Key Qualifications:

• Must have Grade 12 or equivalent as approved by Ontario Ministry of Education.
• Must possess current certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Must have considerable experience in receiving, managing and responding to inquiries and service requests from the public.
• Must demonstrate ability and dexterity in handling call-taking and dispatching functions using computer aided dispatch, multi-line telephone and radio communications systems.
• Must be able to define and carry out priorities as identified.
• Must be able to work efficiently and effectively in a multi-tasking high stress environment.
• Must demonstrate sound and rapid decision-making ability under stressful conditions.
• Must demonstrate the ability to appropriately respond to changing circumstances.
• Must demonstrate the ability to transfer learned skills into practical, real-time application.
• Must demonstrate effective interpersonal communications skills to deal with the public, allied agency personnel and co-workers.
• Must possess advanced knowledge of the geography of the Toronto area, including, but not limited to, major streets, highways, public transit, hospitals, primary medical facilities, therein.
• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and clearly in English (both written and verbal) under stressful conditions.
• Must have accurate keyboarding skills of 3405 keystrokes per hour (approximately 40 wpm).
• Must possess advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Windows in a multi-screen computer environment.
• Must be able to work 12-hour rotating shifts including days, nights, weekends and statutory/religious holidays.
• Must be able to work for sustained periods of time while physically connected to the telephone and computer aided dispatch console.
• Must be able to acquire and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification in accordance with standards set by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatching through on-the-job training.
• Experience in public safety emergency communications is considered an asset.
• Experience in a related medical field is considered an asset.
• Completion of a Community College Emergency Telecommunications program is considered an asset.
• Good hearing and vision (including colour vision) appropriate for call-taking/dispatching functions are required.

Note:

• Applicants are required to demonstrate in their applications/resumes that their qualifications match those specified in the job call. Failure to do so will result in elimination from the competition.
• Assessment may include an interview, written and/or practical test. Location of assessment to be determined.
  

The following information describes the responsibilities and qualifications of an emergency medical dispatcher.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance communication and dispatch services for Toronto Emergency Medical Services.
• Receives and processes incoming emergency and non-emergency telephone requests for service.
• Confirms incoming information from callers and inputs data into a computer.
• Determines nature and urgency of service requests.
• Provides pre-ambulance arrival patient care instruction over the telephone.
• Dispatches appropriate resources to requests for service.
• Deploys available ambulance resources to maintain maximum response performance.
• Directs ambulances to appropriate hospital destinations.
• Coordinates non-emergency service requests with hospitals, ambulances and other Central Ambulance Control Centres.
• Efficiently operates console equipment including multi-line telephone, radio and computer aided dispatch equipment.
• Completes appropriate documentation as required.
• Answers enquiries from the public, allied agencies, etc.
• Follows established standard operating protocols and procedures.