SUMMARY:
- The Emory Healthcare Emergency Operator plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors across 10 hospitals by managing Plain Language emergency calls.
- This position is responsible for promptly answering and triaging emergency calls, dispatching appropriate personnel, and ensuring clear communication during emergencies.
- The role demands a calm, efficient, and professional individual who can thrive in high-pressure situations to support the immediate response needs of the healthcare organization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITES:
- Answer and triage all emergency and non-emergency calls quickly and efficiently
- Dispatch emergency response teams, including security, medical, and maintenance personnel, according to established protocols
- Monitor alarms and emergency systems to ensure immediate response to critical situations
- Document and maintain detailed records of all emergency calls, actions taken, and outcomes for accurate reporting.
- Operate communication equipment, such as phones, pagers, radios and computer systems, to maintain coordination between departments
- Collaborate with hospital staff to ensure clear, effective communication during emergencies
- Follow Emory Healthcare protocols to manage high-pressure, life-threatening situations, ensuring patient safety at all times.
- Maintain a calm, professional demeanor in stressful situations to provide clear, concise instructions to callers and emergency response teams.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education -High School Diploma or equivalent.
- 1-2 years of experience in emergency dispatch, call centers, or a related field required.
- Familiarity with emergency communication systems, such as radios, alarm panels, and computerized dispatch systems.
- Ability to work effectively in high-stress environments and make quick decisions.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Candidates must actively participate in ongoing training and cross-training to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role, ensuring excellent patient care, satisfaction and to support the needs of the operations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Previous experience in a healthcare setting or hospital environment.
- Knowledge of medical terminology to better understand and respond to healthcare-related emergencies.
- Strong knowledge of local emergency services, procedures, and Plain Language codes.
- Proficiency in using communication software and systems in a dispatch or emergency setting.
- Knowledge, skills, and abilities (required):
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to relay clear and concise information in emergency situations.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, capable of quick decision-making.
- Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, even in life-threatening situations.
- Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate and coordinate with multiple departments.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documenting calls and outcomes.
- Shift/Work Hours: 365/24/7 operation, requiring flexibility to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium Max 25lbs): up to 25 lbs., 0-33% of the work day (occasionally) Lifting 25 lbs. max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs.; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, Communicable diseases, Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.