Critical Care Dispatcher - Life Flight Network - LACP Lima

Mercy Health; Lima (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

403(b) with employer contributions

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Mercy Health is seeking a Dispatcher for the Lima location to handle ground and air transport requests. You will assess calls, determine appropriate responses, and dispatch units to emergencies with accuracy and urgency.

The role requires high school education, strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure within a fast-paced environment. Mercy Health offers benefits, career growth, and a supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Associate’s degree is preferred.
• Familiarity with EMS regulations and dispatch procedures is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate information and assistance to callers to facilitate transport requests.
• Prioritize requests based on the severity of the situation.
• Coordinate the placement of patients at hospitals.
• Enter data into the Computer-Aided Dispatch System.
• Maintain records and billing paperwork for transport and center operations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of EMS policies and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Critical thinking

Triaging

Team coordination

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s degree

Tools

Computer-Aided Dispatch System

Emergency radio & phone systems

Job description

About Us

As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

Mercy Health

As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

Dispatcher – LACP Lima

Working under the direction of the Director of Flight Operations, or delegate, the Dispatcher is responsible for receiving requests for ground and/or air critical services via telephone and radio, determining appropriate response, entering information in the computer-Aided Dispatch System, selecting and dispatching the appropriate unit(s) to the nature of the emergency.

Job Summary

Working under the direction of the Director of Flight Operations, or delegate, the Dispatcher is responsible for receiving requests for ground and/or air critical services via telephone and radio, determining appropriate response, entering information in the computer-Aided Dispatch System, selecting and dispatching the appropriate unit(s) to the nature of the emergency.

Essential Functions

• Provides accurate information and assistance to callers to facilitate transport requests.
• Follows established guidelines or use best judgment for matching transport request with most appropriate service.
• Evaluate each call to determine the appropriate level of response needed and prioritize based on the severity of the situation.
• Coordinates placement of patients at Hospitals
• Performs vehicle-tracking functions during the transport process.
• Receives all incoming telephone inquiries for critical care assistance regarding patient transport in a timely, professional and courteous manner.
• Maintains professional radio and phone communication utilizing excellent customer service skills when interacting with administration, transport teams, requesting agencies, hospital staff, physicians, and public safety personnel.
• Triages all requests for transport and accurately enters all required information into the Computer-Aided Dispatch System.
• Maintains all required records and other documentation associated with patient transport and/or the operation of the Communication Center. Ensures all billing paperwork is completed accurately.
• Maintains updated knowledge of all communications equipment to operate and request service calls when appropriate and ensure intelligent reporting of equipment failures.
• Activates transport teams and accurately relays information concerning the location and condition of the patient, when possible. Initiates appropriate protocols regarding notification and determination of patient destination.
• Maintains knowledge of the Emergency Response Plan. Participates in quality management, emergency-procedure testing, and annual Emergency Response Plan drills.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of all policies, procedures and protocols for operation of the program and regulated transport activities. Has a functional understanding of state and local EMS regulations, local EMS structure, and protocol and procedures in service area.
• Demonstrates critical thinking abilities when triaging patient transports and making decisions. Makes decisions in an independent and high stress environment.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Education

High School Diploma or GED (required)

Associate’s degree (preferred)

Licensure/Certification

• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Incident Command Service (ICS) Certifications: 100 and 200 (required within 6 months of hire)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) (required within 6 months of hire)
• Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) (required within 12 months of employment based on specific department responsibilities)
• International Association of Medical Transport Communication Specialist (IAMTCS) Certified Flight Communicator (preferred, but required within 12 months of employment)
• EMT or Paramedic (preferred)

Experience

1 year of experience in Emergency Medical Systems or healthcare/public safety related field (preferred)

1 year of previous experience with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 121 or 135, or helicopter air ambulance dispatching, or previous EMS/Public Safety dispatching experience (preferred)

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Aff…? If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail]