To work as an EMS 999 Call Handler in the UK, you will need a variety of skills and attributes to effectively manage emergency calls and assist in emergency situations. Here are some key skills and qualities:
1. Communication Skills: You must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Good listening skills are also essential to understand the needs of callers in high-pressure situations.
2. Calm Under Pressure: The ability to stay calm and focused during emergencies is crucial. You will often deal with distressed or panicked callers, and maintaining composure can help reassure them.
3. Decision-Making Skills: You need to think quickly and make decisions rapidly, often with limited information. Assessing situations effectively to determine the urgency of calls is vital.
4. Empathy and Compassion: Being able to convey empathy to callers who may be experiencing trauma or distress is important. Understanding their emotional state can help guide your responses.
5. Attention to Detail: Accurately capturing information and details about the emergency is essential for dispatching the correct resources. This includes paying attention to the location, nature of the incident, and any specific needs of the caller.
6. Multitasking Ability: Handling multiple calls or tasks simultaneously is often required, including inputting information into systems while still engaging with the caller.
7. Technical Skills: Familiarity with computer systems and telecommunications technology is important, as you will use various software to log calls, track incidents, and communicate with emergency responders.
8. Teamwork: Working collaboratively with other emergency services personnel and coordinators is crucial, so being a good team player is valuable.
9. Resilience: The job can be emotionally demanding, so resilience and the ability to cope with challenging situations is important to manage stress effectively.
10. Basic Medical Knowledge: While not always mandatory, having a basic understanding of first aid or emergency medical procedures can be beneficial when providing guidance to callers.
11. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations and evolving emergencies is critical for a 999 Call Handler.
12. Geographical Knowledge: Familiarity with local geography can help in providing accurate information for dispatching services.