Emergency Medical Dispatch Support Officer

The SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) Emergency Medical Dispatch Support Officer (EMDSO) position involves the answering of emergency triple 0 telephone calls as well as dealing with non-urgent phone calls and non-emergency bookings for ambulance attendance. In this role, you will assess the patient’s condition over the phone based on the information provided and give step-by-step instructions so that the management of the patient can begin immediately. To do this, you will use the valuable life-saving skills and knowledge, gained during the completion of HLT31015 - Certificate III Ambulance Communications (call taking) training provided by SAAS.

To be successful in this role, you must enjoy assisting and helping others during periods of high stress and anxiety and be willing to use your highly developed problem solving skills to help guide a person over the phone and determine the most appropriate pathway.

To achieve this, you need to have the following skills and attributes:

  • Problem solve quickly and effectively, often within limited timeframes
  • Clearly and accurately provide instructions to callers over the telephone in a calm and firm manner
  • Ability to follow strict protocols and procedures during periods of high stress
  • Ability to quickly calm and diffuse anxious callers to enable an effective determination of the problem
  • Be a good team player
  • Be able to work in environments of high stress
  • Be able to identify your own stress and know how to manage this

In this role, you will work on a roster basis, working 12 hour shifts, on a 4 day rotating roster, which will include nights, weekends and Public Holidays.

To be eligible to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold HLTAID003 – Provide First Aid qualification or be willing to obtain this when required during the recruitment process
  • Be able to complete a HLT31015 Certificate III Ambulance Communications (call taking) which is supported and paid for by SAAS
  • Be a permanent resident or Citizen of Australia or New Zealand or hold full rights to work in Australia
  • Able to provide a Working With Children Check and National Police Check (General Probity & Vulnerable Persons) prior to commencement
  • Possess sound skills in using IT systems, including ability to efficiently and accurately record details of an incident using electronic systems and programs
  • Undertake relevant medical, psychometric and aptitude assessments designed to ensure suitability for this role

In return you will enjoy:

  • Being part of a strong team culture supporting South Australians who are in need of help
  • Participating in a eight week intensive training program to enable you to be confident and “job ready” followed by ongoing support of your team, educators and your manager
  • Support to develop your career within SAAS
  • Additional leave entitlements, which you can use to manage your lifestyle and commitments

Scott's Story

Scott has been in the role for the past 4 years, and was previously in a customer service role within SAAS. He completed a 2 month course and has access to an ongoing mentor to help him to develop his skills.

"The best things about this job include being able to help people in a rewarding role, a great sense of community, feeling connected to the South Australia community and being able to provide them with potentially life-saving advice. For instance, I recently talked a patient through having a baby!

"Personally, I am very happy doing this job as the team culture is very supportive, it's team-oriented and there's a really good strong work ethic. We all give 100% and you become very close to your colleagues due to the nature of the work, and there is a family-like feeling. They are a respectful bunch of people whose values align with the values of SAAS.

"Anyone considering applying for an EMDSO role should know it is a very rewarding job, and you feel like you are part of something bigger, I would encourage anyone interested to put in an application and go through the recruitment process because it is worth it.

"Working as an EMDSO has opened my eyes and exposed me to a lot of areas of health and developed my medical knowledge. I know that I can deal with any stressful situation, which is a great skill to have."

Scott — Testimonial 

I can feel rewarded for playing my part in helping my community when it counts.

I can develop valuable skills and knowledge which can save lives.

I enjoy helping others and benefit from a flexible work-life balance and being part of a close-knit and friendly team.

Join Scott and the team at SA Ambulance Service and enjoy a meaningful career.

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