Emergency medical
dispatchers, or EMDs, are vital members of the emergency response system.
They are usually the first professionals to receive an emergency call
about a suddenly ill or injured person. They respond to 9-1-1 and other
emergency calls by dispatching the appropriate medical or rescue personnel
(police, fire, ambulance, etc.) to the scene. EMDs must be able to manage
all incoming calls and carefully question the caller in order to determine
the type of emergency that exists, the geographical location of the
incident, and the extent of any injuries suffered. They also stay in
contact with EMTs in the ambulance so that they can better coordinate with
the medical staff at area hospitals. This requires an individual that
works well under pressure and is able to solve problems quickly. Emergency
medical dispatchers may also be called upon to give a caller instructions
over the phone until emergency service professionals arrive. Some examples
of this are keeping themselves and the victim calm, giving CPR, delivering
a baby, or stopping life-threatening bleeding. EMDs must be able to
maintain detailed records of information that is received and any services
that are needed. This profession also requires an individual to be
comfortable with sophisticated computer and telecommunications equipment,
as well as have exceptional communication skills.
Work Environment:
Emergency medical dispatchers usually work out of dispatch centers in a
variety of settings, including police stations, fire stations, hospitals,
or an independent city or county program. This profession can be very
demanding and stressful so the dispatcher must be able to respond quickly
and efficiently in critical situations.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in a career as an emergency medical dispatcher should
take high school courses in algebra, biology, English, psychology,
computer skills, typing, first aid, public speaking, foreign languages,
telephone communications, and health occupations/medical professions
education.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in emergency medical dispatching should have a high
school diploma or equivalent. Educational and training requirements vary
greatly depending upon the employer. EMDs often have a background in
communications and receive some form of on-the-job training. They need to
be able to speak clearly, know basic first aid procedures, and learn how
to operate sophisticated telecommunications equipment. EMDs must be
certified through a state-recognized program. Students interested in
emergency medical dispatching should contact schools for information on
admission and course of study.
There are no recognized emergency medical dispatcher programs available in
Mississippi at this time. Individuals interested in basic and advanced
training in emergency medical dispatching should contact the professional
organizations to the right for information on times and locations of
courses. Courses are taught often and vary greatly in length.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities for emergency medical dispatchers should be
excellent in the near future. There is an expected growth in the job
market of 10%-20% over the next decade. There is a national trend for all
public safety agencies to consolidate activities under a single 9-1-1
communications center. All of these centers will require trained EMDs to
manage the medical emergencies that arise. Population growth is also
having a positive affect on employment, since all these new areas that are
becoming populated need full-time emergency services personnel to handle
the increased workload. Anyone who can remain calm in emergency situations
and possesses good communication skills should consider a career in
emergency medical dispatching.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$25,700
Salary Range
$22,500-$32,700
Professional Organizations:
National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch
139 East South Temple, Suite 530
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (800) 960-6236
Fax: (801) 359-0996
Web: www.naemd.org
Association of
Public-Safety Communications Officials
International, Inc.
2040 South Ridgewood
South Daytona, FL 32119-8437
Phone: (904) 322-2500
Web: www.apcointl.org
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