International Academies of Emergency Dispatch | Eligibility, Requirements, Cost

The International Association of Emergency Dispatchers (IAED) is a non-profit standard-setting organization dedicated to promoting safe and effective emergency dispatch services around the world.

The IAED, comprised of three allied Academies for medical, fire, and police dispatching, promotes first-responder research, unified protocol implementation, legislation for emergency call center regulation, and the strengthening of the emergency dispatch community through education, certification, and accreditation.

This article highlights information about International Academies of Emergency Dispatch eligibility, requirements, and cost of each of the IAED certification courses. Stay with me!

What is the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch?

The IAED is a non-profit organization that promotes safe and effective emergency dispatch systems around the world. The IAED supports first-responder-related research, unified protocol application, legislation for emergency call center regulation, and strengthening the emergency dispatch community through education, certification, and accreditation.

It is made up of three allied Academies for medical, fire, and police dispatching. Manatee County ECC was named the world’s 13th Tri-Accredited Center of Excellence in Police, Fire, and Medical Dispatch Protocols in November of 2017.

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IAED Accreditation

Accreditation of an emergency dispatch center or other public safety agency is a tried and true way to improve the accuracy, effectiveness, and efficiency of emergency call systems, as well as the overall quality of public safety and patient care. Accreditation requires dispatch agencies to adhere to the highest level of care and practice available.

The International Academy of Emergency Dispatch officially recognizes the Manatee County Emergency Communications Center as a Tri-accredited Center of Excellence in police, fire, and medical disciplines for meeting the highest level of standards outlined in the Academy’s Twenty Points of Accreditation.

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Why Attend International Academies of Emergency Dispatch?

International Academies of Emergency Dispatch provides online classes and training in 27 different qualifications which include Certified Emergency Telecommunicator, Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certificate, and 1-100 for Healthcare / Hospitals. Depending on the qualification.

It also serves as the only standard organization environment that identifies the need for researches, produces, and maintains standards for emergency dispatch globally.

Moreso, attending 1AED will give you the opportunity to meet emergency dispatch expertise because it brings together from different parts of the world experts with specific knowledge and expertise in all areas of emergency dispatch, including medical, fire, police, and now nurse triage.

Another benefit of attending International Academies of Emergency Dispatch is that the academy has good teachers, right and conducive learning environments, helpful career services, and can prepare anyone for a good career life.

What Are The Requirements For International Academies Of Emergency Dispatch?

The requirements for IAED differ. It varies based on the IAED qualification you want. Here, I have broken down the different qualifications: certification course and their requirements. Let’s go!

1. Medical: The Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) 

The Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) has long been identified as a crucial element of efficient EMS systems. Accurate and effective training, as well as a sound Medical Protocol, enable EMDs to provide quality care to the public in need of emergency medical services.

People who participated who successfully complete the three-day course will be eligible for certification from the International Academy of EMD. To be EMD-certified, the applicant must also be CPR-certified by the National Safety Council, the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the European Resuscitation Council, or an equivalent organization. We recommend that you complete this training before attending the EMD course.

What is required:

• Capable of reading and writing at the high school or GED level.
• Completed an IAED-approved EMD Course and passed a 50-question written certification exam with a score of at least 80 percent.
• CPR certification is required.
• Retests are available over the phone for $30 USD.

2. Fire: Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD)

The Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD), using the FPDSTM, brings structured call processing science to the fire-rescue field. After completing this course, students will have the confidence to use the protocols even in the busiest of communication centers.

What is required:

• Capable of reading and writing at the high school or GED level.
• Completed an IAED-approved EFD Course and passed a 50-question written certification exam with at least an 80 percent score.
• Retests are available over the phone for $30 USD.

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3. The IAED’s “Fourth Pillar of Care” is the Emergency Communication Nurse SystemTM (ECNSTM)

The ECNS is a second-tier medical telephonic triage system that processes low-acuity calls for appropriate dispositions that best meet the patient’s needs using LowCodeTM software.

