Learn about the BCEHS Emergency Medical Call Taker (EMCT) application process.
1Decide if a career as an EMCT is right for you
Learn about the role and responsibilities of an
Emergency Medical Call Taker.
2Ensure you meet the required qualifications
Make sure you read the
qualifications and confirm you meet them before applying.
You may be asked to provide a valid Standard First Aid Certificate (or higher level such as Occupational First Aid 2 (OFA2) Certificate) along with a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR-C) prior to the posting closing date.
3Apply online
You can view Emergency Medical Call Taker job postings that are open to the public. To apply, you must submit your application online and follow the instructions in the job posting to send in your required certifications.
If there are no current postings, you can still create a profile and set up notifications. This way, you'll be alerted when a position becomes available.
4Review of resumes
If your resume shows you meet the qualifications, we’ll contact you about the next steps in the hiring process.
5Testing
BCEHS uses a program called Criticall which is an online simulation of the computerized technology of an emergency dispatch environment testing the skills and abilities necessary for success as an EMCT.
Qualified applicants will be invited to complete various testing to demonstrate their ability to perform the functions of the role. An online proctored assessment (CritiCall) will test skills such as: keyboarding (typing speed and accuracy), decision making, data entry, call summarization, cross referencing, character composition, memory recall, prioritization, spelling, sentence clarity, and reading comprehension.
Knowledge of medical terminology is beneficial, but not required.
6
Double Plug In (DPI) observational shift
Candidates who pass the CritiCall test will be invited the Dispatch Operations Center (DOC) for a required in-person they applied to for an in-person shift. During this six-hour “double plug-in” shift, they’ll observe how the dispatch centre operates and shadow an Emergency Medical Call Taker (EMCT). This step is mandatory for all applicants, whether internal or external. Please note: BCEHS does not organize, arrange, pay for, or reimburse any travel related expenses.
DPIs are an opportunity for the candidate to experience ‘the day in the life’ of an EMCT and the Dispatch centres. This will also be a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and engage with those already in the role.
7Character-based interview
Candidates selected for next steps after a successful DPI will then be contacted for an interview with management at the DOC they applied to.
Interviews will include a character assessment, a review relevant previous experience and a chance for you to ask leadership any questions you have about the role or BCEHS.
8Conditional offer
If you are selected after the interview, you may receive a Conditional Offer of Employment. This offer depends on passing a pre-employment medical assessment, hearing exam, reference check, and criminal record check (through the Ministry of Justice), all before your scheduled start date.
9Final offer letter and full hire
Once all required clearances are received on time, the applicant will be eligible to be hired. All new hires must be available to work from the stated date of hire, have continued open availability, and understand that time off won't be approved during the first 100 days.
Congratulations, you’ve been hired! Welcome to the BCEHS Dispatch family.
BCEHS will kick off your career with support, training and growth opportunities in the many years ahead.
Note: If you don’t pass any part of the hiring process, you’ll need to wait six months before applying for the Emergency Medical Call Taker role again—no matter the location.
