How do I become an Emergency Medical Controller?

The Emergency Medical Controller  (EMC), also known as the Emergency Call Taker, operates in a communications command and control centre environment in order to control efficiently and effectively the emergency ambulance, intermediate care and first responder services for service users and to cater for the communications needs of the Health Service.

Full training is provided to all EMC’s when they join the service and EMC’s complete a specialised certificate as part of the initial 8 weeks training program. This programme also includes a mentoring phase of 4 weeks where the new EMC actively learns to take calls in a live environment guided and overseen by an experienced EMC.

For more information on Education and Training Standards, please visit the website Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) website.

Additional information on the profession can be found on the National Ambulance Service website or you can visit the Careers Portal Website.

Your role with the HSE

The role and purpose of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) is to provide a clinically appropriate and timely pre-hospital patient care and transportation service.

EMC’s are responsible for efficient and effective emergency calls taking and managing related calls and requests in order to meet service user’s needs in a timely manner and within the framework of policies, procedures and guidelines. This includes processing both pre hospital emergency 999 calls from the community, interhospital transfers, alternative pathways, doctor referrals and calls from other emergency services.

The EMC has a key role in delivering an effective response to emergencies within an established set of performance indicator response times. Additionally, the EMC will have a key role in the future operation of alternative referral pathways.

Ambulance vehicles

Career Progression

There are a variety of promotional opportunities within the NAS such as Supervisory and Management Positions.

Career Progression Pathway;

  • Emergency Medical Controller
  • Emergency Medical Dispatcher
  • Aeromedical Dispatcher

Management Pathway

  • Control Supervisor
  • Control Manager

Educational Pathway

There are also opportunities available for education roles.

Further training and Development

 

HSeLanD is the HSE portal which offers an array of training and development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting www.hseland.ie

PHECC also offers guidance on education and training, please visit their website for more information.

Other examples of professional development activities include access to excellent HSE library services, further training and educational opportunities, attendance at conferences, webinars and workshops, engaging in mentoring and supervision, keeping up with the latest information about the profession through specialised newsletters, blogs and podcasts.

Staff Benefits and Testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

Please click on the below link to find out more about Emergency Medical Controller roles:

Niamh, Emergency Medical Controller, National Ambulance Service

See Pay scales – HSE Staff