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Emergency medical dispatcher

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

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course to improve your IT skills or complete a qualification in customer service. These skills are important in this job.

Courses are widely available and include:

  • customer service
  • contact centre operations
  • International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL)

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an Emergency Contact Handler Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This takes around 1 year to complete and combines on-the-job training with learning off site.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Work

You could join an ambulance service and work as a patient transport service (PTS) call handler. They organise non-emergency patient transfers to and from healthcare appointments.

Learn more about the role of patient transport service (PTS) call handlers from Health Careers.

You might then move into an emergency medical dispatcher role through training and promotion.

Volunteering

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

You could:

Direct Application

You can apply directly to your local ambulance service for jobs.

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

More Information

Career tips

You'll be expected to understand how the NHS values would apply to your work.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become 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
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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

As an emergency medical dispatcher, you could:

  • respond to emergency calls and online requests for help
  • collect details of what's happened, the patient's condition and their location
  • reassure the caller and keep them calm
  • give first aid advice to people facing life-threatening situations
  • decide which crew and vehicles to dispatch based on the situation
  • contact the vehicle crew and pass on essential information
  • update computer records for each incident, as more details come in

Working environment

You could work in a control room.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

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.

You could also do further training to become an emergency care assistant, paramedic or training officer.

You could use your skills to work as a call handler-dispatcher for other emergency services, such as the fire or police service.

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

ICDL Advanced - Level 3 Certificate (BCS)

  • Provider: BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Not known

L3 Certificate in IT User Skills (IDCL Advanced) (ITQ) (BCS)

  • Provider: SOUTH THAMES COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 02 October 2025
  • Location: LONDON
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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