Emergency Call Handler

Are you or someone you know looking for a fantastic role with the Ambulance service?

Reed are delighted to be representing the East of England Ambulance Service Trust to find them Call Handlers to join their team in Bedford.

Salary: £11.14 Weekdays / £14.39 Saturdays and Nights / £17.58 Sundays and Bank Holidays

Location: Bedford

Start date: March with a 5 week paid training before starting (for 12 weeks, possibility of permanent position)

Hours: 12-hour shift pattern doing rotating between night shifts one week and day shifts next week.

Emergency Call Handler Responsibilities:

When you receive a call, you are responsible for recording the right information, sometimes under difficult circumstances and offering advice or reassurance to the caller/patient.

You will enter details onto a computer system about the patient and their condition which categorises the seriousness of the illness or injury, to ensure that the patient receives the most appropriate care; whether that’s an emergency ambulance response, a telephone assessment by a clinician, a referral to an alternative care pathway or self-care advice.

Your role would include but not be limited to:

Answering emergency 999 calls that come into the call centre.

Utilise the clinical software system in order to prioritise calls as soon as possible.

Enter information into the Computer Aided Dispatch system accurately and promptly.

Provide pre-arrival advice to callers where appropriate.

Emergency Call Handler Qualities:

A very resilient character, who is calm under pressure

A great telephone manner

Good use of computers

Strong listening skills

An empathetic nature

Previous experience working in a call centre or customer services would be ideal

Able to start ASAP

Has 5 GCSE's C grade or above / Call Handler experience

Happy to undertake an Enhanced DBS check

Training

Call Handlers go through a rigorous training programme before they are able to take live 999 calls. Candidates from all backgrounds can be successful in this role with the right attitude and mindset.

It will take during the weekdays, for 4 weeks.

Your training is not limited to but includes:

Going through scenarios and discussing these within your training team

Listening to call recordings

Shadowing of live 999 Emergency Calls

This is a truly lovely place to work and is extremely rewarding.

As you will be working in a 24 hour call centre, shifts will be long and often unsocial (12 hour shifts). You will at times also be required to work weekends and bank holidays.

The Emergency Operation Centre is located in Bedford, so be aware if you don't drive you may have difficulty using public transport due to the hours.

If you are interested in giving something back to your local community and working in a unique and challenging role, please apply now or call Reed Milton Keynes office for further information.