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Emergency Helicopter Dispatch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Riverton, WY · On-site

$79K - $99K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot

Elko, NV · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot

Modesto, CA · On-site

$99K - $123K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Elko, NV · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$147K - $162K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot

Porterville, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Elko, NV · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot

Twin Falls, ID · On-site

$147K - $162K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Pocatello, ID

$84K - $105K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Elko, NV · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Boise, ID

$85K - $106K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot -HAA

Porterville, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Memphis, TN · On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners ... Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and ...

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Emergency Helicopter Dispatch information

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How much do emergency helicopter dispatch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for emergency helicopter dispatch in the United States is $18.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an emergency helicopter dispatcher do?

An Emergency Helicopter Dispatcher is responsible for coordinating and deploying medical or rescue helicopters in response to emergencies. They assess incoming calls, determine the urgency, and communicate with pilots, medical teams, and first responders to ensure timely and safe helicopter dispatch. Their role is crucial for delivering rapid assistance in critical situations such as accidents, natural disasters, or medical emergencies. Dispatchers must remain calm under pressure, use specialized communication systems, and often handle multiple emergencies at once.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an emergency helicopter dispatcher?

To thrive as an Emergency Helicopter Dispatcher, you need strong decision-making abilities, crisis management skills, and typically a background in emergency communications or aviation dispatch, often supported by relevant certifications such as Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) or FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certification. Familiarity with dispatching software, GPS tracking systems, and radio communication equipment is essential for coordinating rapid responses. Exceptional communication, multitasking, and stress management skills help you excel in fast-paced, high-pressure situations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring timely, efficient, and safe deployment of air medical services during emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by emergency helicopter dispatchers, and how can these be managed effectively?

Emergency Helicopter Dispatchers often work in high-pressure environments where rapid decision-making and clear communication are crucial. Common challenges include handling simultaneous emergencies, coordinating between multiple agencies, and managing stress during critical incidents. Effective time management, staying calm under pressure, and ongoing training in emergency protocols are essential for success. Teamwork and utilizing advanced dispatch technology also help streamline operations and improve response outcomes.

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

AspectEmergency Helicopter DispatchEmergency Medical Dispatcher
Required CertificationsDispatch certification, CPR, and possibly aviation-specific trainingEMD certification, CPR, and emergency medical protocols
Work EnvironmentAirports, helicopter bases, emergency response centers911 call centers, hospitals, emergency response centers
Employer & Industry UsageAir ambulance services, emergency response agenciesPublic safety agencies, hospitals, dispatch centers

Emergency Helicopter Dispatch and Emergency Medical Dispatcher roles both involve coordinating emergency responses, but the former focuses on dispatching air ambulance services via helicopters, requiring aviation-related certifications and working in air rescue environments. The latter handles medical emergencies over the phone, requiring medical dispatch certifications and working primarily in call centers. While both are critical in emergency response, their work settings and specific training differ significantly.

More about Emergency Helicopter Dispatch jobs

What cities are hiring for Emergency Helicopter Dispatch jobs?

Cities with the most Emergency Helicopter Dispatch job openings:

What states have the most Emergency Helicopter Dispatch jobs?

States with the most job openings for Emergency Helicopter Dispatch jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Emergency Helicopter Dispatch jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Emergency Helicopter Dispatch jobs are:

Infographic showing various Emergency Helicopter Dispatch job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,199 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Emergency Communications Specialist - EMS LifeEvac

Richmond, VA


VCU Health System
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 171 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 893 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$19.87/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

At VCU Health's LifeEvac, every second matters. This isn't your typical dispatch role. You'll be at the center of emergency medical operations, coordinating communications between EMS providers, emergency departments, flight crews, hospitals, and public safety partners to ensure critically ill and injured patients receive timely, specialized care. Whether you're receiving emergency reports from EMS, directing helicopter operations, coordinating multi-aircraft missions, or dispatching ground transportation, you'll play a vital role in supporting one of the region's premier academic medical centers. It's a fast-paced environment where teamwork, quick thinking, and strong communication skills make all the difference.
You'll play an important role in keeping emergency operations running smoothly by:
Receiving emergency patient reports from EMS agencies by phone and radio for both VCU Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Richmond.
Accurately documenting patient information in Epic while helping activate Trauma, Stroke, STEMI, and other critical alerts.
Serving as the communication link between EMS crews and emergency department staff to ensure everyone has the information they need.
Coordinating helicopter operations, including flight requests, flight following, and communication with landing zones and hospital teams.
Dispatching ground ambulance resources throughout the VCU Health system.
Monitoring emergency operations and helping maintain situational awareness across helipads, ambulance entrances, and emergency access points.
Working closely with air medical crews, hospitals, and regional EMS partners to coordinate patient transport safely and efficiently.
This position offers far more than traditional emergency dispatching. You'll become part of a highly specialized communications team supporting both EMS and air medical operations while gaining unique experiences rarely available in similar roles.
As part of the LifeEvac team, you'll have opportunities to:
Earn your IAMTCS Certified Flight Communicator certification.
Learn the aviation side of emergency medicine and grow into an Aviation Communications Specialist.
Participate in cadaver labs, simulation training, landing zone classes, and continuing education alongside our flight crews.
Take part in survival training, Shallow Water Egress Training (SWET), ride-alongs, and community outreach events.
Work in a collaborative environment with a small, supportive team that values learning and professional growth.
We're looking for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments and can remain calm under pressure while managing multiple priorities simultaneously. Successful team members have strong communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to quickly process complex information to support critical patient care decisions. Whether your background is in EMS, emergency dispatch, public safety communications, healthcare, or another high-acuity setting, you'll join a team that plays a critical role in helping patients get the care they need when they need it most.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire:

Emergency Medical Technician

Basic (EMT-B) Licensure or Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)

Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment:

Maintained EMT-B certification

CPR Certified Flight Communicator Course (sponsored by the International Association of Medical Transport Communication Specialists) is required within 2 years of hire.

Experience REQUIRED:

Minimum of one year of active emergency medical services (EMS) experience or 911 dispatch experience.

Experience PREFERRED:

Two (2) yeas of active EMS or communications center experience.

Education/training REQUIRED:

High school graduate or GED

Education/training PREFERRED:

Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification (EMD)

Independent action(s) required:

Work is performed in a complex environment that includes emergency ambulance and helicopter dispatch operations.

The Communications Specialist I provides oversight of ground ambulance operations in the Communications Center and assumes responsibility for overall performance of the shift.

Must demonstrate sustained proficiency in multi-tasking and effective communication skills focused on customer service.

Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable): N/A

Additional position requirements:

Rotational hours (Day, Evening, Night)

Hours may vary and shift holdovers may be necessary to assist the team when emergency call volume is high.

Age Specific groups served: All

Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate):

Activities: Prolonged sitting, Repetitive motion

Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem-solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Able to adapt to frequent change

Compensation Range

$19.87 - $30.79

Actual salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.


EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran



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