LONDON AMBULANCE SERVICE NHS TRUST

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Trainee Emergency Medical Dispatcher

LOCATION: Emergency Operations Centre (EOC),

220 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8SD / St Andrews House, Bow,
E3 3PA

HOURS: Average of 37.5 hours per week (these will be worked on a full
rotating shift basis covering 24 hours daily).

GRADE/SALARY: AFC Band 3 £14,889 + £4,200 high cost allowance supplement

(HCAS) – on successful completion of the initial training course an
additional 25% unsocial hours payment of £3,722 to cover rotating
shift pattern.

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Area Controller

JOB PURPOSE

To work as part of a team to provide an effective and timely communication link with the public
and health care professionals in receiving telephone calls for emergency ambulance services and
in then dispatching these to vehicle crew staff (VCS).

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 To provide effective telephone answering to the general public, health care professionals,
emergency services and other agencies.

 To receive and record all aspects of patient related information on computer terminals.

 To provide basic first aid advice to callers particularly in life threatening situations.

 To utilise priority dispatch system in recording patient related information.

 To pass call details by telephone to vehicle crew staff and update computer system of action
taken.

 To liaise with LAS staff and other agencies using the telephone.

 To undertake duties within service procedures and instructions to ensure that performance
standards are achieved.

 Participate in on-going service quality review.

 To undertake archiving and administrative duties as directed.

 Participate in ongoing service quality review.

 Filing as appropriate and as directed by the Line Manager.

 Other duties appropriate to the grade as may be required from time to time.
 To attend/participate in any training deemed appropriate and necessary to ensure effective
performance and personal development.

 To assist with special projects as and when required.

 To work in accordance with the LAS Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS - All Control Services staff, Ambulance Staff, LAS customers/general
public other agencies and hospitals

Once you have completed one year's service at Grade 1 you will be assessed for Grade 2 (this
will go ahead unless you have unsatisfactory attendance or are subject to disciplinary action)
assessment is ongoing during your first year as well as this final assessment. The salary for an
Emergency Medical Dispatcher Grade 2 is £25,410 inclusive of all allowances.
 LONDON AMBULANCE SERVICE NHS TRUST

PERSON SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE: Trainee Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Grade 1

Listed below are the key requirements needed to perform the duties this post involves.
Candidates will be assessed against these criteria.

Key – A: application, T: test, I: interview, R: reference

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria Key

 Must be 18 years or older. A

 Experience within a customer orientated organisation. A
 Experience of using a telephone as a regular means of communication at work/or through
voluntary/charity work A

Desirable Criteria

 Experience of working in the voluntary or health sector. A

Skills and Abilities

Essential Criteria

 Good oral and written communication skills. A,T, I

 Ability to work to deadlines, at times under considerable pressure, without
compromising standards of performance. A, T, I
 Inquisitive mind and proven questioning skills. A,T, I
 An assertive but empathetic manner. A,I
 Ability to handle multiple tasks effectively. I
 Possess basic keyboard skills. A,T
 Demonstrate the ability to be tactful and diplomatic as required. A,T, I
 Ability to work effectively as part of a team. A, I
 Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of Service procedures and instructions. T
 Ability to work to defined procedures and instructions. A,T

Desirable Criteria

 Knowledge of first aid techniques. I

 IT skills T, I
 Geographical knowledge of the London area. I
Other Requirements

Essential Criteria

 Good quality application in terms of completeness, legibility, tidiness, spelling

and grammar. A
 Due to lack of parking facilities, employees must be able to travel by public
transport to meet all shift requirements. I
 Willingness and ability to wear a uniform as directed by the Service Dress Code. I
 Ability to work full (24 hour) rotating shift pattern. A,I
 Resilience when faced with distressing situations. A,I
 Evidence of reliability Ref