~Emergency Medical Dispatcher – Job Description~

Communications Department

About Us:

Patriot Ambulance, Inc. provides prehospital care and interfacility transport to thousands of patients every year.  During our years of providing emergency medical services, one lesson has been driven home again and again: Teamwork is the only way to ensure quality care and transportation.  At the heart of teamwork is communication.  The Emergency Medical Dispatcher is an integral part of making sure the company’s goals stay on track through accurate, clear and consistent communication.

Overview:

The Emergency Medical Dispatcher performs a variety of skilled functions in support of the dispatch center.  They receive and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls from the public for potential police, Fire and Ems incidents.  They provide EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatching) direction and participates in the work of a dispatcher/call taker.  They carry themselves with the utmost professionalism and assist other company departments where needed.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Displays leadership skills by setting an example of professionalism and conduct for other employees to follow.
  • Always adheres to the principles of STARCARE.
  • Demonstrates extensive communications skills and exercises considerable judgment under pressure.
  • Operates EMS Computer-Aided Dispatching (CAD) equipment to quickly and accurately receive and transmit information of an emergency nature for Patriot Ambulance Inc. and contracted communities.
  • Operates a multi-functional telephone system to answer incoming calls and obtain necessary information.
  • Operates a multi-functional radio system to dispatch and obtain ambulance unit statuses.
  • Oversees multiple different computer software systems such as base security cameras, fleet GPS, the radio system, and the CAD system.
  • Evaluates incoming calls to determine the appropriate level of emergency medical service (EMS) assistance required, dispatching units, and transmitting information and messages upon request and/or according to established procedures.

Additional Tasks and Duties:

  • Understands and adheres to Patriot Ambulance, Inc. Policies and Procedures manual.
  • Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
  • Answers all incoming calls and obtains necessary information from callers.
  • Maintains the status and location of all EMS personnel and vehicles.
  • Transmits messages and information to Fire/EMS units responding to calls.
  • Provides emergency medical instructions to callers while EMS units are responding.
  • Contacts outside agencies and other city departments to coordinate aid.
  • Answers routine questions or refers calls to appropriate Patriot personnel or different agencies on non-Fire/EMS inquiries.
  • Consults with supervisor on non-routine matters.
  • Assists the Billing Department with tasks when required.
  • Completes various day to day office assignments (i.e. cleaning, paper shredding, etc.)
  • Completes any other tasks or duties as assigned.

Location, Reporting Structure, and Hours:

  • The EMD Dispatcher position can have full time, part time or per diem hours.
  • The position is located in the Main Dispatch Center primarily but employees may be required to move to a backup location in rare circumstances.
  • The position works under the general direction of the daily supervisor.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent. 
  • Strong multi-tasking and time management abilities.
  • Past experience with computer technology preferred.
  • 1 year of dispatching preferred.
  • Able to obtain and hold EMD certification (offered by the company) within the first 6 months of employment.