1

Emergency Medical Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Emergency Medical Dispatcher information

See salary details

$17

$23

$40

How much do emergency medical dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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.
What cities are hiring for Emergency Medical Dispatcher jobs? Cities with the most Emergency Medical Dispatcher job openings:
What states have the most Emergency Medical Dispatcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Emergency Medical Dispatcher jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Emergency Medical Dispatcher jobs? For Emergency Medical Dispatcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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

Pro EMS

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$21 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

BENEFITS:

Benefits are available day one, no waiting period. Continuing education and recertification is offered cost-free, both in-house through the Center for Medics and remotely through PRODIGY, our online learning management system.

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Paid time off
  • 401(k) matching

GENERAL FUNCTION/DUTIES:

  • Provide professional and courteous service while receiving incoming calls from the public or other public safety entities requesting emergency and non-emergency assistance; achieve and maintain control of call and provide proper interrogation to obtain necessary information to determine the appropriate response and priority.
  • Dispatch appropriate units according to acuity level, availability and location or provide appropriate information as required while simultaneously maintaining radio contact with and monitoring the status of all field units.
  • Prioritize requests for and dispatch appropriate resources for non-emergency transports based on customer relationship.
  • Most dispatchers must be prepared for field service on a moment's notice when on duty.
  • Maintain accurate record and log of all incidents including address of incident, times, type of response, unit number, EMT/paramedic names, patient name and disposition.
  • Maintain awareness of all field units' status and location and assist in coordinating the activities of all field units.
  • Monitor multiple public safety radio frequencies, hospital diversions and video surveillance screens; operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, paging systems, telephones, computer aided dispatch systems and multiple computer programs/systems.
  • Communicate with other public safety agencies, hospitals, public works departments, support services and any other entity as needed to request or forward necessary information.
  • Send, receive, enter, update and disperse information by computer, pager, telephone, cellular telephone, facsimile or other methods.
  • Update and maintain emergency contacts lists, emergency response information and general business administration contact lists.
  • Perform a wide variety of clerical and office support assignments including but not limited to; the operation of office equipment and computers, record keeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work.
  • Interact with visitors personally and on the telephone; receive, process and record requests and complaints and route individuals to proper personnel as appropriate.
  • Take messages and make calls for on duty personnel as requested.
  • Search master recordings for needed information.
  • Manually activate interior and exterior doors from the dispatch office.
  • Maintain, clean, decontaminate, restock and prepare equipment, facility and vehicles for use.
  • Test and inspect equipment as required.
  • Provide general instruction to new employees and assume the responsibilities of a Supervisor if one is not available or not on duty.
  • Participate in formal classroom and informal field training sessions, workshops, drills and exercises to learn and practice new techniques. Attend mandatory continuing education classes.
  • Perform other duties not specifically presented in this description as required.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Preference for candidates with EMS dispatch experience.
  • Must possess the ability to engage in multiple activities simultaneously.
  • Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, other employees, other public safety professionals, medical staff at the hospitals, and with the general public.
  • Must have a working knowledge of the street system in Cambridge and the surrounding area. Must also have knowledge of how to use the street guides used by Pro EMS.
  • Must have the ability to remain calm while working in difficult, stressful and sometimes dangerous circumstances. Must use good judgment and possess the ability to remain focused while assuming a leadership role and directing others of lesser training via telephone.
  • Must comply with all company mandated safety programs and OSHA mandates such as tuberculosis screening, HAZCOM and bloodborne/airborne pathogen training.
  • Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This Position will be performing tasks in the customary office environment. The person should have the ability to work in a stressful environment while performing multiple tasks simultaneously, with the possibility of long hours and irregular times/days.

All applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment physical agility test, drug screen and background check once a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Pro EMS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, handicap, pregnancy, genetics, veteran status or other protected status.

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed within this position. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this position. Management has the sole discretion to add or modify the duties of the position and to designate other functions at any time. This position description is not an employment agreement or contract.