Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for emergency calls and provide vital support.
- Company: Join the NHS, a leading healthcare provider dedicated to saving lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for helping others and good communication skills.
- Other info: Part-time roles available with flexible hours to fit your schedule.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) – Exeter
The closing date for this vacancy is 28 September 2025.
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 for people experiencing a medical emergency. You will listen, interpret and deal with calls, recording accurate information and offering advice or reassurance to the caller/patient. You will enter details onto a computer system about the patient and their condition to establish the seriousness of the illness or injury and ensure the patient receives the right care at the right time.
Main duties of the job
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, reviewed on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please visit Balancing Patient Care and Employee Well-being (swasft-joinus.co.uk).
Please note that this role is 24/7, 365 days a year (including bank holidays, weekends, days, nights, etc.) and we operate shifts to accommodate this.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre.
For further insight to this role, please view the following video: https://vimeo.com/742269034/8e60f54da6
Please note, we are recruiting to a holding pool for our next course intakes.
About us
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 are committed to delivering the best possible care for all patients, reflected in our five-year strategy focused on continually improving patient care.
The role is based in Exeter, a city with excellent transport links and a vibrant local scene.
If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples\’ lives, we would love to hear from you.
We will equip you with the skills and resources to thrive in your role, with opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and gain ongoing professional development.
Benefits
- 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 the attached job description and person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- 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
- Previous experience of dealing with members of the public in a customer service environment
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and, as such, a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be necessary to check for any previous criminal convictions.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr
999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Exeter employer: South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with emergency medical terminology and protocols. Understanding the language used in emergency situations will help you communicate effectively during the interview and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice active listening skills. As a Call Handler, you'll need to listen carefully to callers in distress. Consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family to enhance your ability to interpret and respond to urgent calls.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the specific challenges faced by emergency services in your area. Being knowledgeable about local issues can help you stand out in interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for situational questions during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've had to remain calm under pressure or provide support to someone in need, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace 999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a 999 Call Handler. Familiarise yourself with the skills required, such as communication, empathy, and the ability to work under pressure.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in your CV that showcases your ability to handle stressful situations, communicate effectively, and provide support. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills related to emergency response or customer service.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for helping others and your understanding of the role. Mention why you want to work as a 999 Call Handler and how your background makes you a suitable candidate.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a 999 Call Handler does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as managing emergency calls and recording accurate information under pressure. This will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, demonstrate your active listening skills. This role requires you to listen carefully to callers in distress, so show that you can do this by summarising key points from questions asked and responding thoughtfully.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Prepare for situational questions that assess how you handle stress. Think of examples from your past where you successfully managed high-pressure situations, as this is crucial for a role that involves emergency response.
✨Show Empathy and Reassurance
As a Call Handler, you'll need to provide reassurance to callers. Be ready to discuss how you would approach sensitive situations with empathy. Share any relevant experiences where you supported someone in need.
