Dispatcher

IHA; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

MercyOne Des Moines Ambulance Service is seeking a full-time Dispatcher to act as the communication link between Mercy One, Pediatric Transport, Neonatal Transport, Mercy Ambulances, and pre-hospital agencies.

The role handles inbound transport requests, coordinates alternates, relays patient and navigation information to flight crews, and maintains flight documentation. A minimum of 2 years in EMS or dispatch is required, with Iowa EMT-B/EMT-P certification preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience as an EMT-B, Paramedic, Emergency Dispatcher, or Emergency Department team member.
• Certified as an EMT-B or EMT-P in the State of Iowa, preferred.
• Excellent critical thinking skills required.

Responsibilities

• Receives all incoming requests for Mercy One, Pediatric Transport, and Neonatal transports. Coordinates responses by obtaining patient information and activating the appropriate transport.
• Coordinates alternate transportation when a transport team is unable to provide service.
• Communicates patient information to the transport teams, and relays navigation and landing information to the pilot; coordinates landing zone with law enforcement as requested.
• Communicates with requesting agency and receiving hospital, providing updates as applicable.
• Provides flight following throughout the mission, by satellite tracking or regular pilot updates if satellite tracking is inoperable.
• Completes flight database following each flight.
• Observes weather patterns, alerting pilots and transport teams of significant changes.
• Receives and coordinates all incoming/outgoing inter-facility transfers and other dispatch activities for Mercy Ambulances.
• Receives EMS ground ambulance radio and telephone communications; documents reports and obtains Physician Designee for Medical Control requests.

Skills

Critical thinking

Team coordination

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

State EMT-B/EMT-P certification (Iowa)

Tools

EMS communication systems

Job description

Employment Type

Full time

Shift

12 Hour Day Shift

Description

MercyOne Des Moines Ambulance Service

Full-Time (72 hours bi-weekly)

Mixed Rotating 12 hours shifts

The Dispatcher’s primary focus is to be the communication link between Mercy One, Pediatric Transport, Neonatal Intensive Care Transport, Mercy Ambulances, and all pre-hospital agencies, hospitals and law enforcement agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Receives all incoming requests for Mercy One, Pediatric Transport, and Neonatal transports. The dispatcher will coordinate responses by obtaining patient information and activating the appropriate
• Coordinates alternate transportation when a transport team is unable to provide service.
• Communicates patient information to the transport teams, in addition obtains and relays navigation and landing information to the pilot. Coordinates landing zone with law enforcement as requested.
• Communicates with requesting agency and receiving hospital, providing updates as applicable.
• Provides flight following throughout the mission, either by satellite tracking or by communicating with the pilot every ten minutes if satellite tracking is inoperable on the aircraft during the flight.
• Completes flight database following each flight.
• Observes weather patterns, alerting pilots and members of the transport teams of significant changes. -
• Receives and coordinates all incoming/outgoing inter-facility, clinic transfers, 911 requests, mutual aid requests, specialty team transports, and all other activities related to dispatching for Mercy Ambulances.
• Receives EMS ground ambulance radio and telephone communications. Documents reports from EMS calls and obtains a Physician Designee for Medical Control requests for Mercy Medical Center and Mercy West Lakes.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• A minimum 2 years’ experience as an EMT-B, Paramedic, Emergency Dispatcher, or Emergency Department team member required.
• Certified as an EMT-B or EMT-P in the State of Iowa, preferred.
• Excellent critical thinking skills required.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.