Position Summary / General Scope:
Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) acts as the vital first point of contact for 911 medical emergencies, gathering critical information, determining response levels, and dispatching ambulances while providing pre-arrival instructions to callers. They are responsible for effective communications, call entry, and dispatching for all 911 emergency and non-emergency medical transportation requests. Operating within our 911 Emergency Communications Call Center, this unique telecommunicator position will not only act as a 911 operator, but also as a liaison between healthcare facilities and our medical transportation team to effectively communicate available resources and expected arrival times, schedule non-emergency medical transportation, and ensure timelines are being met or new arrival expectations are set.
Key Responsibilities
* Answering and processing emergency and non-emergency calls, rapidly assessing the nature and location of medical emergencies.
* Rapidly gather relevant information
* Dispatch appropriate non-emergency and emergency medical transportation including ALS, BLS, and Wheelchair Van resources
* Provides crucial, step by step medical instructions to callers while responders are en route.
* Review available resources and communicate expected arrival times with healthcare facilities
* Maintain communication and expectations with healthcare facilities
* Monitors field personnel locations, track status, and manage logistics using GPS and CAD systems.
* Maintains accurate, real time records of calls and incident times.
* Multitask data entry 20-30 words per minute with active listening during call processing.
* Maintains knowledge of and complies with all company policies, procedures, and guidelines at all times.
* Must maintain a reliable attendance record
* Completes other duties as requested and assigned
Education:
* High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Licensure, Certification, Registration:
* EMD Certification
* CPR Certification
* 911 Certification
* Telecommunicator Certification
Experience:
* Must have minimal medical training or telecommunications experience, or at least one year of experience as an EMS or Public Safety Dispatcher.
* Experience with computer systems required, including web-based applications and some Microsoft Office applications preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
* Excellent verbal communication, communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
* Ability to speak clearly and concisely, providing detailed information under stressful circumstances.
* Ability to record, transmit and report information accurately.
* Analytical skills to gather and interpret data
* Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion at all times
* Knowledge of medical terminology preferred, not required.
* Ability to work in fast-paced environment and multi-task
* Ability to work well independently and within a team setting
Requirements:
* Day, Evening, Overnight, Weekends and Holidays may be required.
* Ability to meet the essential duties and physical, mental and sensory requirements of the position at all times.
* Comply with UDS drug screening at any and all times
* Satisfactory background check and MA CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information), verification required annually.
Physical, Mental and Sensory Requirements
* Ability to hear various frequencies, distinguish sounds and work in environment with consistent background noise.
* Consistent close eye work and clear vision for screens, color/depth perception, and peripheral vision for data analysis and monitoring.
* Clear, concise verbal communication, potentially shouting or speaking loudly over noise, and active listening.
* Fine finger dexterity, repetitive wrist motion regarding computers and dispatch terminal work for prolonged time periods. (fingering, pushing, pulling).
* Ability to sit, stand and alternate positions for extended periods of time.
* Exerting light force up to 10-25 lbs. for tasks like lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling.
* Ability to work in environment with constant phone/radio calls, interruptions, urgent/emergency situations, and emotionally charged callers.
* Strong multitasking, problem-solving, attention to detail, memory, and emotional stability in stressful environments