Senior Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Overview

The Senior Emergency Medical Dispatcher will perform tasks related to the operation of communication equipment used in receiving, sending, and relaying information in response to Emergency/Non- Emergency calls according to the goals of Mercy Health System, the philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy Standard of Care and Employee Code of Conduct. Determine exact location of each incident or request. Dispatch and track location of EMS units. Provide Dispatch Life Support (DLS) and post-dispatch instructions when applicable. Dispatch and coordinate flight of Life Line helicopters. Maintain necessary documentation and records. Relay operational information to field staff and managers/supervisors. Performs related duties as assigned. The Senior EMD will also conduct shift briefings, perform clerical duties and other duties that relate to the EMS Communication Center, and act as the primary preceptor of all new EMDs. The Senior EMD will make operational decisions in the absence of the EMS Communications Supervisor.

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Overview:

The Senior Emergency Medical Dispatcher will perform tasks related to the operation of communication equipment used in receiving, sending, and relaying information in response to Emergency/Non- Emergency calls according to the goals of St. Johns Health System, the philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy Standard of Care and Employee Code of Conduct. Determine exact location of each incident or request. Dispatch and track location of EMS units. Provide Dispatch Life Support (DLS) and post-dispatch instructions when applicable. Dispatch and coordinate flight of Life Line helicopters. Maintain necessary documentation and records. Relay operational information to field staff and managers/supervisors. Performs related duties as assigned. The Senior EMD will also conduct shift briefings, perform clerical duties and other duties that relate to the EMS Communication Center, and act as a the primary preceptor of all new EMDs. The Senior EMD will make operational decisions in the absence of the EMS Communications Supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Three years of experience in a public safety emergency communication center. One year experience as a field provider or teaching experience.
• Required Education: None.
• Certifications/Licensure: Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certified by NAED, Certified Flight Communicator (CFC) through NACCS within 90days of hire, State of Missouri Class F Drivers license and safe driving record.
• Preferred Certifications: S tate of Missouri EMT or EMT-P license. Preferred EMD-Q certification through NAED and Operational Control Specialist (OCS) through NACCS.
• Other:

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: Excellent interpersonal communications skills and ability to promote a team environment. Knowledge of emergency telecommunications operations, streets and highways in the region. Knowledge of various types of work done by emergency services personnel. Skill in communicating effectively. Skill in the operations of communications equipment. Skill in responding quickly and calmly in emergency situations. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, emergency services personnel, and the public to provide customer service. Skill in flight tracking and flight locating of helicopters. Ability to provide Dispatch life Support (DLS) to callers. Proficiency with call-creation of emergency and non-emergency incidents to include the following:
- 1) Make decisions quickly and accurately based on prior guidance provided to you.
- 2) Enter data or information (such as names, telephone numbers, license plate sequence, etc.) into a computer using a keyboard.
- 3) Hear, comprehend, summarize, and/or answer questions about information told verbally in short story form.
- 4) Use written information provided on lists (such as an alphabetically-sequenced telephone book).
- 5) Recognize if bits of information, such as addresses or names, are similar or different.
- 6) Quickly learn and later recognize information that is shown in writing, such as descriptions (e.g. red car, blue boat, green shirt).
- 7) Hear and remember pieces of information, such as telephone numbers or license plate numbers, for a short period of time.
- 8). Evaluate information provided in order to prioritize or categorize incidents.
- 9) Evaluate information and identify the most correct solution based upon that information.
- 10) Determine routes and/or locations using very basic maps.
- 11). Correctly spell commonly-used words that might delay emergency assistance if misspelled.
- 12) Communicate using sentences or praises that clearly express the intended meaning.
- 13) Read and comprehend written passages.

Working Conditions, Mental and Physical Requirements: Patience, emotional stability and the ability to work in high stress situations are required. Operation Supervisors can work in the field, providing they meet the job requirements of the department and position being covered. Works indoors with adequate temperatures, ventilation, and lighting. Average indoor exposure to noise and disruptions, normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt, and above average stress. Periodically works beyond normal hours and works on an as needed basis. Must be able to sit or stand for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent period of walking, bending, twisting, and reaching. Dexterity ranges from simple coordinated movements of fingers/hand, feet/legs, and torso. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying objects of 25 pounds. Must be able to mentally and physically react quickly to emergency situations. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, normal color, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Equipment Used: Radio and CAD consoles, computer including word processing/paging/screening and other dispatch related software, various printers, digital logging systems; headset; telephone systems; copy machine; fax machine.

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.