Critical Care Flight Dispatcher – Life Flight Network – LACP Lima Dispatch

Bon Secours Mercy Health; Lima (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Lima, Ohio is seeking a Critical Care Flight Dispatcher. This role involves responding to emergency transport requests, maintaining communication with transport teams, and managing patient placements. Candidates should have a high school diploma, relevant certifications, and experience in emergency medical systems. The position offers competitive pay, medical benefits, and other incentives.

Qualifications

• Experience in Emergency Medical Systems or healthcare/public safety (1 year preferred).
• Familiarity with Federal Aviation Regulations and helicopter air ambulance dispatching.
• Certifications in BLS and ICS required within specified timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Receive and assess requests for critical care transport.
• Coordinate patient placements and maintain communication with transport teams.
• Enter all required information into the Computer-Aided Dispatch system.
• Maintain knowledge of communications equipment and emergency response plans.
• Operate under direction in high‑stress environments with independent decision making.

Skills

Critical thinking

Excellent customer service

Professional communication

Triage skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s degree

Tools

FEMA ICS 100/200

BLS certification

EMD certification

IAMTCS Flight Communicator

Air medical dispatch knowledge

Job description

At Bon Secours Mercy Health, we are dedicated to continually improving health care quality, safety and cost effectiveness. Our hospitals, care sites and clinicians are recognized for clinical and operational excellence.

Mercy Health

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.

Dispatcher – LACP Lima Dispatch

Working under the direction of the Director of Flight Operations, or delegate, the Critical Care Flight 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)

Training

• Operations Control Specialist Training (preferred)
• Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course (14CFR Part 65) (preferred)

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 would like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Bon Secours Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are affirmative action and equal opportunity employers, please email [e-mail]. 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]