Emergency medical dispatcher

In this role you could:

• keep the caller calm to find out the location, details of what happened and condition of the patient
•  give first aid advice to people facing life-threating situations
•  decide which crew and vehicles to dispatch based on the situation and who is nearest
•  contact the crew and pass on essential information
•  create a record of calls

• customer service skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of public safety and security 
• administration skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

With experience, you could become a team leader or control room superintendent.

You could also do additional training to become an emergency care assistant or paramedic.