Communications

The Communications Department consists of 2 different job roles Dispatchers and Call Handlers. Providing support to all other agencies within the Festival site for all medical emergencies reported. Working alongside the Ambulance and First Aid teams to ensure the casualty receives the appropriate treatment prior to be being transported to any of the onsite first aid units, Minor Injury Unit or the Hospital.

Being open 24hours throughout the festival the staff works an 8hour shift pattern, each shift being different from the other. Occasionally staff may be required to take on some additional duties, such as advising the hospital of incoming patients; arranging for entrances to the hospital for vehicles are accessible; contacting other agencies for assistance with technical queries.

Listed below are the different roles in which we have in the communications department

Call Handlers

Call handlers are primarily the first point of contact for other agencies requiring medical assistance somewhere within the festival site. The information they are given requires handling correctly as it could be potentially life threatening/changing to the patient. To become a call handler you should be able to do the following:

• Receive incoming calls in a prompt and professional manner, whether it is via radio or telephone.
• To accurately record information via the correct paper based system, ensuring all information required is obtained.
• Provide advice and further assistance to the caller.
• Support the dispatchers during busy and demanding periods.
• Provide any additional administration duties from time to time.

Dispatchers

The Dispatchers role is to use their knowledge and experience to task the appropriate or nearest available unit to an incident, passing all information required to ensure the crew is aware of what they may be dealing with. The dispatcher role involves the following tasks:

• Respond promptly to emergency calls via the radio.
• To accurately record information received.
• Decide grading and priority for medical response, based on information received.
• Provide support and guidance to colleagues both within and outside the control room.
• To perform call handler duties if required.
• To be able to remain calm and focused throughout demanding periods.

If this is a department you believe you could be a part of and have the necessary skills join us, Contact; communications@festival-medical.com  or register your interest in joining us by applying via the front page of the website.