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The Emergency Communication Specialist is one of the first points of contact for patients, prospective patients, discharge planners, insurance companies/brokers, physicians, facilities, 911 dispatch centers, and other Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies and is a central link in the safe transfer and transport of patients. This position is primarily responsible for emergency flight operations for VCUHS air medical teams, which includes call intake for scene responses and inter-facility flights, dispatching the flight team, flight following, and coordinating helicopter operations with landing zone coordinators, security/police officers, at sending and receiving facilities. When not actively working through flight requests, the Emergency Communication Specialist is responsible for taking emergency and non-emergency ground, ambulance transport requests.
Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire:
Emergency Medical Technician
Basic (EMT-B) Licensure or Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment:
Maintained EMT-B certification
CPR Certified Flight Communicator Course (sponsored by the International Association of Medical Transport Communication Specialists) is required within 2 years of hire.
Experience REQUIRED:
Minimum of one year of active emergency medical services (EMS) experience or 911 dispatch experience.
Experience PREFERRED:
Two (2) yeas of active EMS or communications center experience.
Education/training REQUIRED:
High school graduate or GED
Education/training PREFERRED:
Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification (EMD)
Independent action(s) required:
Work is performed in a complex environment that includes emergency ambulance and helicopter dispatch operations.
The Communications Specialist I provides oversight of ground ambulance operations in the Communications Center and assumes responsibility for overall performance of the shift.
Must demonstrate sustained proficiency in multi-tasking and effective communication skills focused on customer service.
Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable): N/A
Additional position requirements:
Rotational hours (Day, Evening, Night)
Hours may vary and shift holdovers may be necessary to assist the team when emergency call volume is high.
Age Specific groups served: All
Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate):
Activities: Prolonged sitting, Repetitive motion
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem-solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Able to adapt to frequent change
EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran
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