Miami Valley Hospital
7th Floor
DEPT: PATIENT TRANSPORTATION
Full-Time / DAY SHIFT
The Communications Specialist serves as the central coordination point for all air and ground critical care transport requests. This role ensures rapid, accurate, and safe dispatch of medical transport assets while maintaining continuous communication with flight crews, ground teams, referring facilities, emergency services agencies, and internal clinical personnel. Communications Specialists operate in a high-acuity, time critical environment, requiring exceptional multitasking, situational awareness, and sound judgment to support life-saving operations.
Responsibilities
Receive and process emergency and interfacility transport requests.
Dispatch and track aircraft and ground units using CAD, radio, and GPS systems.
Provide flight-following and safety monitoring in accordance with FAA and organizational standards.
Communicate mission details, updates, and logistics between crews and partner agencies.
Document all transport activity accurately in dispatch and medical transport software.
Support safe, efficient operations through exceptional communication and situational awareness.
Knowledge and Skills
Strong multitasking ability in high‑pressure environments
Excellent verbal communication and professional phone/radio etiquette
Situational awareness and rapid decision-making
Proficiency with CAD, radio systems, GPS/AVL tracking, and aviation/EMS communication tools
Understanding of medical terminology, EMS operations, and critical care transport processes
Attention to detail and strong documentation accuracy
Commitment to safety, teamwork, and patient-centered care
N/A
The Communications Specialist responsibilities include answering incoming phone calls from 911 dispatch centers and hospitals, radio communications, monitoring the location and status of both aircraft and ground vehicles, and entering transport requests into the Computer Aided Dispatch program. They work alongside several departments to ensure smooth and efficient use of resources.
Essential Duties & Functions:
Customer Focus: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in services. Acts with customers in mind. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
Deal with Ambiguity: Can effectively cope with change. Can shift gears comfortably. Isn't upset when things are up in the air.
Composure: Is cool under pressure. Does not become defensive or irritated when things are tough. Is considered mature. Can be counted on to hold things together during tough times. Can handle stress. Is a settling influence in a crisis.
Peer Relationships: Is seen as a team player and is cooperative. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration.
Patience: Is tolerant with people and processes. Listens and checks before acting.
Compassion: Genuinely cares about people. Is concerned about their work and non-work problems. Is available and ready to help.
Minimum Education: High School Diploma/GED
Experience/Licensure/Certification:
This position requires certification or knowledge/experience as an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic in the state of Ohio or experience as a Communication Specialist or Emergency Services/911 Dispatcher. A Certified Flight Communicator (CFC/IAMTCS) or Certified Flight Coordinator (CFC/Commlink) certification is required within 1 year from the date started in the Communications Specialist position.