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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for emergency calls and provide vital support to callers.
- Company: Join a leading NHS ambulance service dedicated to patient care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong communication skills are encouraged to apply.
- Other info: Work in vibrant Bristol with excellent transport links and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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. You will record accurate information, sometimes under difficult circumstances, and offer 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.
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 peoples' 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.
Responsibilities
- The Call Handlers are the first point of contact for people calling emergency services.
- Responsibilities include recording accurate information, interpreting caller needs, and providing advice or reassurance.
- 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.
Benefits
- Competitive NHS salary
- 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
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Career and salary progression
- Car leasing scheme
- Free parking across Trust sites
- Staff networks
- Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK
999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Bristol employer: South Western Ambulance Service
Contact Detail:
South Western Ambulance Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with what a 999 Call Handler does and the skills needed. This way, when you get that interview, you can show us you’re not just interested in the job, but you really understand it.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Call Handler, you'll need to be calm and clear under pressure. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with providing reassurance and gathering information quickly.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Call Handlers on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your values! We’re all about teamwork, compassion, and innovation. Make sure to highlight experiences in your interviews that demonstrate these qualities, so we can see how you’d fit right in with our team.
We think you need these skills to ace 999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) - Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for helping others, especially in high-pressure situations like emergency calls.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Make sure to highlight any previous experience that relates to handling emergencies or providing support. Whether it's in a professional setting or through volunteering, we love to see how you've made a difference before.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your responses to our job description. Mention specific skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for in a 999 Call Handler.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Western Ambulance Service
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a 999 Call Handler. Familiarise yourself with the types of emergencies you might encounter and the importance of accurate information recording. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to providing excellent patient care.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, showcase your active listening skills. This role requires interpreting caller needs under pressure, so practice responding thoughtfully to questions. You could even ask for clarification if needed, showing that you value clear communication—an essential skill for this position.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
As a Call Handler, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've had to reassure someone in distress or provide support. This will highlight your ability to embody the values of compassion and teamwork that the organisation cherishes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Technology
Since you'll be entering details onto a computer system, it’s beneficial to brush up on your tech skills. If you have experience with similar systems, mention it! If not, express your willingness to learn quickly. Being tech-savvy can set you apart from other candidates.
