Acute Care Transport Coordinator

Acute Care Transport Coordinator

The Acute Care Transport Coordinator is responsible for coordinating patient transport between Emory Healthcare facilities and from outside hospitals to designated Emory locations and other destinations. This role ensures the efficient, safe, and timely movement of patients by coordinating closely with the Capacity Command Center, EMS personnel, healthcare providers, and other operational stakeholders.

The Transport Coordinator serves as the central point of communication for all transport-related activities, prioritizing requests based on patient acuity and operational needs while ensuring optimal utilization of transport resources. This role also ensures compliance with applicable protocols, policies, and regulatory requirements while supporting continuous improvement in patient transport operations.

Responsibilities

Transport Coordination

• Receive, evaluate, and prioritize incoming transport requests from hospitals and healthcare facilities.
• Coordinate and dispatch ambulances and other medical transport vehicles based on urgency, patient condition, and resource availability.
• Plan and coordinate interfacility transports and patient discharge transportation.
• Ensure accurate documentation of transport requests, vehicle movements, and operational updates.

Communication and Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact between EMS teams, Capacity Command Center staff, healthcare providers, patients, and families.
• Provide timely updates regarding the status and progress of transport requests.
• Collaborate with Command Center personnel to identify and resolve transport-related delays or operational challenges.

Resource Management

• Monitor availability of ambulances, transport vehicles, and EMS personnel.
• Coordinate scheduling to optimize response times and operational efficiency.
• Assist with allocation of specialized transport resources for critical or high-risk patients.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all transport operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as organizational policies and protocols.
• Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for safe and compliant transport operations.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives to enhance transport safety and efficiency.

Documentation and Reporting

• Record and maintain patient transport information including patient demographics, medical history, and current health status when applicable.
• Document transport operations including dispatch details, routes, timing, and incidents.
• Track and report performance indicators related to response times, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes.
• Ensure all transport-related documentation is accurate and maintained in accordance with compliance standards.

Collaboration

• Work closely with Capacity Command Center staff, EMS personnel, hospital departments, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless patient transfers.
• Collaborate with logistics, administration, and other operational teams to support transport operations.
• Participate in team meetings, training programs, and emergency preparedness exercises.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong customer service focus.
• Ability to remain calm and make critical decisions under pressure.
• Proficiency with dispatch systems, scheduling tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare operations.
• Understanding of patient acuity and transport prioritization.
• Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's degree or higher in EMS, healthcare management, or a related healthcare field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of EMS or Public Safety experience as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) or similar role preferred.

Licensure and Certification

• Previous National Registry certification or state licensure as:
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Advanced EMT (AEMT)
• Paramedic
• Certification highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The EMS Transport Coordinator must be a proactive problem solver capable of addressing operational challenges in patient transport coordination. The role requires the ability to develop solutions that improve transport processes, enhance patient care coordination, and streamline communication across EMS teams, healthcare providers, and command center staff.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to work autonomously while maintaining collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium Max 25lbs): up to 25 lbs., 0-33% of the workday (occasionally) Lifting 25 lbs. max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs.; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, Communicable diseases, Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare's Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.