Ambulance Dispatcher

Dispatch and Responsibilities

·         Answer 9-1-1 telephone calls

·         Determine the type of emergency and its location

·         Decide the appropriate response based on agency procedures

·         Relay information to the appropriate first responder agency

·         Coordinate the dispatch of emergency response personnel to accident scenes

·         Give over-the-phone medical instructions before emergency personnel arrive

·         Monitor and track the status of police, fire, and ambulance units

·         Synchronize responses with other area communication centers

·         Keep detailed records about calls

Dispatchers answer calls when someone needs help from police, fire fighters, emergency services, or a combination of the three. They take both emergency and nonemergency calls. Dispatchers must stay calm while collecting vital information from callers to determine the severity of a situation and the location of those who need help. They then give the appropriate first-responder agencies information about the call.Some dispatchers only take calls. Others use radios to send appropriate personnel. Many dispatchers do both. Dispatchers keep detailed records about the calls that they take. They use computers to log important facts, such as the nature of the incident and the name and location of the caller. Some location data is automatically entered into the system from GPS in cell phones and physical addresses of landline phones. Some dispatchers also use crime databases, maps, and weather reports when helping emergency response teams. Other dispatchers monitor alarm systems, alerting law enforcement or fire personnel when a crime or fire occurs. In some situations, dispatchers must work with people in other jurisdictions to share information and transfer calls. Dispatchers must often instruct callers on what to do before responders arrive. Many dispatchers are trained to offer medical help over the phone. For example, they might help the person on the line to provide first aid at the scene until emergency medical services arrive.

Salary: $56,135-$77,580

Education: Varies by state, programs and courses may be offered through community and technical colleges, state agencies, professional organizations or training facilities

I don’t think I would like to become an ambulance dispatcher because if I have kids when im older they will harldly see me and I don’t want to work at night