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Emergency Medical Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mayo Clinic

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Rochester, MN

$29.69 - $44.55/hr

Must be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) at the time of hire or become certified within the first three months of employment. The Emergency Communication Center will assist applicants ...

Mayo Clinic

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Rochester, MN · On-site

Must be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) at the time of hire or become certified within the first three months of employment. The Emergency Communication Center will assist applicants ...

Mayo Clinic

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Rochester, MN · On-site

Must be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) at the time of hire or become certified within the first three months of employment. The Emergency Communication Center will assist applicants ...

Mayo Clinic

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Rochester, MN · On-site

Must be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) at the time of hire or become certified within the first three months of employment. The Emergency Communication Center will assist applicants ...

Pro EMS

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Cambridge, MA

$21 - $32/hr

Prioritize requests for and dispatch appropriate resources for non-emergency transports based on ... medical staff at the hospitals, and with the general public. * Must have a working knowledge of the ...

Pro EMS

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$21 - $32/hr

Prioritize requests for and dispatch appropriate resources for non-emergency transports based on ... medical staff at the hospitals, and with the general public. * Must have a working knowledge of the ...

Pro EMS

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$21 - $32/hr

Prioritize requests for and dispatch appropriate resources for non-emergency transports based on ... medical staff at the hospitals, and with the general public. * Must have a working knowledge of the ...

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How much do emergency medical dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for emergency medical dispatcher in the United States is $23.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, you need strong decision-making skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, typically supported by a high school diploma and specialized dispatcher training or certification (such as EMD certification). Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency response protocols is essential. Excellent communication, active listening, and emotional resilience are vital soft skills for accurately gathering information and providing reassurance to callers. These abilities ensure rapid, accurate dispatching of emergency services, directly impacting public safety and emergency outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by emergency medical dispatchers during high-pressure calls?

Emergency Medical Dispatchers often face the challenge of managing multiple high-stress situations simultaneously, including providing life-saving instructions over the phone while coordinating with field responders. They must quickly assess the severity of calls, maintain composure, and prioritize responses despite limited information. Additionally, dispatchers work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where clear communication and emotional resilience are essential to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

What is an emergency medical dispatcher?

An emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) answers phone calls from emergency response lines such as 911. As an EMD, answering calls and sending the appropriate response teams are your primary responsibilities. Your job duties include getting the caller’s location and details about their emergency, dispatching ambulance, police, or fire personnel to the scene, and entering information into a computer system. You need excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations since your callers are often distressed, anxious, and upset.

What is the difference between Emergency Medical Dispatcher vs Emergency Call Taker?

AspectEmergency Medical DispatcherEmergency Call Taker
CertificationsEMD certification, CPR, EMD trainingBasic dispatcher or call center training, sometimes CPR
Work EnvironmentEmergency dispatch centers, 24/7 shiftsCall centers, emergency hotlines
ResponsibilitiesAssess medical emergencies, provide instructions, dispatch EMSAnswer emergency calls, gather information, route calls
Industry UsagePublic safety, EMS agenciesPublic safety, emergency services

Emergency Medical Dispatchers and Emergency Call Takers both work in emergency communication centers, but EMDs have specialized training to assess and prioritize medical emergencies and provide pre-arrival instructions, while Emergency Call Takers primarily gather information and route calls. EMDs play a critical role in coordinating emergency medical responses, making their skills more specialized within the emergency services industry.

How hard is it to become an emergency medical dispatcher?

Becoming an emergency medical dispatcher typically requires completing a training program that covers emergency call handling, medical protocols, and communication skills, often followed by certification. The process involves passing background checks and sometimes state-specific licensing, but it generally does not require extensive prior experience or education beyond high school. The job demands strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with emergency response procedures.

What skills do you need to be an emergency medical dispatcher?

Emergency medical dispatchers need strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and good multitasking abilities. They should be familiar with medical terminology, emergency protocols, and often require certification such as Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification. Attention to detail and quick decision-making are essential in this role.
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Emergency Medical Dispatcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Emergency Medical Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,132 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

West Tennessee Healthcare

Jackson, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

West Tennessee Healthcare rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

671st of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Category:
EMS
City:
Jackson
State:
Tennessee
Shift:
12 - Other Shift (United States of America)
Job Description Summary:
The position requires a dedicated professional who is enthusiastic about working with other professionals in the 911/ EMS Communications Center. The Emergency Medical Dispatcher receives, properly interprets and relays information via telephone, radio, alert systems; assists citizens with medical emergencies by instructing them, via telephone, on life saving procedures that can be performed prior to the arrival of trained medical personnel; analyses and acts promptly to respond with assistance to emergency situations that are received; quickly and accurately utilizing a computer-aided dispatch system to initiate a response of necessary personnel, ambulance and other emergency assistance as needed to effectively handle emergency situations; utilizes a two-way radio system to communicate with field units; and maintains the state of all medical units and equipment within the system. Responsible for conducting self in accordance with established West Tennessee Healthcare and Medical Center EMS policies and procedures. The EMD is responsible for all telecommunications and appropriate records on their assigned shift, including days, evenings and nights, weekends and holidays. Specific workdays and hours vary with some overtime and rotating shifts possible. Incumbents are subject to overtime and call back as required by the Director or designated person. Incumbents are subject to random drug screens.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Skills and proficiency in the basic knowledge of emergency care. Such proficiency is acquired through completion of a training program for Emergency Medical Dispatch approved by the State Division of Emergency Medical Services within six (6) months of employment
  • Knowledge of 911 operations, principles and practices related to emergency communication centers is preferred
  • Previous 911 communications experience is preferred
  • Previous public safety field experience in areas such as EMS, Fire, or Law Enforcement is preferred.
  • General knowledge of medical terminology is preferred
  • Knowledge of local hospitals and Medical Center EMS policies, procedures, standing orders, protocols, area locale, radio communication procedures, emergency and medical agencies as normally acquired through two years prior experience or an orientation program of up to 120 days

EXPERIENCE:
  • Ability to type 25 words per minute accurately, will be tested
  • Speak clearly in a well-understood voice, using good diction in the English language
  • After orientation is complete, ability to train and precept other employees or students.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION:
  • Proof of completion of accredited Emergency Medical Dispatch program. As outlined in TCA 1200-12-01.18. To be completed within six (6) months of employment
  • Current State certification as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher as outlined in TCA 1200-12-1.08. To be obtained within nine (9) months of employment; unless a national pandemic or state of emergency has been declared at the national or state level with extensions on licensures.
  • Current Basic Life Support card from American Heart Association or equivalent. (To be obtained within the orientation period)
  • Current state license as an EMT-Basic, Advanced EMT, Paramedic or the equivalent preferred but not required.

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE STATEMENT
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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