an understanding of medical terminology
• a recognised and current first aid qualification

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• customer service 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
• knowledge of public safety and security
• administration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• knowledge of English language
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to read English
• leadership skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Emergency medical dispatchers handle calls from the public and GPs requesting an ambulance.

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

Location : You could work in a control room.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £23,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

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 .