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Ems Dispatch Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... EMS systems from a central location. You will dispatch both emergency and routine calls for service, while also building a rapport with residents and visitors by providing personalized customer ...

Fire/EMS - Volunteers Opening Date: 01/15/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description General ... Uses radio and computer-aided dispatch equipment; * Drives motorized apparatus in emergency and non ...

Security Operation Dispatcher

Williamsburg, VA ยท On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Dispatch police, fire, EMS, security, and other specialized personnel and resources to emergency scenes or locations where assistance is required. * Interview callers using established protocols to ...

Security Operation Dispatcher

Williamsburg, VA ยท On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Dispatch police, fire, EMS, security, and other specialized personnel and resources to emergency scenes or locations where assistance is required. * Interview callers using established protocols to ...

EMT- Ashburn VA

Ashburn, VA

$18.25 - $24/hr

We are growing fast and need compassionate EMS professionals to join our team. Enjoy competitive ... Maintain clear and consistent communications with the Dispatch Center * May be required to ...

EMT- Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, VA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

We are growing fast and need compassionate EMS professionals to join our team. Enjoy competitive ... Maintain clear and consistent communications with the Dispatch Center * May be required to ...

We are growing fast and need compassionate EMS professionals to join our team. Enjoy competitive ... Maintain clear and consistent communications with the Dispatch Center * May be required to ...

We are growing fast and need compassionate EMS professionals to join our team. Enjoy competitive ... Maintain clear and consistent communications with the Dispatch Center * May be required to ...

EMT- Ashburn VA

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

We are growing fast and need compassionate EMS professionals to join our team. Enjoy competitive ... Maintain clear and consistent communications with the Dispatch Center * May be required to ...

We are growing fast and need compassionate EMS professionals to join our team. Enjoy competitive ... Maintain clear and consistent communications with the Dispatch Center * May be required to ...

Showing results 41-60

Ems Dispatch information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$23

$37

How much do ems dispatch jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for ems dispatch in Virginia is $23.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an EMS dispatcher?

EMS dispatchers are professionals who receive emergency calls and coordinate the response of emergency medical services (EMS) such as ambulances and first responders. They are responsible for gathering critical information from callers, providing instructions for immediate care, and dispatching the appropriate emergency personnel to the scene. EMS dispatchers play a crucial role in ensuring that help arrives quickly and efficiently during medical emergencies. Their work requires strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and knowledge of emergency procedures.

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

To thrive as an EMS Dispatcher, you need strong decision-making skills, multitasking ability, and typically a high school diploma, with some positions requiring emergency communications certification. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and relevant emergency protocols is essential. Excellent communication, stress management, and empathy are crucial soft skills for handling high-pressure situations and interacting with distressed callers. These skills ensure rapid, accurate responses to emergencies, improving public safety and the effectiveness of emergency medical services.

What are some common challenges EMS dispatchers face during high-pressure situations, and how can they manage them effectively?

EMS Dispatchers often encounter high-pressure scenarios, such as multiple simultaneous emergencies or rapidly evolving incidents. Staying calm, prioritizing incoming calls, and using established protocols are crucial in these moments. Effective communication with both callers and field responders, along with strong multitasking skills, help ensure accurate information is relayed quickly. Many agencies provide ongoing training and peer support to help dispatchers manage stress and perform at their best during critical situations.

What is the difference between Ems Dispatch vs Ems Dispatcher?

AspectEms DispatchEms Dispatcher
CertificationsCPR, EMT-Basic, or EMT-Paramedic certifications often requiredSame certifications as Ems Dispatch
Work EnvironmentEmergency call centers, hospitals, ambulance servicesEmergency call centers, ambulance dispatch units
Job RoleHandling emergency calls, coordinating ambulance responseReceiving calls, dispatching EMS units, managing communication
Industry UsagePre-hospital emergency servicesPre-hospital emergency services

Both Ems Dispatch and Ems Dispatcher roles involve coordinating emergency medical responses, often requiring similar certifications and working in emergency call centers. The main difference is that Ems Dispatch emphasizes the overall dispatch process, while Ems Dispatcher focuses on the direct communication and coordination with EMS units. They are often used interchangeably but may vary by employer.

How to become an EMS dispatcher?

