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- Tasks: Answer 999 emergency calls and provide vital support to those in distress.
- Company: Join South Western Ambulance Service, a leading NHS Trust dedicated to emergency care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their most critical moments.
- Qualifications: Quick data input skills and experience in customer service are essential.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team environment with excellent training and development.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 36483 £ per year.
As a 999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher), you will be the first point of contact for people experiencing a medical emergency. Every call you take helps ensure patients receive the right care at the right time. You will listen carefully, stay calm under pressure, record accurate information and provide reassurance to callers. This is a fast-paced, meaningful role where your actions directly impact patient outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Answer 999 emergency calls and gather essential information quickly and accurately
- Assess the seriousness of each situation using clinical triage software
- Provide reassurance and guidance to callers in distress
- Record information clearly and efficiently on computer systems
- Work as part of a supportive, high-performing Emergency Operations Centre team
- Maintain professionalism during high-pressure and emotionally challenging situations
- Work a 24/7 shift pattern, including nights, weekends and bank holidays
Skills, Experience & Abilities You’ll Need
- Essential: Ability to input data quickly and accurately
- Basic computer literacy
- Experience dealing with the public in a customer-facing or service environment
- Desirable: RSA Stage 1 keyboard skills
- First Aid at Work qualification
About South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
SWASFT provides emergency and urgent care 24/7, 365 days a year, covering the largest ambulance region in England and responding to over 2,650 incidents daily. You’ll be based in Exeter, a vibrant and well-connected city with a great quality of life. The Trust values compassion, teamwork and innovation, and offers excellent training, career progression and ongoing professional development.
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
This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current Home Office regulations. You must have the existing right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Emergency Call Handler in Exeter employer: South Western Ambulance Service
Contact Detail:
South Western Ambulance Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Emergency Call Handler in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Practice your communication skills! As an Emergency Call Handler, you'll need to convey information clearly and calmly. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with the types of calls you might receive.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with emergency protocols and triage software. Knowing how to assess situations quickly can set you apart from other candidates. We recommend checking out online resources or training modules that cover these topics.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay cool under pressure! Think about past experiences where you've had to manage stress. Reflect on how you handled those situations and be ready to share them during interviews. It shows you're prepared for the fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at SWASFT, which is always a bonus!
We think you need these skills to ace Emergency Call Handler in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, make sure to keep your answers clear and to the point. We want to see your skills and experience shine through without any fluff!
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you’re excited about becoming an Emergency Call Handler. Share your motivation for wanting to help others in a medical emergency – it really makes a difference!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we’re looking for, especially your ability to stay calm under pressure.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
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 key responsibilities of an Emergency Call Handler. Familiarise yourself with the importance of gathering information quickly and accurately, and how your role impacts patient outcomes. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the nature of the job, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've had to handle stressful scenarios. Practising these responses can help you articulate them clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a 999 Call Handler, effective communication is key. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully communicated with people in distress before. Highlight your ability to provide reassurance and guidance, as this will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who can handle emotionally challenging situations.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Technology
Since you'll be using clinical triage software and computer systems, brush up on your basic computer skills. If you have experience with similar systems, mention it! Showing that you're tech-savvy and can input data quickly and accurately will give you an edge in the interview.