EOC EMD Survey

EOC EMD Survey

A survey has recently been conducted by UNISON for Emergency Medical Dispatch members within EOC to capture their views on several aspects of their working environment. From the many responses received UNISON have collated the information and arranged the responses into themes, with some extracts quoted to highlight the general issues.

The general consensus was a shortage of staff and a lack of support along with an increase in demand which was contributing to pressures within the EOC department with one member stating, ‘If staffing levels were adequate It is a good place to be’

The majority of respondents felt they would feel their pressure would be lessened by more team leader support with many suggesting additional clinical support would be helpful, particularly in times where call disconnect is in operation. Several concerns were aired in terms of breaks.   A summary is listed below;

  • a lack of recognition for the EMD role
  • a lack of support after difficult calls
  • Issues with coding.
  • The flashing wall boards are not helpful when call volumes are high.
  • Many members indicated the boards increase their stress levels and suggest management only should view the wall boards

Members have suggested their environment would be benefitted by;

  • Generally more support from management/ TL/D
  • More clinical support
  • More TL involvement
  • More floor walking
  • Increased staffing levels
  • A return of 1:1 meetings
  • Have clinicians floor walking
  • An assistant who calls police, fire etc
  • more definitive guidelines would be helpful for call disconnect
  • Increase support after traumatic/stressful calls- particularly for York EOC.
  • VDU breaks

These responses, plus many other questions raised at the EOC EMD meeting have been presented to management and each issue will be discussed along with the outcomes of the survey. These will be forwarded to members in due course.

For any ongoing issues please contact your local representative or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance.

Thank you to all members who took part in the survey.

UNISON Branch Committee.

Download attachments:
back to top