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Home > Ambulance Academy > Young adults > Jobs in the ambulance service > Roles > Emergency medical advisor (EMA)

Emergency medical advisor (EMA)

Emergency medical advisors work in a busy call centre environment with a difference; answering emergency calls from the public and healthcare professionals.

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Emergency medical advisors work in a busy call centre environment with a difference; answering emergency calls from the public and healthcare professionals.

Many callers will be scared and anxious. You will use your skills to reassure them and get crucial information about their illness or injury. You will give instructions to the caller so they can help the patient and, when an ambulance isn’t needed, you will give self-care advice.

Each day in the life of an emergency medical advisor is different. Some days you’ll find yourself giving CPR instructions or telling the caller how to safely deliver a baby. Other days you will help someone who has had a nasty fall, or give advice when someone is feeling well. No matter what, each day you’ll be the reassuring voice on the other end of the phone for someone who needs help.

Our emergency service is open to the public 24/7, so shift patterns for emergency call advisors cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year, including evenings, nights, early starts, weekends and bank holidays.

Full training for the role will be provided, which takes six weeks to complete. Following the initial training, you will be placed with a mentor for three weeks and, when you are ready, you will answer your first 999 call.

The role can be demanding but incredibly rewarding and you can end your shift knowing that you have made a difference in people’s lives.

Entry Requirements

  • Educated to GCSE standard (or equivalent qualifications).
  • Previous experience of working within a call centre environment would be advantageous.
  • Excellent keyboard and computer skills – minimum speed of 30 words per minute applicants will be tested as part of the assessment process.
  • Excellent listening skills.
  • Computer literate (including Microsoft packages).
  • Excellent communication and caring skills, with a willingness to work within our values

Also in this section

  • Emergency medical technicians (EMT)

  • Emergency medical advisor (EMA)

  • Paramedic

  • NHS 111 health advisor

  • Ambulance care assistant (PTS)

  • Behind the scenes

  • Apprenticeships

  • Current vacancies


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