Describe and explain the key features of at least three healthcare occupations.

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Deborah Sharples                                                                24th April 2005

3.1

Describe and explain the key features of at least three healthcare occupations.

Emergency Medical Dispatcher. (EMD)

The role of an EMD is to answer urgent calls made to 999. Working as part of a team you would be expected to take all the essential details some times from a caller who is very distressed so you must be able to stay calm and be reassuring. You would then have to decide on the type of response needed, ambulance, rapid response car, motorcycle or paramedic helicopter.

Entry requirements are GCSE English, Maths, Science and a typing qualification. You should have more developed computer skills as the relaying of calls is computer based.

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You may also need knowledge of map reading and local geography as not all accidents happen in the home; you may get a call needing medical help from somebody up on a mountain or in an isolated area. If you were able to speak another language, this would be an advantage.

Training would either be ‘on the job’, classroom based or ‘in house’. You will be trained to use the switchboard and radio and any other equipment you may need. You will need to learn how to prioritise calls, the work of A & E crews, how to give advice ...

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