Emergency Dispatcher
An emergency dispatcher responds to urgent calls for assistance, coordinates the deployment of emergency services, and provides vital information to responders.
Top Articles for Emergency Dispatcher
Sample Job Descriptions for Emergency Dispatcher
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Emergency Dispatcher is a critical role responsible for responding to emergency calls from the public and dispatching appropriate emergency services such as police, fire, and medical assistance. They must be able to operate communication equipment, make quick decisions, and provide calm guidance in high-pressure situations.
Required Skills
- Excellent oral and written communication abilities.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
- Detail-oriented with ability to accurately input and retrieve data.
- Proficiency with computer and telecommunications equipment.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities.
- Empathy and the ability to remain composed during emergencies.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Certification in emergency dispatch, CPR, and first aid preferred.
- Ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute.
- Clear and effective communication skills.
- Geographical knowledge of the local area.
- Ability to handle stressful situations and make decisions under pressure.
Responsibilities
- Answering emergency calls and obtaining crucial information from callers.
- Determining the nature and urgency of calls and initiating appropriate response.
- Dispatching emergency response personnel and vehicles to incident locations.
- Providing pre-arrival instructions to callers when necessary.
- Monitoring and tracking the status of emergency units in the field.
- Relaying information and updates to emergency personnel and agencies.
- Maintaining accurate records of calls and dispatch actions.
- Prioritizing calls according to the severity of emergencies.
- Handling non-emergency calls and directing them to the appropriate departments or agencies.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Emergency Dispatcher is a critical role responsible for managing incoming emergency calls and dispatching appropriate services. This position requires quick thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. The candidate will play a vital role in public safety by ensuring that emergency assistance is sent to those in need in a timely and efficient manner.
Required Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm and make decisions under pressure.
- Strong problem-solving and prioritization skills.
- Proficient in the use of computer-aided dispatch systems.
- Knowledge of emergency procedures, laws, and regulations.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
- Good geographic knowledge of the area served by the dispatch center.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in emergency dispatch or related field.
- Must pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
- Certification from a recognized emergency dispatch program.
- Ability to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Responsibilities
- Answering emergency calls and assessing the situation to determine the appropriate response.
- Prioritize incoming calls based on urgency and required resources.
- Dispatching emergency personnel such as police, fire, and ambulance services to the scene of the incident.
- Providing pre-arrival instructions to callers when necessary.
- Coordinating with multiple emergency service agencies and ensuring clear communication.
- Monitoring dispatched units and maintaining communication to provide additional information and support.
- Documenting call information and maintaining accurate records of dispatch actions.
- Participating in continuous training and staying up to date with the latest emergency protocols.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Senior Emergency Dispatcher is a vital position responsible for managing emergency calls and dispatching appropriate services. This role demands a highly skilled individual capable of making rapid decisions in high-pressure situations. The incumbent must possess excellent communication skills, be able to multitask effectively, and maintain calm under extreme circumstances.
Required Skills
- Exceptional communication and listening skills.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in using emergency dispatch software and equipment.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Ability to remain composed and effective during emergencies.
Qualifications
- At least 5 years of experience as an emergency dispatcher.
- Certification from an accredited emergency dispatcher training program.
- Thorough knowledge of emergency procedures and protocols.
- Experience with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.
- Ability to work in a stressful environment and handle high-pressure situations.
Responsibilities
- Answering emergency calls and obtaining essential information quickly and accurately.
- Dispatching emergency services such as police, fire, and ambulance to the scene as needed.
- Prioritizing calls based on the severity and urgency of the situation.
- Maintaining clear and accurate records of all emergency communications.
- Coordinating with multiple agencies and services to ensure rapid response times.
- Providing pre-arrival instructions to callers to assist with emergency situations until responders arrive.
- Monitoring and managing the status and locations of responding units to optimize response effectiveness.
- Supporting and mentoring junior dispatchers, providing guidance in emergency call handling.
See other roles in Consumer Services and Public Sector and Government
Sample Interview Questions
