Communication Center
The communication center has been awarded the Accredited Center of
Excellence from the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (NAEMD). Sunstar
EMS is the 34th communication center in the world to achieve this honor!
The Sunstar
Communication Center is among the best dispatch centers in the world. Utilizing computer
aided dispatch systems, Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) and System Status Management,
we effectively cover Florida's most densely populated county. With our dedicated staff of
System Status Controllers (SSC's) and a fleet of 55 paramedic ambulances, we process an
average of 500 calls a day.
Sunstar's Communications Center includes ten High-tech workstations that run state of
the art Zoll Data System's RescueNet
computer aided dispatch (CAD) and a Geographical Information System (GIS). The GIS works
in conjunction with the Automated Vehicle Locators on all of our ambulances. The
communication center tracks each of our ambulances and our customers get the closest,
appropriate ambulance in response to their 9-1-1 emergency.
Another program of value to our customers is Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). 9-1-1
callers are routed to our center and lifesaving "Pre-arrival" instructions are
started while rescue units are enroute to the call. Our Paramedic/SSC's have been honored
as the State of Florida Dispatcher of the Year every year, but two, since its inception in
1992!
SSC’s are the most qualified frontline employees at Sunstar. All SSC’s are
nationally, state and county certified Paramedics, with at least 24 months of field
experience. In addition, they are certified as an American Heart Association CPR
Instructor, and a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Dispatcher (NAEMD). Having
experienced paramedics as emergency medical dispatchers provides an extra benefit to the
patient receiving 9-1-1 Pre-arrival Instructions. The Paramedic emergency medical
dispatchers are able to provide additional insight and have an increased awareness of the
situation. Experienced Paramedics enable patients to receive a higher level of care
"over the phone" before anyone arrives at their side. This additional
information in conjunction with established NAEMD protocols, provide state-of-the-art
9-1-1 Pre-arrival Instructions to the citizens of Pinellas County over 200 times a day.
On the job training is provided in system status management, proper dispatch
procedures, map reading, data entry and customer service. Our Paramedic/SSC's have the
option of working full-time in the Communications Center or a 50/50 rotation that includes
alternating two weeks in the Communications Center and two weeks in the field.
