Dispatcher - LACP Lima Dispatch

Summary

Dispatcher – LACP Lima Dispatch

Working under the direction of the Director of Flight Operations, or delegate, the Dispatcher is responsible for receiving requests for ground and/or air critical services via telephone and radio, determining appropriate response, entering information in the computer-Aided Dispatch System, selecting and dispatching the appropriate unit(s) to the nature of the emergency.

Essential Functions:

• Provides accurate information and assistance to callers to facilitate transport requests.
• Follows established guidelines or use best judgment for matching transport request with most appropriate service.
• Evaluates each call to determine the appropriate level of response needed and prioritizes based on the severity of the situation.
• Coordinates placement of patients at hospitals.
• Performs vehicle-tracking functions during the transport process.
• Receives all incoming telephone inquiries for critical care assistance regarding patient transport in a timely, professional and courteous manner.
• Maintains professional radio and phone communication utilizing excellent customer service skills when interacting with administration, transport teams, requesting agencies, hospital staff, physicians, and public safety personnel.
• Triages all requests for transport and accurately enters all required information into the Computer-Aided Dispatch System.
• Maintains all required records and other documentation associated with patient transport and/or the operation of the Communication Center. Ensures all billing paperwork is completed accurately.
• Maintains updated knowledge of all communications equipment to operate and request service calls when appropriate and ensure intelligent reporting of equipment failures.
• Activates transport teams and accurately relays information concerning the location and condition of the patient, when possible. Initiates appropriate protocols regarding notification and determination of patient destination.
• Maintains knowledge of the Emergency Response Plan. Participates in quality management, emergency-procedure testing, and annual Emergency Response Plan drills.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of all policies, procedures and protocols for operation of the program and regulated transport activities. Has a functional understanding of state and local EMS regulations, local EMS structure, and protocol and procedures in service area.
• Demonstrates critical thinking abilities when triaging patient transports and making decisions. Makes decisions in an independent and high stress environment.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Education:

High School Diploma or GED (required)

Associate's degree (preferred)

Licensure/Certification:

• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Incident Command Service (ICS) Certifications: 100 and 200 (required within 6 months of hire)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) (required within 6 months of hire)
• Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) (required within 12 months of employment based on specific department responsibilities)
• International Association of Medical Transport Communication Specialist (IAMTCS) Certified Flight Communicator (preferred, but required within 12 months of employment)
• EMT or Paramedic (preferred)

Experience:

1 year of experience in Emergency Medical Systems or healthcare/public safety related field (preferred)

1 year of previous experience with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 121 or 135, or helicopter air ambulance dispatching, or previous EMS/Public Safety dispatching experience (preferred)

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Description

Dispatcher – LACP Lima Dispatch

Working under the direction of the Director of Flight Operations, or delegate, the Dispatcher is responsible for receiving requests for ground and/or air critical services via telephone and radio, determining appropriate response, entering information in the computer-Aided Dispatch System, selecting and dispatching the appropriate unit(s) to the nature of the emergency.

Essential Functions:

• Provides accurate information and assistance to callers to facilitate transport requests.
• Follows established guidelines or use best judgment for matching transport request with most appropriate service.
• Evaluates each call to determine the appropriate level of response needed and prioritizes based on the severity of the situation.
• Coordinates placement of patients at hospitals.
• Performs vehicle-tracking functions during the transport process.
• Receives all incoming telephone inquiries for critical care assistance regarding patient transport in a timely, professional and courteous manner.
• Maintains professional radio and phone communication utilizing excellent customer service skills when interacting with administration, transport teams, requesting agencies, hospital staff, physicians, and public safety personnel.
• Triages all requests for transport and accurately enters all required information into the Computer-Aided Dispatch System.
• Maintains all required records and other documentation associated with patient transport and/or the operation of the Communication Center. Ensures all billing paperwork is completed accurately.
• Maintains updated knowledge of all communications equipment to operate and request service calls when appropriate and ensure intelligent reporting of equipment failures.
• Activates transport teams and accurately relays information concerning the location and condition of the patient, when possible. Initiates appropriate protocols regarding notification and determination of patient destination.
• Maintains knowledge of the Emergency Response Plan. Participates in quality management, emergency-procedure testing, and annual Emergency Response Plan drills.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of all policies, procedures and protocols for operation of the program and regulated transport activities. Has a functional understanding of state and local EMS regulations, local EMS structure, and protocol and procedures in service area.
• Demonstrates critical thinking abilities when triaging patient transports and making decisions. Makes decisions in an independent and high stress environment.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Education:

High School Diploma or GED (required)

Associate's degree (preferred)

Licensure/Certification:

• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Incident Command Service (ICS) Certifications: 100 and 200 (required within 6 months of hire)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) (required within 6 months of hire)
• Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) (required within 12 months of employment based on specific department responsibilities)
• International Association of Medical Transport Communication Specialist (IAMTCS) Certified Flight Communicator (preferred, but required within 12 months of employment)
• EMT or Paramedic (preferred)

Experience:

1 year of experience in Emergency Medical Systems or healthcare/public safety related field (preferred)

1 year of previous experience with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 121 or 135, or helicopter air ambulance dispatching, or previous EMS/Public Safety dispatching experience (preferred)

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.