Emergency Communications Specialist - EMS LifeEvac
 Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems | |
 United States, Virginia, Richmond | |
 Aug 26, 2026 | |
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At VCU Health's LifeEvac, every second matters. This isn't your typical dispatch role. You'll be at the center of emergency medical operations, coordinating communications between EMS providers, emergency departments, flight crews, hospitals, and public safety partners to ensure critically ill and injured patients receive timely, specialized care. Whether you're receiving emergency reports from EMS, directing helicopter operations, coordinating multi-aircraft missions, or dispatching ground transportation, you'll play a vital role in supporting one of the region's premier academic medical centers. It's a fast-paced environment where teamwork, quick thinking, and strong communication skills make all the difference.
You'll play an important role in keeping emergency operations running smoothly by: * Receiving emergency patient reports from EMS agencies by phone and radio for both VCU Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Richmond. * Accurately documenting patient information in Epic while helping activate Trauma, Stroke, STEMI, and other critical alerts. * Serving as the communication link between EMS crews and emergency department staff to ensure everyone has the information they need. * Coordinating helicopter operations, including flight requests, flight following, and communication with landing zones and hospital teams. * Dispatching ground ambulance resources throughout the VCU Health system. * Monitoring emergency operations and helping maintain situational awareness across helipads, ambulance entrances, and emergency access points. * Working closely with air medical crews, hospitals, and regional EMS partners to coordinate patient transport safely and efficiently. This position offers far more than traditional emergency dispatching. You'll become part of a highly specialized communications team supporting both EMS and air medical operations while gaining unique experiences rarely available in similar roles. As part of the LifeEvac team, you'll have opportunities to: * Earn your IAMTCS Certified Flight Communicator certification. * Learn the aviation side of emergency medicine and grow into an Aviation Communications Specialist. * Participate in cadaver labs, simulation training, landing zone classes, and continuing education alongside our flight crews. * Take part in survival training, Shallow Water Egress Training (SWET), ride-alongs, and community outreach events. * Work in a collaborative environment with a small, supportive team that values learning and professional growth. We're looking for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments and can remain calm under pressure while managing multiple priorities simultaneously. Successful team members have strong communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to quickly process complex information to support critical patient care decisions. Whether your background is in EMS, emergency dispatch, public safety communications, healthcare, or another high-acuity setting, you'll join a team that plays a critical role in helping patients get the care they need when they need it most. Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire: Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) Licensure or Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment: Maintained EMT-B certification CPR Certified Flight Communicator Course (sponsored by the International Association of Medical Transport Communication Specialists) is required within 2 years of hire. Experience REQUIRED: Minimum of one year of active emergency medical services (EMS) experience or 911 dispatch experience. Experience PREFERRED: Two (2) yeas of active EMS or communications center experience. Education/training REQUIRED: High school graduate or GED Education/training PREFERRED: Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification (EMD) Independent action(s) required: Work is performed in a complex environment that includes emergency ambulance and helicopter dispatch operations. The Communications Specialist I provides oversight of ground ambulance operations in the Communications Center and assumes responsibility for overall performance of the shift. Must demonstrate sustained proficiency in multi-tasking and effective communication skills focused on customer service. Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable): N/A Additional position requirements: Rotational hours (Day, Evening, Night) Hours may vary and shift holdovers may be necessary to assist the team when emergency call volume is high. Age Specific groups served: All Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate): Activities: Prolonged sitting, Repetitive motion Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem-solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Able to adapt to frequent change Compensation Range $19.87 - $30.79Actual salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications. EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran | |