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Ambulance Dispatch Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

R160798 Communication Specialist I - Ambulance Dispatch (EMT required) (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare: The Communication Specialist I works in the call center for Carilion Clinic Patient ...

Collaborate with ambulance dispatch centers, hospital staff, police, firefighters and family members to ensure relevant information is collected and proper treatment is administered. The Paramedic ...

EMT- Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, VA

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Join MMT Ambulance and make a Difference in Your Community! We are growing fast and need ... Maintain clear and consistent communications with the Dispatch Center * May be required to ...

EMT- Ashburn VA

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Join MMT Ambulance and make a Difference in Your Community! We are growing fast and need ... Maintain clear and consistent communications with the Dispatch Center * May be required to ...

EMT- Northern Virginia

Lorton, VA

$18 - $23.75/hr

Join MMT Ambulance and make a Difference in Your Community! We are growing fast and need ... Maintain clear and consistent communications with the Dispatch Center * May be required to ...

Join MMT Ambulance and make a Difference in Your Community! We are growing fast and need ... Maintain clear and consistent communications with the Dispatch Center * May be required to ...

EMT- Ashburn VA

Ashburn, VA

$18.25 - $24/hr

Join MMT Ambulance and make a Difference in Your Community! We are growing fast and need ... Maintain clear and consistent communications with the Dispatch Center * May be required to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Ambulance Dispatch information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$62.3K

$102.6K

How much do ambulance dispatch jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for ambulance dispatch in Virginia is $62,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $70,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ambulance dispatcher?

Ambulance dispatchers, also known as emergency medical dispatchers or 911 operators, are professionals who receive emergency calls and coordinate the dispatch of ambulances and other emergency medical services. They assess the urgency of each call, gather critical information from callers, and provide pre-arrival instructions when necessary. Their role is vital in ensuring that the appropriate medical teams reach people in need as quickly as possible, often making life-saving decisions under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ambulance dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ambulance Dispatcher, you need strong communication skills, quick decision-making abilities, and knowledge of emergency response protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma and sometimes additional emergency dispatch certification. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, emergency medical dispatch (EMD) software, and radio communication equipment is essential. Outstanding multitasking, stress management, and empathy help dispatchers provide calm, clear instructions and support to callers and responders. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring rapid, accurate emergency response and the safety of both patients and first responders.

What are some common challenges faced by ambulance dispatchers, and how can candidates prepare to handle them?

Ambulance dispatchers often face high-pressure situations where they must quickly assess emergencies, prioritize calls, and coordinate with multiple teams. Handling stressful scenarios, making fast decisions with limited information, and maintaining clear communication are key challenges. Candidates can prepare by developing strong multitasking and active listening skills, as well as familiarizing themselves with dispatch protocols and emergency response systems. Regular training and stress management techniques can also be beneficial for long-term success in this role.

What is the difference between Ambulance Dispatch vs Emergency Medical Dispatcher?

AspectAmbulance DispatchEmergency Medical Dispatcher
CertificationsCPR, Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification (optional)Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification, CPR
Work EnvironmentDispatch centers, ambulance servicesDispatch centers, emergency call centers
Employer & IndustryAmbulance services, hospitalsPublic safety agencies, emergency response centers
Primary RoleCoordinate ambulance deploymentAssess medical emergencies, provide pre-arrival instructions

Ambulance Dispatch focuses on coordinating ambulance deployment, while Emergency Medical Dispatch involves assessing medical emergencies and guiding callers with pre-arrival instructions. Both roles require similar certifications and work in dispatch centers, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Is it hard to be an ambulance dispatcher?

Ambulance dispatching is a demanding job that requires strong communication skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and knowledge of emergency protocols. The role often involves shift work, multitasking, and quick decision-making, making it challenging but manageable with proper training and experience.
Infographic showing various Ambulance Dispatch job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,349 per year, or $30 per hour.

Communication Specialist I - Ambulance Dispatch - FT

Roanoke, VA


Carilion Clinic
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 216 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

460th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents


$20.10 - $28.14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Employment Status:Full timeShift:Variable Hours (United States of America)Facility:2301 Brambleton Ave SW - RoanokeRequisition Number:R161902 Communication Specialist I - Ambulance Dispatch - FT (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare:The Communication Specialist I works in the call center for Carilion Clinic Patient Transport (CCPT) department. The Communications Specialist is a central link in the safe transfer and transport of patients throughout the region and is one of the first points of contact for patients, prospective patients, discharge planners, insurance companies/brokers, physicians, facilities, 911 dispatch centers, and other Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies with Carilion Clinic.
#EMSHeroes

Successful candidate must be certified as an EMT-Basic, EMT-Advance, EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic in the State of Virginia.

