Position Summary Ascertains pertinent information from callers to determine urgency and location of requests.  Dispatches ambulances, supervisory personnel and other EMS support vehicles.  Under medical protocol, provides detailed first aid or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instructions to callers until arrival of ambulance or other responders.  Coordinates the notification and dispatch of fire departments, rescue vehicles, law enforcement agencies, aeromedical services and other agencies responding to EMS incidents.  Notifies EMS personnel in event of internal or external disaster situations.  Inputs information into computer aided dispatch (CAD) system. Minimum Qualifications Work Experience Previous experience in dispatch, telecommunication, or EMS preferred.
Education High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
Certifications/Licensure Emergency Medical Dispatch certification required within one year from hire or placement. Job Specific Performance Standards The duties listed below are a summary of the major essential functions of this position. The position may require other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned, and specific functions may change from time to time.
  Serves as primary call taker, obtaining pertinent information to initiate EMS dispatch.  Must perform call taking and dispatch functions both independently and concurrently, as needed. Selects and dispatches appropriate EMS response vehicle(s).  Provides responding unit(s) with appropriate information for patient, location and destination and routing instructions, utilizing knowledge of geographical area and map resources.  Determines need for special equipment as necessary. Provides detailed first aid or CPR instructions to callers as indicated. Coordinates dispatch of other emergency service agencies, including city and county fire departments, city, county, state and other law enforcement entities, aeromedical and other specialized services either directly or with appropriate dispatch center(s). Creates and maintains a detailed and accurate chronological record of all requests for service. Monitors radios and computer map screen to stay informed of EMS vehicle and volume status.  Locates and/or re-locates available units into strategic positions as necessary.  Indirectly supervises call rotation and crew down times. Enters patient demographic and statistical data into computer system(s). Monitors weather radar and communicate with public works and law enforcement agencies to keep emergency vehicles informed of road closures, detours, etc. Schedules requests for routine, non-emergency transports.  Coordinates scheduling efforts with hospital Social Services department, requesting and receiving agencies, families and etc.  Determines needs for special equipment or additional personnel as appropriate. Schedules and coordinates delivery of non-ambulance (i.e. wheelchair, etc.) transportation requests. May be called in to extra duty to provide communications support during multi-casualty or other time and personnel intensive incidents. Generates statistical reports as directed.