Emergency Telecommunications EMT

Holland Code: CRI (Conventional, Realistic, Investigative)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program.
Please see website for details.

Literacy Grade 12 English is required  (min grade of 65%) . Strong reading, comprehension, and spelling skills are needed.

Math & Science Interest and ability in anatomy and geography would be beneficial preparation for this program.

Technology Basic computer skills recommended (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, checking student portal daily). A keyboarding competency of 35 wpm is required to complete the program. It is recommended that applicants have previous keyboarding experience.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• The ability to remain calm during busy periods and emergency situations
• The flexibility required to deal with the unexpected
• Polite and empathetic
• Able to handle emotional stress
• Positive and professional attitude
• A good memory for details and procedures
• Good judgment and decision making skills
• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to listen to incoming requests for service and dispatch services at the same time (multi-tasking skills)
• The ability to work well in a team environment
• Ability to transition between periods of low activity and periods of intense activity

Useful background experience for this program would be

Previous work in high volume call centre experience, or previous work in multi-tasking environments (food service, call centres, etc.).

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Police, Fire, or Ambulance Communications Officer; Security Dispatch; Truck dispatching (delivery, tow, etc.); Patient Transfer service (call taking and dispatching); or Taxi services (call taking and dispatching).

Places you may find yourself employed include

Police, fire or health departments; or emergency service agencies.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Shift work - night, holiday, and weekend work may be required
• Required to sit for long periods of time
• May be stressful when dealing with emergency situations
• Working with high levels of technology
• Work alone or as part of a team depending on call volume/workplace

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Monitor the workloads, locations and safety of field personnel
• Process and transmit information to field personnel via radio or computer-aided dispatch systems
• Advise personnel about traffic problems such as construction areas, accidents, congestion, weather conditions or other hazards
• Maintain work records and prepare reports (for example, incident reports, complaint forms)
• Keep records and logs to document calls
• Take calls via telephone or alarm systems
• Make decisions regarding the relative priorities of emergencies
• Contact field personnel
• Keep in touch with personnel being dispatched to send further information
• Answer questions and ensure the safety of the unit and caller
• Provide instructions to the callers as required
• Co-ordinate services from other agencies
• Relay information to hospital emergency rooms
• Participate in quality assurance processes

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• APCO – Association of Public Safety Communications Officials
• Emergency Management Ontario

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Click on the links below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.

Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: June 1, 2022