What are the responsibilities and job description for the Emergency Medical Dispatcher position at West Tennessee Healthcare?
Company Description West Tennessee Healthcare is a public, not-for-profit healthcare system headquartered in Jackson, Tennessee. Its anchor facility, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, is a 635-bed hospital offering a wide range of acute and specialty services. The system features centers of excellence in Women’s and Children’s care, oncology through the West Tennessee Cancer Center, and advanced Emergency Services. Additional specialty care is provided through the West Tennessee Rehabilitation Center and the Tennessee Heart Center, supporting comprehensive care for the region. Team members join a mission-driven organization focused on community health and high-quality patient care.
Role Description This full-time Emergency Medical Dispatcher role is an on-site position based in Jackson, TN. The Emergency Medical Dispatcher receives and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls, gathers critical information from callers, and dispatches appropriate emergency medical resources in a timely and efficient manner. This role follows established protocols to provide pre-arrival instructions, including life-saving guidance, while maintaining calm, clear, and professional communication. The dispatcher coordinates closely with ambulance crews, emergency departments, and other public safety agencies, documenting all call details accurately in dispatch systems. The position also involves monitoring communication channels, operating dispatch and computer-aided systems, and supporting continuous readiness for emergency response.
Qualifications
- Proficiency in Emergency Medical Dispatch and Emergency Services practices, with the ability to follow established medical and safety protocols.
- Experience or training in Dispatching, including use of communication equipment and computer-aided dispatch systems.
- Strong Communication and Customer Service skills, with the ability to remain calm, empathetic, and professional under pressure.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize calls, and make sound decisions quickly in high-stress situations.
- High school diploma or equivalent; additional coursework in emergency communications, public safety, or healthcare is preferred.
- Certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe) and current CPR certification strongly preferred.
- Willingness to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed for 24/7 operations.
- Basic computer literacy, accurate data entry skills, and attention to detail for thorough documentation.