JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Communication Supervisor performs as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher in the Communications Center. Work involves evaluating incoming calls to determine the appropriate level of response required, dispatching ambulance units, and transmitting information and messages upon request and/or according to established procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• In accordance with Kern County Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols, receives, effectively triages and processes requests for ALS or BLS emergency medical service in an accurate and timely manner.
• Answers incoming emergency calls requesting service, at various levels of emergency care, from patients, customers and public safety agencies.
• Evaluates initial information and quickly determines whether an incident is an emergency and what level of care is needed. Makes accurate moment to moment decisions in determining level and which ambulance to dispatch.
• Obtains required information from party requesting medical transport as set forth by communications protocols. Quickly compares and verifies names, locations and descriptions received through the telephone dispatch system.
• Provides appropriate verbal directions to ambulance personnel to ensure response time standards are met; accurately reads maps and utilizes knowledge of local road closures and other issues to provide directions.
• Maintains accurate inventory and locations of ambulance resources assigned. Utilizes knowledge of emergency medical transport procedures and equipment to make sound dispatching decisions.
• Takes calls and dispatches field personnel simultaneously; multitasks within a busy and distracting work environment with other dispatch personnel present.
• Exercises considerable judgment under pressure while providing direction to patients and on scene personnel.
• Monitors public safety radio communications for updates to status of field activities. Advises Communications Supervisor and makes notes in data base as appropriate.
• Responds appropriately with excellent communication skills to maintain professional working relationships with employees, customers, patients, public safety agencies and team members.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

The Dispatcher may be assigned one of more additional duties. These duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Attends all mandatory meetings.
• Attends appropriate Continuing Education Classes as required.
• Makes proper and timely notifications to supervisory and management staff regarding issues of importance or unusual occurrences.
• Reports system problems immediately to appropriate supervisor or manager.
• Assist with providing information for investigations of incidents as required.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by Communications Supervisor or Communications Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactory. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The individual in this position must possess the following qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals, teams, managers, supervisors, and external customers. Excellent ability to communicate and work cohesively across Department lines.
• Must have computer competency including proficiency with Microsoft Suite, and understanding of database programs.
• Ability to consistently deliver outstanding customer service to all internal and external customers.
• Highly dependable and ability to meet internal deadlines consistently.
• Strong organization skills and attentiveness to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable, willing and able to adjust to rapidly changing priorities.
• Must have the ability to work independently as well as in groups. Ability to maintain a professional manner and appearance at all times.
• One to two years of EMS and/or dispatch related experience and/or training preferred.
• Knowledge of CAD system and range of software recommended.
• EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) obtained within specified time period determined by Communications Manager and maintained.
• Be able to function in a high stress environment where the work goes from minimal to overload within moments.
• Must have a courteous, and decisive nature in order to provide maximum customer service under stressful conditions.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

The individual in this position must possess the following education requirements:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• EMD Certification preferred
• AHA CPR Certification, obtained within 30 days of hire

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Frequency and number of hours a day the worker is required to do the following specific types of activities
ACTIVITY	FREQUENCY		# OF HOURS A DAY
	CONTINUOUS	INTERMITTENT	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	8+
a. Sitting	√										√
b. Walking		√	√
c. Standing		√	√
d. Bending		√	√
e. Squatting		√	√
f.  Climbing		√	√
g. Kneeling		√	√
h. Twisting		√	√
i.  Lifting		√	√
j.  Listening	√										√
k. Speaking		√						√

 

LIFTING REQUIREMENT:     UP TO 20 LBS WITHOUT ASSISTANCE