LowCode is a Clinical Support Decision Software that contains over 200 symptom-based protocols governed by the same processes and rigor as the IAED’s other disciplines.

What is Required:

• Active and unencumbered Registered Nurse license in the state(s) in which he or she will practice.
• It is recommended that you have five years of experience as an RN in an acute care setting.
• Completed an IAED-approved EMD Course in which the applicant has completed a 50-question written certification exam with a score of at least 80% and any other IAED requirements to fulfill the EMD certification.
• Current CPR Certification.
• Retests are available by phone for a $30 USD fee.

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4. ED-Q certification

It is the cornerstone of quality assurance. This intensive training program provides: Using innovative, instructor-led multimedia learning technology, this intensive training program provides the tools and knowledge required to properly evaluate and score the six elements of Emergency Priority Dispatch Systems.

It also provides methods for assessing effective performance and capability to create and implement a quality management records system.

What is Required:

• Current IAED certification in the discipline for which you are seeking ED-Q certification.
• If you want to pursue EMD-Q® certification, you must first obtain EMD certification.
• If you want to become an EFD-QTM, you must first obtain EFD certification.
• If you want to pursue EPD-QTM certification, you must first obtain EPD certification.
• Experience with online dispatch as an IAED-certified dispatcher (EMD, EFD, EPD).
• Current MPDS, FPDS, or PPDS agency licensing (cardsets and/or ProQA® software).

5. ETC

The ETC is a 40-hour program developed by the IAED to educate new employees on emergency communication centers, emergency telecommunication technology, interpersonal communication, legal issues, and job stress factors.

What is Required:

• Capable of reading and writing at the high school or GED level.
• Complete an ETC course taught by an IAED-Certified Instructor that meets the formal IAED recommendations outlining the standard of care for ETC.
• Complete the IAED’s written Certification Exam with a minimum score of 80%. Retests are available for a fee of $30 USD if 80 percent is not achieved.
• Accept the Academy’s Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, and professional practice standards as binding.
• Fill out the application form found at the back of the ETC Course Manual and return it to us. The application fee for certification is included in the price of the course manual.

How Long Is The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch?

Time to complete IAED education training ranges from 16 hours to 3 months depending on the qualification, with a median time to completion of 1 week.

Breaking it down:

• Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) takes 3 days to complete.
• Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) takes 8 hours.
• Emergency Communication Nurse System™ (ECNS™) will take 24 hours.
•  ETC will take 40 hours.

How Do I Apply To The International Academies Of Emergency Dispatch Recertification?

Application for recertification is easy. This is because the basic requirements can be gotten easily.

Now, because IAED Certification for medical, fire, police, and nurse triage dispatch are valid for only two years (unless revoked or suspended), a recertification process is in place to help you continue your professional advancement when it’s time.

To start with, the easiest way to start is by visiting the College of Emergency Dispatch.

Application Process Requirements

The member will be required to recertify every two years. Recertification is the responsibility of each member; as a result, members must keep track of their own expiration dates and continue their dispatch education. Recertification submissions cannot be accepted more than 6 months before the expiration date of your recertification.

The recertification exam is an open-protocol exam that must be passed with at least an 80 percent score. If 80 percent is not achieved, IAED will send a notification with details for retesting.

For EMD, EFD, EPD

To apply for any of this IAED recertification, you must do the following:

• Submit proof of required Continuing Dispatch Education (CDE) during the two-year recertification period.
• Submit proof that your CPR certification (or course completion) is still valid for EMD.
• Submit the completed recertification application and exam and the $55 USD recertification fee. (The recertification fee is not included in the tuition paid to attend an IAED-approved refresher course or one day of an EMD, EFD, EPD, or ECN certification course.)
• Complete the additional two-hour computer-based training, the Advanced Training Lessons, and submit the Advanced EMD, EFD, EPD, or ECN completion printout to IAED if it has not already been completed.

