Emergency Medical Dispatcher- Call Handler

He aha te tūranga - About the role:

Our Call Handlers play a vital role at Hato Hone St John as part of our dedicated Ambulance Communications team. Based in the modern and easily accessible Justice Services Emergency Precinct in the Christchurch CBD, this role is at the frontline of emergency response.

We will have x4 cohorts of Call Handlers hired during 2026. This intake has a scheduled start date of October 5th.

As an Emergency Medical Dispatcher – Call Handler, you will answer and triage incoming emergency calls using a scripted system, along with a range of other key responsibilities, including:

• Be the calm, reassuring voice for callers during emergencies, providing empathetic and efficient support in high-pressure situations
• Gather and accurately enter important information into the ProQA system to help ensure the right help is sent quickly
• Provide clear, step-by-step emergency instructions, including CPR, childbirth, and bleeding control, to support callers until help arrives
• Stay professional and composed while managing challenging calls, delivering a consistently high standard of service
• Work as part of a 24/7 team, with shift work that includes nights, weekends, public holidays, and special occasions, and be comfortable moving from one call to the next without receiving patient outcome updates

Ko wai koe - About you:

• Experience in a fast-paced, customer-focused role, with strong verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to stay calm, professional, and empathetic when handling highly stressful and emotionally challenging situations
• Resilience and emotional intelligence, with the capacity to manage exposure to serious trauma on a regular basis
• Confidence using computer systems, including working across multiple screens, with accurate typing speed of at least 35 WPM and the ability to quickly learn new systems and processes
• The ability to follow structured processes and procedures, along with eligibility to work in New Zealand as a Citizen or Permanent Resident

Our recruitment process involves several stages and may take some time to complete — we genuinely appreciate your patience throughout. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply 

Click “I’m interested” before applications close on 21 June 2026. Applications are assessed as they come through so don't delay and get yours in as soon as possible.  

For further information please contact Recruitment Advisor Jess McKenzie on Jess.McKenzie@stjohn.org.nz for a confidential discussion.  

 
At Hato Hone St John, we embrace diversity, welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs. 

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rerekētanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai.  E āwhinatia e mātou I ngā whakaaro rerekē, kia mahi pai I roto I ngā hāpori katoa.  Ko tā mātou nei haepapa, kia hanga tētahi āhuru mōwai mā tatou, kia mahi haumaru ai.  

 

If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process. 

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.