At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle emergency calls and provide vital support to patients in need.
- Company: Join the South Western Ambulance Service, a key player in healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy NHS benefits, generous leave, and a solid pension plan.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to work under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 36483 £ 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.
Please note that 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.
999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) in Plymouth employer: South Western Ambulance Service
Join the South Western Ambulance Service EOC, where you will be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in patients' lives. With NHS benefits including generous annual leave and a robust pension scheme, we prioritise your well-being and career development within a supportive work culture. Located in Exeter and Bristol, our Control Rooms offer a unique opportunity to grow in a vital role that impacts the community every day.
Contact Details:
South Western Ambulance Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) in Plymouth
✨Get Some Hands-On Experience
If you're looking to land that full-time gig in emergency medical services, don't underestimate the power of hands-on experience! Volunteering with local ambulance services or first aid organisations can give you a great insight into the field and show potential employers you’re dedicated.
✨Connect with EMS Communities
Join local EMS associations or online groups where professionals chat about job opportunities and trends. These communities are goldmines for networking, and you might just overhear about openings at places like South Western Ambulance Service that aren't even advertised yet!
✨Showcase Your Skills Through Certifications
Make sure you’re up to date with your certifications—CPR, first aid, and any relevant EMS training. Having these on your CV or mentioned in interviews can really set you apart from the crowd when applying for that full-time role.
✨Leverage Local Job Fairs
Don’t forget about job fairs, especially those focused on healthcare and emergency services. These events are perfect for meeting representatives from companies like South Western Ambulance Service face-to-face and making a lasting impression. Plus, they often have a ton of insider info about the hiring process!
We think you need these skills to ace 999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In the emergency medical services world, certifications like EMT or Paramedic are crucial. Make sure to prominently display any relevant qualifications on your CV to show you’re qualified and ready to jump in.
Showcase Your Experience in High-Pressure Situations:This isn’t just about ticking boxes; we want to see how you’ve handled emergencies. Share specific examples from your past roles, focusing on your ability to stay calm and effective under pressure—this will really make your CV stand out!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for EMS. Share a brief story about why you got into this field and what drives you. This personal touch helps us connect with you beyond just your qualifications.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Being part of an EMS team means communication is key. Highlight your experiences working in teams, especially in stressful environments, and how you effectively communicate with both your team and patients. This will show us you can thrive in our fast-paced world.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Western Ambulance Service
✨Brush Up on Your Medical Knowledge
As we're stepping into the emergency medical services world, it's crucial to have a solid grasp on medical protocols and procedures. Expect to face scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills in high-pressure situations, so reviewing your medical textbooks or guidelines might just give you the edge!
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
In EMS, teamwork and communication can literally save lives. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past settings or during training exercises. They might throw in questions about managing stressful interactions with patients or colleagues, so highlighting your soft skills could really set you apart.
✨Familiarise Yourself With Local Protocols
Since you'll be serving the community, knowing the specific EMS protocols and guidelines of South Western Ambulance Service is key. Research their operations and any recent changes they might have implemented. Demonstrating that you're well-informed about local practices shows your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Don't be surprised if your full-time interview includes a hands-on assessment. Practising skills like CPR, patient assessment, and using EMS technology will show you're ready for the rigours of the job. So gather your training materials and maybe even practice with a mate to simulate the scenario-based tests you might encounter.
