About This Role
The Emergency Medical Dispatcher receives, interprets, and relays critical information via telephone, radio, and alert systems in a 911/EMS Communications Center. This role involves assisting citizens with medical emergencies by providing life-saving instructions over the phone before medical personnel arrive, and promptly dispatching necessary emergency assistance using a computer-aided dispatch system and two-way radio.
Responsibilities
- Receive, properly interpret, and relay information via telephone, radio, and alert systems
- Assist citizens with medical emergencies by instructing them on life-saving procedures prior to the arrival of trained medical personnel
- Analyze and act promptly to respond with assistance to emergency situations
- Quickly and accurately utilize a computer-aided dispatch system to initiate a response of necessary personnel, ambulance, and other emergency assistance
- Utilize a two-way radio system to communicate with field units
- Maintain the status of all medical units and equipment within the system
- Conduct self in accordance with established West Tennessee Healthcare and Medical Center EMS policies and procedures
- Be responsible for all telecommunications and appropriate records on their assigned shift, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Skills and proficiency in the basic knowledge of emergency care, acquired through completion of a training program for Emergency Medical Dispatch approved by the State Division of Emergency Medical Services within six (6) months of employment
- Proof of completion of accredited Emergency Medical Dispatch program within six (6) months of employment
- Current State certification as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher as outlined in TCA 1200-12-1.08, to be obtained within nine (9) months of employment (unless a national pandemic or state of emergency has been declared with extensions on licensures)
- Current Basic Life Support card from American Heart Association or equivalent (to be obtained within the orientation period)
- Ability to type 25 words per minute accurately (will be tested)
- Speak clearly in a well-understood voice, using good diction in the English language
- After orientation is complete, ability to train and precept other employees or students
Nice to have:
- Knowledge of 911 operations, principles, and practices related to emergency communication centers
- Previous 911 communications experience
- Previous public safety field experience in areas such as EMS, Fire, or Law Enforcement
- General knowledge of medical terminology
- Knowledge of local hospitals and Medical Center EMS policies, procedures, standing orders, protocols, area locale, radio communication procedures, emergency, and medical agencies as normally acquired through two years prior experience or an orientation program of up to 120 days
