EMS Dispatcher

About CHI Health Good Samaritan: Established by the compassionate Sisters of St. Francis in 1924, CHI Health Good Samaritan is a vital 268-bed regional referral center serving Kearney, Nebraska, and the surrounding communities. We are proud to offer an advanced level trauma center, providing critical care and transport including our renowned AirCare emergency helicopter service and a comprehensive ambulance program offering both long-distance and local 911 response. Our extensive services also encompass cardiac care with open-heart surgery, a Level II neonatal intensive care unit, a nationally accredited cancer center, comprehensive neurosurgery, an advanced orthopedic program, and inpatient/outpatient mental health services at the state-of-the-art Richard Young Behavioral Health facility. Join a team dedicated to making a life-saving impact every day.

The EMS Dispatcher / ED Technician at CHI Health Good Samaritan is a dynamic and essential dual-role position operating within a high-stakes, fast-paced environment. This individual plays a pivotal role in coordinating critical patient transports and providing direct support within the Emergency Department. Working both autonomously and collaboratively, the successful candidate will receive and coordinate emergent and non-emergent requests for patient transports via air (AirCare) and ground ambulance. This exciting role requires close collaboration with flight clinicians, pilots, mechanics, and administrators to ensure patients are transported safely and efficiently to their destinations. When not engaged in flight following or active dispatch, the EMS Dispatcher seamlessly transitions into an ED Technician role, directly supporting patient care and unit operations within the Emergency Department.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Dispatch Operations (Primary Focus):

• Rapid Response Dispatch: Performs critical emergency dispatching of AirCare Air Ambulances and ground ambulances, prioritizing calls, and deploying resources based on urgency and patient need.
• Information Management: Compiles, organizes, and meticulously processes a high volume of complex information received via radio, phones, and verbal communication for the EMS department.
• Communication Hub: Serves as the central communication point for all transport requests, relaying critical information accurately and efficiently between requesting agencies, medical teams, pilots, and ground crews. This includes monitoring and recording all incoming and outgoing calls on the Emergency Services toll-free hotline for quality assurance and record-keeping purposes.
• Flight Following & Coordination: Works closely with flight clinicians, pilots, and mechanics, actively monitoring the status and location of air and ground transport units from launch to arrival and return, ensuring safety protocols are adhered to and providing timely updates.
• Resource Management: Monitors availability and status of air and ground assets, making strategic dispatch decisions to optimize response times and resource utilization.
• Documentation & Reporting: Types, files, audits, copies, maintains, and monitors all departmental records, ensuring accuracy and compliance. This includes incident logs, transport records, and operational reports.
• Customer Service: Provides professional and compassionate service to patients, family members, physicians, nursing, and EMS personnel, both within and outside the Health System, acting as a crucial liaison.

2. Emergency Department (ED) Technician Support (When Dispatching from ED):

• Direct Patient Support: Assists patients with basic needs including bathroom assistance, nutrition, and comfort measures.
• Unit Support: Supports ED flow by assisting with ambulance transfers to hospital beds and providing discharge vitals and telemetry monitoring as directed by nursing staff.
• Equipment & Supply Management: Actively participates in stocking rooms and supply areas, assists with ED room turnover, manages call light responses, and helps with trash and linen duties.
• Diagnostic Support: Performs Electrocardiograms (EKGs) as ordered by the physician, ensuring accurate lead placement and documentation.
• Communication & Clerical: Assists as the Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) when needed, ensuring efficient communication within the ED and performing general clerical duties.

Education:

• High School Graduate or equivalent required upon hire.

Licensure/Certification (Preferred, not required upon hire):

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification in Nebraska preferred.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in Nebraska preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year experience in a fast-paced environment requiring multi-tasking and critical decision-making.
• Previous experience in EMS dispatch, emergency services, or healthcare is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and hospital environments preferred.