Call Handler; Emergency Medical Dispatcher

A 999 Call Handler, also called an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, in the Emergency Operations Centre of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. The role answers 999 calls, assesses how serious a medical emergency is and gives advice while recording accurate patient details. Shifts cover nights, weekends and bank holidays around the clock, with part-time hours considered via flexible working. Visa sponsorship is not offered, so applicants need existing right to work.

• Answer 999 calls as the first point of contact for people experiencing a medical emergency
• Listen to callers and interpret what they describe to establish how serious an illness or injury is
• Record accurate information about the patient and their condition on a computer system, sometimes under difficult circumstances
• Give advice and reassurance to callers and patients
• Work shifts across 24 hours, 365 days a year, including nights, weekends and bank holidays

• Experience of dealing with members of the public in a customer service environment

• Basic computer literacy
• Inputting data accurately and quickly on a keyboard

• Existing right to work in the UK

• Standard working week of 37.5 hours
• 27 days annual leave plus general and public holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years
• Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
• Generous NHS Pension Scheme
• Career and salary progression
• Car leasing scheme
• Free parking across Trust sites
• Wide range of discounts from various organisations