Description

The EMS Communications Officer serves as a critical link between the public and emergency medical services. This role involves receiving emergency calls, assessing medical situations, dispatching appropriate resources, and providing life-saving instructions to callers. EMS Communications Officers must remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and follow established protocols to ensure timely and effective emergency response.

Essential Functions
The following duties are intended to serve as a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the position. The incumbent may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not included in this description.

The desired candidate will have a demonstrated history in emergency medical dispatch telecommunications in a fast paced, complex organization with a broad variety of clinical situations.   Specific attributes include, but are not limited to:

        Receive and triage emergency and non-emergency calls.

        Assess the nature and severity of medical emergencies using structured protocols.

        Determine appropriate EMS, fire, first responder, air-medical, and other resources to dispatch. 

        Dispatch emergency units using Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.

        Coordinate with fire, police, and medical personnel as needed.

        Provide callers with step-by-step medical guidance (e.g., CPR, bleeding control).

        Provide callers other directions to prepare for emergency personnel arrival (e.g., turn on porch lights, put away pets, unlock doors)

        Support callers in stabilizing patients until EMS arrives.

        Relay critical information to responding personnel and commanders.

        Monitor and update responders about scene conditions and patient status.

        Accurately record call details, dispatch actions, and communications.

        Maintain logs for legal, medical, and operational review.

        Offer emotional reassurance and manage high-stress situations with empathy.

        Maintain professionalism and composure during critical incidents.

        Participate in ongoing training and certification programs.

        Adhere to local, state, and national emergency dispatch protocols.

Requirements

Required 

              High school diploma or GED

              Minimum of at least 18 years of age

              1 year of prior 911 dispatch experience (highly preferred)

              Current valid Class C State of Texas Driver License or ability to obtain.

              Must pass an online skills test

Preferred Qualifications/Requirements

              Documentation of completion of a two (2) or four (4) year degree program (preferred) in criminal justice, psychology, emergency management administration, or related field.

              2 years of experience preferred in either an emergency dispatch center or closely related experience in fast paced work environments

              NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400

              EMT Certification

              Valid CPR certification (required within 6 months of employment)

              Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification from International Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (IAED), (required within 6 months of                 employment)

              Must show consistent progress throughout training and complete all modules in the allotted time frame of the Bastrop County ESD3’s 9-1-1 Training Program.

The position requires proficiency in:

              Business English, spelling, punctuation and mathematics.

              Accurate recordkeeping.

              Preparation of reports.

              Effective written and oral communication.

              Ability to operate highly technical communications equipment.

              Ability to operate highly technical computer equipment.

              Adherence to policies, procedures, and guidelines.