Emergency Medical Dispatcher

County Emergency Communications; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

County Emergency Communications in Kankakee, IL, is seeking Emergency Medical Dispatchers to handle urgent medical calls and coordinate ambulance resources. You will verify locations, collect critical details, and apply protocol-based instructions to guide responders.

Roles may require overnight or weekend shifts depending on staffing and assignment. Candidates with a high school diploma or GED, CPR certification, and EMD certification (preferred) are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; CPR may be required.
• EMD certification preferred; consult vacancy for exact requirements.
• Certification for EMT/paramedic may not be universal.

Responsibilities

• Receive calls involving illness, injury, and medical emergencies.
• Confirm the patient’s location, callback number, and access details.
• Ask approved questions about the patient’s condition.
• Determine response priority through the dispatch system.
• Dispatch or coordinate ambulance resources when needed.
• Provide protocol-based instructions within qualifications.
• Relay information and scene hazards to responders.
• Document call processing and participate in quality reviews.

Skills

Communication skills

Crisis management

Education

High school diploma or GED

EMD certification (preferred)

Tools

Emergency dispatch system

Job description

Emergency Medical Dispatcher Opportunities in Kankakee

Emergency Medical Dispatchers help people requesting urgent medical assistance. Using an agency-approved system, they gather patient and incident information, establish response priorities, and support the coordination of emergency medical resources.

Depending on training, certification, and assignment, dispatchers may also provide approved instructions before responders arrive. These instructions must follow the employer’s medical dispatch protocols and oversight requirements.

Position Details

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Kankakee, IL
• Employer: The hiring EMS provider or communications agency identified in the official vacancy
• Pay: {salary_min}–{salary_max} per year
• Schedule: {work_schedule}
• Appointment Type: {appointment_type}
• Who May Apply: {who_may_apply}
• Application Deadline: {closing_date}

Emergency medical communications may operate continuously. Employees may be assigned overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, rotating schedules, and required overtime.

What You May Do

• Receive calls involving illness, injury, and other medical emergencies
• Confirm the patient’s location, callback number, and access details
• Ask approved questions about the patient’s condition
• Determine response priority through the authorized medical dispatch system
• Dispatch or coordinate ambulance resources when included in the assignment
• Provide protocol-based instructions within current qualifications
• Relay patient information and scene hazards to responding personnel
• Document call processing and participate in quality-review activities

Experience and Education Requirements

A high school diploma or recognized equivalent is commonly required. Employers may recruit applicants for sponsored training or require current Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification before appointment.

CPR certification and additional coursework may be required. EMT or paramedic credentials are not universal requirements for this role; consult the vacancy for the exact qualifications and accepted certification providers.

General Conditions of Employment

• Meet the employer’s age and employment eligibility requirements
• Complete required background screening and employment assessments
• Pass additional evaluations when specified by the hiring agency
• Obtain and maintain required medical dispatch and CPR certifications
• Follow approved protocols, medical oversight, and quality‑assurance procedures
• Protect confidential patient and incident information

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This role generally involves extended console work, headset use, and simultaneous listening and data entry. Calls may concern serious illness, childbirth, injury, or death. Essential functions and accommodation procedures are established by the employer.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive insurance coverage, retirement benefits, paid leave, employee‑assistance services, and continuing education. Certification support, shift premiums, and other benefits depend on the organization and appointment terms.