A $7,500.00 sign-on bonus is available for external candidates who meet eligibility requirements.

The CCPT Communication Specialist I

  • Maintains proficiency in all CCPT Communications Center Coordinator responsibilities and serves as a resource for the Coordinator's when needed.
  • Primarily used for staffing the ground ambulance dispatch pods in the Communication Center. Develops and matures professional relationships with the Transfer Center staff to facilitate synergies and communication between departments.
  • Receives and screens calls in an efficient manner to minimize delays. Identifies and prioritizes emergency calls, routinely dispatching units in less than two minutes from the time of the initial call. Escalates flight requests to the appropriate pod for immediate assistance.
  • Appropriately determines the level of care required and the mode of transport needed based on CCPT scope of practice for basic life support, advanced life support, and critical care. Anticipates projected patient needs during transport based on clinical condition and history and projected out of hospital time, actively uses this information in the decision-making process as an advocate for quality and patient safety.
  • Schedules trips and dispatches ground ambulances, using all available tools to identify the closest, most appropriate resource, time-stamps units, monitors ambulance response times, and intervenes with clinical teams to address concerns or delays. Provides updates on arrival time to the requestor when the unit will be more than 10 minutes early or late for a scheduled pick-up.
  • Demonstrates sustained proficiency in multi-tasking and prioritizing work. Operates specialized computer software and computer systems in a timely and accurate manner. Minimizes delays by direct data entry into the system while the caller is on the line.
  • Reviews electronic medical records for demographic information, clinical information, or prior transport information to ensure an appropriate match of resources to patient need. Actively works to ensure the protection of private health information during the process.
  • Cancels and reschedules appointments in the dispatch software program, using attention to detail to ensure the right patient and the right cancellation reason.
  • Works closely with the lead pod to assist other team members as directed.
  • Works closely with the lead pod to assist other team members as directed. As a team member, demonstrate respect, dignity, kindness, and empathy in every encounter with patients, peers, leadership, and external parties.
What We Require:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.


Experience: Prior experience in a call center, 911 dispatch center, or as an Emergency Medical Services provider required.


Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration: Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services certification as an Emergency Medical Technician- Basic (EMT-B) , EMT-Advanced, EMT-Intermediate, or Paramedic is required.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support - Health Care Provider (AHA BLS -HCP) required within 3 months of hire.


Other Minimum Qualifications: Must be proficient with keyboarding/typing and use of software applications, including Windows. Must demonstrate sustained proficiency in multi-tasking and effective communication skills focused on customer service. To learn more about our Communication and Transfer Center, read this article: CCPT Communication and Transfer Center


This job description is intended to be a representative summary of the major responsibilities and accountabilities performed by incumbents in this role. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Compensation Range:

$20.10 - $28.14

Employee pay is based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, credentials, education, and prior work experience. The compensation range does not include benefits or pension plan.

Recruiter:

JAMIE RATLIFF

Recruiter Email:

jsratliff@carilionclinic.org

For more information, contact the HR Service Center at 1-800-599-2537.

Carilion Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or veterans status. Carilion is a Drug-Free Workplace. For more information or for individuals with disabilities needing special assistance with our online application process contact Carilion HR Service Center at 800-599-2537, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information on E-Verify: https://www.carilionclinic.org/eoe-e-verify-and-right-work-policies

Benefits, Pay and Well-beingat Carilion Clinic

Carilion understands the importance of prioritizing your well-being to help you develop and thrive. That's why we offer a well-rounded benefits package, and many perks and well-being resources to help you live a happy, healthy life - at work and when you're away.


When you make your tomorrow with us, we'll enhance your potential to realize the best in yourself.Below are benefits available to you when you join Carilion:


  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits
  • Employer Funded Pension Plan, vested after five years (Voluntary 403B)
  • Paid Time Off (accrued from day one)
  • Onsite fitness studios and discounts to our Carilion Wellness centers
  • Access to our health and wellness app, Personify Health
  • Discounts on childcare
  • Continued education and training

Carilion Clinic logo

About Carilion Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

This is Carilion Clinic ... An organization where innovation happens, collaboration is expected and ideas are valued. A not-for-profit, mission-driven health system built on progress and partnerships. A courageous team that is always learning, never discouraged and forever curious. Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., you will find a robust system of award winning hospitals, Level 1 and 3 trauma centers, Level 3 NICU, Institute of Orthopedics and Neurosciences, multi-specialty physician practices, and The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute. Carilion is where you can make your own path, make new discoveries and, most importantly, make a difference. Here, in a place where the air is clean, people are kind and life is good. Make your tomorrow with us.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Roanoke, VA, US

Year founded

1899


What Carilion Clinic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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