EMD: Emergency Medical Dispatcher 08/10/26

Next training class starts mid-September.

About the Role

An Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) performs emergency and non-emergency call taking and system status management in the Communications Center. Primary duties include answering incoming calls and dispatching emergency medical vehicles and responders.

Qualifications

• EMT or Communications experience preferred, but full paid training is provided
• Obtain Healthcare Provider CPR certification from MEMS’ instructor during the first two weeks of employment
• Obtain IAEMD certification on initial attempt or qualify for re-test, unless already certified with IAEMD
• Must maintain certifications by attending required training and testing

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of geography of service area and ability to read maps
• Knowledge of communications-related equipment
• Ability to type effectively and perform accurate data entry
• Ability to remain calm during stressful situations
• Ability to speak clearly
• Ability to present a caring and professional image over the telephone
• Ability to interact well with others

Schedule

The first 3 weeks of training are Monday - Friday. EMDs generally work a 12-hour rotating shift that includes weekends and holidays. Newer employees are often assigned to the night shift after training.

Working Conditions

• Constant exposure to stress caused by fluctuating workloads while dealing with people in crisis situations

Physical Requirements

Physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Frequently required to sit; talk and hear; use fingers, hands, and arms to handle, reach, and/or operate basic office equipment, objects, tools, or controls
• Occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus