KSSAAT previously used HEMS paramedic dispatchers (HPD) working on a dedicated dispatch desk in the EOC of the local ambulance service to activate the helicopter and its crew. Since January 2016, due to rota constraints and the availability of HEMS paramedics, it was no longer possible to fully cover the HEMS dispatch desk with a designated HEMS paramedic. Other means of specialist dispatch were therefore explored and the trust began training non-clinically trained dispatchers (NCDs) to work on the HEMS dispatch desk. All NCDs came from an ambulance dispatch background, with all candidates having extensive experience of working an ambulance control room. This study compares a total of 20 individual HPDs to 5 NCDs.
At the time of the study, all the NCDs came from a background working in the ambulance service EOC, dispatching land ambulances. As part of their HEMS dispatch training they were put through an induction course, followed by a four-week development period, starting with observation of the dispatch desk progressing to peer supervised practice and culminating in a sign-off assessment undertaken by an operational manager. The NCDs were aided by a bespoke tasking algorithm, devised by the KSSAAT team. The algorithm was based on expert opinion and internal consensus. This algorithm classifies HEMS dispatch into Grade 1 and Grade 2 dispatches for HEMS, based on mechanism of injury, clinical condition of the patient and geographical location. The specifics of the HEMS tasking criteria are shown in Fig.1 . The algorithm is paper based. Whilst listening to the incoming emergency call, dispatchers aim to rapidly identify either one (from Grade 1 criteria list) or two (from Grade 2 criteria list). If these are positively identified, HEMS is dispatched. Grade 1 should be dispatched within 5 min and Grade 2 within 10 min of receipts of 112/999 call.![]()
In order to investigate any association between type of dispatcher and accurate dispatch, a service evaluation of incidents attended by the KSSAAT was undertaken as a prospectively planned project.
At the time of the study, all the NCDs came from a background working in the ambulance service EOC, dispatching land ambulances. As part of their HEMS dispatch training they were put through an induction course, followed by a four-week development period, starting with observation of the dispatch desk progressing to peer supervised practice and culminating in a sign-off assessment undertaken by an operational manager. The NCDs were aided by a bespoke tasking algorithm, devised by the KSSAAT team. The algorithm was based on expert opinion and internal consensus. This algorithm classifies HEMS dispatch into Grade 1 and Grade 2 dispatches for HEMS, based on mechanism of injury, clinical condition of the patient and geographical location. The specifics of the HEMS tasking criteria are shown in Fig.
KSSAAT HEMS tasking criteria used by non-clinical HEMS dispatchers. Grade 1 dispatch requires a single trigger to be met. Grade 2 dispatch requires two triggers to be met
In order to investigate any association between type of dispatcher and accurate dispatch, a service evaluation of incidents attended by the KSSAAT was undertaken as a prospectively planned project.
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