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.
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)
£15,000 Starter
to£26,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
40 to 42 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts
How to become an emergency medical dispatcher
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
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 and experience
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
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
- being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- be 18 or over
- pass background checks
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- keeping the caller calm to get essential information
- finding out the location and details of what happened
- giving basic first aid advice to people facing life-threatening situations
- helping people cope until an ambulance arrives
- deciding whether the caller needs an ambulance, car, motorbike or helicopter
- working out which vehicle is nearest
- contacting the crew and passing on vital information
- creating 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
With experience, you could become a team leader or control room superintendent.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Apprentice Contact Management Centre Officer: Oxford (999/101 Call Handler)
- Wage : £27,260.00 Annually
- Location: Kidlington OX5 1NZ
Courses In England
Certificate in Customer Service and Professional Development (QCF)
- Provider: THE SKILLS PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
- Start date: 08 April 2019
- Location: London
NVQ Certificate in Customer Service Level 1
- Provider: Bedfordshire & Luton Education Business Partnership
- Start date: 01 September 2019
- Location: Bedford
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