EMS Communications Specialist, Ambulance Services, FT, Variable

Prisma Health•Seneca, SC

About The Position

The EMS Communications Specialist receives, prioritizes, and dispatches emergency and non-emergency medical service requests in a timely, accurate, and professional manner. Working in a high-volume communications center, the role supports efficient deployment of EMS resources in compliance with protocols, organizational policies, and regulatory standards. It serves as a communication link among patients, callers, field providers, and other public safety agencies to support coordinated patient care. The specialist receives calls and gathers essential information, dispatches EMS units using computer-aided dispatch systems and radio communications, monitors resource availability and unit movements, and coordinates service delivery. The role provides authorized pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions, documents call and patient information, and handles information in accordance with privacy and confidentiality requirements. It also involves verifying crew readiness, participating in continuing education and quality assurance, and supporting safety and service excellence. This is a non-management position reporting to a supervisor, manager, director, or executive.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; a post-high-school diploma or higher degree is preferred.
No experience required.
Ability to prioritize emergent and non-emergent requests for service.
Obtain and maintain APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST), APCO Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), and CPR certifications during the orientation period and thereafter.
Communication skills are preferred.

Nice To Haves

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
Post-high-school diploma or higher degree.
Communication skills.

Responsibilities

Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for medical services, gathering essential information quickly and accurately.
Prioritize service requests based on patient acuity and system demand.
Dispatch EMS units and resources using computer-aided dispatch systems and radio communications according to established protocols.
Provide pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions as authorized by medical protocols and training.
Communicate with EMS providers, field supervisors, and other public safety agencies in a clear, professional, and accurate manner.
Document call details, dispatch activity, and patient information in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
Monitor resource availability and system status to support operational efficiency and response readiness.
Adhere to HIPAA, confidentiality, and patient privacy standards.
Participate in continuing education, quality assurance, and skill development to maintain certification and job proficiency.
Support a culture of safety, professionalism, and service excellence within the communications center.
Verify operational readiness of crews.
Accept calls requesting medical transportation services.
Track unit movements and coordinate service delivery safely, courteously, and efficiently.
Obtain and document patient information needed for resource utilization and reimbursement.
Prepare written documentation.
Perform other duties as assigned.