To become an EMS dispatcher, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete emergency dispatch training, and obtain certification such as Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD). Strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with emergency call systems are essential for this role.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ems Dispatch jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Ems Dispatch job openings:

Infographic showing various Ems Dispatch job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,721 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

System Status Controller

Richmond Ambulance Authority

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The System Status Controller (SSC) is responsible for real-time monitoring, coordination, and support of emergency medical service (EMS) communications. Under the direction of the Communications Lieutenant, the SSC facilitates effective and timely call triage, unit deployment, status tracking, and coordination with public safety agencies to ensure optimal EMS system performance. The role requires high-level multitasking, attention to detail, and strict adherence to Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols based on International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) standards. This position functions as an integral part of the Communications team and collaborates with other personnel to ensure uninterrupted operational coverage. It may also serve as a training preceptor for new communications staff upon meeting internal qualification standards.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Emergency Call Management
  • Answer emergency and non-emergency calls for service and determine appropriate response level
  • Receive and triage a variety of call types, including medical emergencies, interfacility transfers, and mutual aid requests
  • Apply MPDS (Medical Priority Dispatch System) protocols to assign priority codes and pre-arrival instructions based on IAED standards
  • Accurately enter and update data in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system
  • Maintain caller contact as necessary to ensure scene safety and information updates
  • Utilize agency-approved technology platforms including CAD, radio consoles, and voice recording systems to manage and document communications activity
Unit Deployment and Status Control
  • Monitor and adjust ambulance deployment using System Status Management (SSM) principles
  • Assign and track emergency units based on availability, location, and acuity
  • Ensure all unit status changes (en route, on scene, clear) are updated promptly in the CAD system
  • Coordinate unit movements to maintain system readiness and coverage
  • Exercise sound judgment in deployment decisions within agency guidelines to prioritize life-threatening calls and maintain system balance
  • Monitor system efficiency and unit hour utilization (UHU) patterns and promptly notify the Communications Lieutenant of persistent inefficiencies, deployment imbalances, or operational delays
  • Initiate supervisory escalation in the event of protocol deviation, prolonged call processing, or system failure
Interagency Coordination
  • Maintain open communication with Field Operations personnel to support real-time deployment decisions and scene-level situational updates
  • Communicate with law enforcement, fire, hospitals, and other partners to relay critical scene or patient information
  • Monitor regional communications channels (e.g., 800 MHz system)
  • Relay resource requests to supervisors and activate additional resources as needed
Operational Support
  • Maintain situational awareness of system threats including severe weather, high-volume events, communication outages, or hospital diversions, and report them promptly to the Communications Lieutenant
  • Document response exceptions and deviations from standard unit availability or coverage plans in accordance with agency protocols
  • Notify Communications Lieutenant and/or Field Supervisors of critical incidents, system threats, or service disruptions
  • Participate in high-incident response, special event coordination, and contingency plans
  • Assist with hospital status tracking, diversions, and ETA notifications
Administrative and Quality Functions
  • Log unit downtime and out-of-service events in accordance with agency documentation protocols to support operational performance analysis
  • Complete all shift documentation accurately and on time
  • Support communications quality assurance reviews as directed
  • Attend required continuing education and maintain EMD and CPR certifications




MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS


Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Certified EMT in the Commonwealth of Virginia (or higher) 
  • Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification (or obtain within 6 months)
  • CPR certification
  • Strong verbal communication and multitasking skills
  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
  • Basic computer and typing proficiency
  • Valid VA Driver’s License 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior EMS, public safety, or dispatch experience
  • Knowledge of CAD and radio communication systems
  • Familiarity with regional geography and healthcare infrastructure

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Must be able to sit and or stand for long periods. 
  • Must be able to operate standard office equipment
  • Must be able to operate a multi-screen workstation, use radio headsets, and respond to visual and auditory alerts
  • Must be able to lift up to at least 25 pounds independently and 150 pounds with assistance
  • Must have substantial movements of the body, wrists, hands, and or fingers
  • Must be able to work in various environmental conditions as well as temperature changes
  • Required to have visual acuity to operate equipment
  • Must be able to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction and receive detailed information through oral communication
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

The System Status Controller is evaluated bi-annually by the Communications Lieutenant or designee based on performance metrics (e.g., call answer time, dispatch accuracy, protocol compliance), communication effectiveness, and reliability during routine and high-pressure operations.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Subject to pre-employment and random drug screening, fingerprint-based background check, and physical ability test
  • Must maintain all required licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment
  • Must adhere to agency confidentiality policies and ensure security of protected health information (PHI) in compliance with applicable federal and state laws
  • Comply with all legally mandated vaccinations and health screenings required for healthcare providers under federal, state, or local regulations
  • May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies 
  • Successful completion of a probationary period is required for all new hires

GENERAL POSITION PARAMETERS

  • Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
    • Target Pay Range: $25.00 - $28.96 per hour 
  • Rotating - 12-hour shifts, 42 Hours per week average
  • Days, Nights, weekends, holidays