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Emergency medical dispatcher

Alternative titles for this job include Emergency call handler, ambulance dispatcher

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

Average salary (a year)

£18,005 Starter

to

£21,142 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an emergency medical dispatcher

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

Good computer skills and a typing qualification could be useful to get into this job, for example:

  • Level 2 Award in Touch Typing
  • Level 2 ECDL Award in IT User Skills

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

More Information

Apprenticeship

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

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

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Volunteering

Paid or unpaid experience of working in healthcare would be useful. You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator or manager at your local NHS trust for advice about opportunities.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to your local ambulance service.

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

  • GCSEs grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English, maths and science
  • experience in customer care, like a call centre operator
  • map reading skills and knowledge of local geography
  • an understanding of medical terminology
  • the ability to speak a community language
  • a recognised and up-to-date first aid qualification

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an emergency medical dispatcher from Health Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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 work well with others
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • administration skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

in your day-to-day duties you may:

  • keep the caller calm to get essential information
  • find out the location and details of what happened
  • give basic first aid advice to people facing life-threatening situations
  • help people cope until an ambulance arrives
  • decide whether the caller needs an ambulance, car, motorbike or helicopter
  • work out which vehicle is nearest
  • contact the crew and pass on vital information
  • create electronic records of calls and events

Working environment

You could work in a control room.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a team leader or control room superintendent.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an emergency medical dispatcher right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Customer Service

  • Provider: HOPWOOD HALL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 August 2021
  • Location:

NVQ Certificate in Customer Service Level 1

  • Provider: BEDFORDSHIRE & LUTON EDUCATION BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: Bedford
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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