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Emergency Medical Dispatcher

ANZSCO 253912

An Emergency Medical Dispatcher answers emergency calls, prioritises responses, and provides advice while paramedics are en route.

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • SA
  • 10,000 people employed in Australia
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

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Common questions

In Australia, a full time Emergency Medical Dispatcher generally earns $1,300 per week ($67,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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There has been a strong increase in employment numbers in this sector over the last five years. There are currently 19,700 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher. Emergency Medical Dispatchers may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly in larger towns and cities where emergency dispatch centres are located.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

A Certificate IV in Health Care is an ideal qualification if you’re interested in a career as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher. You’ll learn to respond to a range of medical emergencies and cover subjects including communicating in complex situations and managing personal stress.

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

Further reading

How to start a career as a Medical Receptionist

7th December 2021

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All emergency medical dispatcher courses

Emergency Medical Dispatcher careers

An Emergency Medical Dispatcher answers emergency calls for assistance and sends ambulance crews to respond. You’ll find out information about the nature of the emergency and the condition of any casualties. Emergency Medical Dispatchers often provide advice or instructions to callers while they wait for paramedics to arrive. Part of your role is to prioritise the need for assistance from the calls you receive.

Emergency Medical Dispatchers should have strong communication skills and be able to make decisions quickly. You’ll need to remain calm in stressful situations and deal well with pressure. Emergency Medical Dispatchers will need a strong understanding of emergency medicine and should be able to deal with a wide range of emergency situations.