999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Bristol
999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Bristol

999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Handle emergency calls and provide vital support to patients in need.
  • Company: Join the South Western Ambulance Service, dedicated to patient care 24/7 across England.
  • Benefits: Enjoy NHS perks like generous leave, pension, career development, and flexible hours.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: Basic computer skills and customer service experience required; First Aid training is a plus.
  • Other info: Flexible part-time hours available; role involves shift work, including nights and weekends.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

Do you want to make a difference to our patients as part of a supportive and motivated team? Would you like NHS Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement and NHS Pension? Would you like to develop your career within the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)? If you answered yes to these questions, then start your career with the South Western Ambulance Service EOC, where the patient journey begins.

When you ring 999 your call goes through to one of our two Control Rooms based in Exeter and Bristol. Our trained Call Handlers are the first point of contact to the ambulance service for people experiencing a medical emergency. Not every call you deal with will be a matter of life or death but the way you listen, interpret and deal with the calls will make a vital difference to the patients we serve every day. When you receive a call, you are responsible for recording accurate information, sometimes under difficult circumstances and offering advice or reassurance to the caller/patient. You will enter details onto a computer system about the patient and their condition which establishes the seriousness of the illness or injury, ensuring that the patient receives the right care at the right time.

Main duties of the job include:

  • Please refer to the attached 'Full EMD advert' document for full details of this vacancy.
  • Part-time hours will be considered through a flexible working application which will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
  • This role is 24/7 365 days a year (including bank holidays, weekends, days, nights etc.) and we work shifts to achieve this.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre.

About us: Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day. We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.

The role is based in Bristol, a lively yet laid-back city with top class shopping, street food, dynamic events and friendly festivals and excellent national and international transport links. If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to people's lives, then we would love to hear from you. In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role. You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.

Additional benefits include:

  • A standard working week of 37.5 hours
  • Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
  • Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
  • Career and salary progression
  • Car leasing scheme
  • Free parking across Trust sites
  • Staff networks
  • Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK

Job responsibilities: For further information about this role please see attached the job description and person specification.

Person Specification:

  • Experience of inputting data accurately and quickly using a keyboard
  • Basic computer literacy
  • RSA Stage 1 keyboard skills
  • First Aid at Work Course
  • Previous experience of dealing with members of the public in a customer service environment

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Bristol employer: SWAST

At South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in our community. Located in the vibrant city of Bristol, we offer generous NHS benefits, including extensive annual leave and a robust pension scheme, alongside a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. Join us to be part of a compassionate team where your contributions truly matter, and enjoy the unique advantages of working in a dynamic environment that prioritises both patient care and employee well-being.
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Contact Detail:

SWAST Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land 999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Bristol

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with emergency medical protocols and terminology. Understanding the basics of what a 999 Call Handler does will not only help you during the assessment centre but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice active listening skills. As a Call Handler, you'll need to quickly assess situations based on what callers say. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to enhance your ability to listen and respond effectively under pressure.

✨Tip Number 3

Get comfortable with data entry tasks. Since accuracy is crucial in this role, practice typing quickly and accurately. You might even want to take a short online course to improve your keyboard skills if you're not confident.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the South Western Ambulance Service and its values. Understanding their mission and how they operate will help you align your answers during the interview and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.

We think you need these skills to ace 999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Bristol

Excellent Communication Skills
Active Listening
Data Entry Accuracy
Customer Service Experience
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Empathy and Compassion
Problem-Solving Skills
Basic Computer Literacy
Keyboard Proficiency (RSA Stage 1)
First Aid Knowledge
Time Management
Adaptability to Shift Work
Attention to Detail
Teamwork and Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a 999 Call Handler. Review the job description carefully and think about how your skills and experiences align with the requirements.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially in customer service or emergency response. Emphasise any skills related to data entry and communication, as these are crucial for the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping others and your ability to work under pressure. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and clearly presented.

How to prepare for a job interview at SWAST

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a 999 Call Handler does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as recording accurate information and providing reassurance to callers. This will help you answer questions confidently.

✨Show Empathy and Communication Skills

Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and show empathy during the interview. You might be asked to role-play a scenario where you handle a distressed caller, so practice active listening and responding calmly.

✨Highlight Relevant Experience

If you have previous experience in customer service or dealing with emergencies, make sure to highlight this during your interview. Share specific examples that showcase your skills in handling stressful situations.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about how you would prioritise calls or manage difficult conversations. Practising these scenarios can help you feel more prepared and confident.

999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Bristol
SWAST
Location: Bristol
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  • 999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Bristol

    Bristol
    Full-Time
    24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.)
  • S

    SWAST

    50-100
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