Dispatcher

SUPERVISED BY: Operates under the direct supervision of the Dispatch Supervisor. Supervised indirectly by the Shift Supervisors, Executive Assistant and the Executive Director.

EMPLOYEES SUPERVISED: Although no employees are supervised directly by this position, the Dispatcher exercises staff authority over Field Operations personnel on his/her shift. This is accomplished by maintaining a current working knowledge of all company policies, procedures, rules, regulations, memorandums, and implements these by requesting compliance from personnel, informing them of any deviations and referring unresolved deviations to the appropriate supervisor.

ACCOUNTABILITY: The Dispatcher is responsible for receiving and recording requests for ambulance and wheel chair assistance/transport from various sources. This includes the establishment of effective communications with the person requesting assistance, eliciting information necessary for dispatching an effective EMS response and selection of the most appropriate EMS system action in response to each call. The Dispatcher will offer pre-arrival instructions as indicated.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

1. Handles radio communications in a prompt, accurate, courteous and professional manner.
2. Understands and adequately implements the concepts of Emergency Medical Dispatch as published in Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System (and as customized by Medic 1) as a minimum standard of care.
3. Selects and dispatches appropriate vehicle or vehicles including ALS, First Responder, Fire Rescue and any other ancillary support units to emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance. Also selects, schedules and dispatches wheel chair vehicles on appropriate calls.
4. Absolute knowledge of the EMS services available in the area, their capabilities, limitation, locations and accessibility.
5. Allocates EMS resources properly as the need arises by application of appropriate decision making rules and approved protocols.
6. Responsible and accountable for completeness and accuracy of Dispatcher paperwork related to his/her shift prior to completion of shift.
7. Responsible for accurate and complete data entry of run reports for the shift. Responsible for generating applicable reports and checking for accuracy.
8. Assists field personnel in locating scene of incidents and selecting the safest, fastest route to such scene using all available Dispatcher locator aids.
9. Keeps track of locations, status and condition of each unit at all times; relays instructions from supervisors, messages and emergency information.
10. Maintains a current working knowledge of all company policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and memorandums.
11. Coordinates EMS resources in any multi-agency response.
12. Responsible and accountable for updating management and operations personnel on any changes effecting the company.
13. Assists in development and implementation of Dispatcher locator aids.
14. Provides input for the development and implementation of the Ambulance Placement Strategy.
15. Notifies the appropriate members in the chain of command for any extraordinary situations.
16. Follows established parameters/formats in receiving requests for service.
17. Responsible for knowledge and use of Dispatcher equipment, including but not limited to the radio console, computer, printers, 911 equipment, recording devices and telephones.
18. Other duties as assigned by the Dispatch Supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

1. Skilled in reading and writing English.
2. Ability to communicate clearly on the radio and telephone.
3. Ability to function effectively in stressful situations.
4. Working knowledge of Operations policies and procedures.
5. Thorough knowledge of EMS and other public safety resources available in the area.
6. General knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations that apply to EMS and Public Safety/Special Emergency Services.
7. Ability to plan and organize the activities of a unit.
8. Ability to record, transmit, and report information accurately.
9. Ability to establish priorities.
10. Possess good typing skills.
11. Ability to understand basic computer applications.
12. Following training, ability to adequately implement concepts of EMD.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Education: Four-year high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Must be an accredited EMD or successfully complete an accredited EMD training program within 12 months of assuming position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sedentary work, lifting 20 pounds maximum. Occasionally lifting and/or carrying articles such as binders and boxes. Lifting, talking, hearing, reaching, handling, feeling and seeing.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General office environment.