999 Emergency Call Handler (Emergency Medical Dispatcher)

Working in our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), our 999 call handlers are the first point of communication with patients, patients’ relatives, healthcare professionals and other emergency services when they call 999 for an emergency ambulance. They ensure patients get the help they need.

Essential requirements

  • Minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent at grade 4 (grade C) or above including English Language, or an NVQ Level 3 in a relevant subject
  • Customer service or administrative role experience
  • Ability to manage highly stressful situations and make sound decisions

Career progression

Once you are a 999 call handler there is plenty of opportunity for career progression within Yorkshire Ambulance Service, such as becoming an EOC dispatcher, EOC quality auditor, joining our training team as an EOC practice developer or progression towards team leader and managerial roles.

Progression out of the EOC could include becoming operational on an ambulance as a ambulance support worker and working towards becoming a paramedic, joining our Patient Transport Service team or there are many other different job areas within the Trust and in the wider NHS such as Finance, Estates, Scheduling, Business Intelligence, HR and Recruitment.