For EMD

• During the 2-year recertification period, submit verification of 24 hours of CDE. Each credit hour is calculated based on one hour of participation.
• Please provide a copy of a valid CPR card that meets the National Safety Council, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, European Resuscitation Council, or equivalent standards.
• Complete the IAED’s 50-question “open protocol” correspondence recertification exam with a score of at least 80% (retests are available for a $30 USD fee).
• Submit your $55 USD recertification fee (dues, postage, and test processing) along with your completed recertification application.

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For EFD

• During the 2-year recertification period, submit verification of 24 hours of CDE. Each credit hour is calculated based on one hour of participation.
• Complete the IAED’s “open protocol” 50-question correspondence recertification exam with an 80 percent or higher (retests are available for a $30 USD fee).
• Submit your $55 USD recertification fee (dues, postage, and test processing) along with your completed recertification application. If you attend an IAED-approved recertification course, this fee is sometimes included in the course tuition.

For EPD

• During the 2-year recertification period, submit verification of 24 hours of CDE. Each credit hour is calculated based on one hour of involvement.
• Complete the IAED’s “open protocol” 50-question correspondence recertification exam with an 80 percent or higher (retests are available for a $30 USD fee).
• Submit your $55 USD recertification fee (dues, postage, and test processing) along with your completed recertification application. If you attend an IAED-approved recertification course, this fee is sometimes included in the course tuition.

For ECN

• EMD certification is still valid (and recertification per IAED requirements, including 24 hours of CDE for EMD).
• During the 2-year recertification period, submit verification of an additional 12 hours of nursing CDE. Each credit hour is calculated based on one hour of participation.
• Complete the IAED’s ECNS “open protocol” 50-question correspondence recertification exam with an 80 percent or higher (retests are available for a $30 USD fee).
• Submit your fee (dues, postage, and test processing) to the IAED along with your completed recertification application. If you attend an IAED-approved recertification course, this fee is sometimes included in the course tuition.

Full Guide International Academies of Emergency Dispatch website.

How Do I Get EMD Certified?

For the International Academy of EMD certification, you must finish the 3-day training. CPR certification from the National Safety Council, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, European Resuscitation Council, or equivalent is required to be EMD-certified. This training should be completed before attending the EMD course.

How Much Does It cost For EMD Certification?

Attending International Academies of Emergency Dispatch ranges from $30 to $1,800 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $400. When asked how they paid for their training, most reviewers responded, “My Company paid for my training”.

How Many Hours Is EMD Training?

Basically, Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification (EMD) is a 24-hour core certification program designed to meet or exceed all existing medical standards.

How Long Is EMD Certification Good For?

Considering the rigorous training and courses, the Emergency Medical Dispatch certifications take two years to complete. And also because IAED Certification for medical, fire, police, and nurse triage dispatch are valid for only two years (unless revoked or suspended), a recertification process is in place to help you continue your professional advancement when it’s time.

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What Is IAED Certification?

The IAED certification helps emergency dispatchers enhance and evaluate their skills so that they can better manage callers through difficult emergencies. The certification ensures that excellent customer service, care, and public safety standards are met.

Individuals who want to become certified should first take courses in medical, fire, or police dispatching, as well as nurse triage, which were established under the direction of the IAED’s Boards of Curriculum.

These seminars offer 24 hours of hands-on training and plenty of opportunities to study and perform scientifically established techniques.

Dispatchers must pass a written exam after finishing the course to receive certification. Certified dispatchers receive enhanced competency, professional pride, and self-confidence, all of which are important attributes in dealing with stressful situations. You must be certified to utilize any of the IAED Priority Dispatch SystemsTM.

To apply, the following prerequisites and information are necessary to adhere to:

• Able to read and write at a high school graduate or GED level.
• Completed an IAED-approved EMD Course in which the applicant has completed a 50-question written certification exam with a score of at least 80%.
• Have CPR Certification.
• Retests are available by phone for a $30 USD fee.

Note, the CPR training must be completed before attending the EMD course; however, CPR certification completed after the course date will still be accepted. IAED Certification is valid for two years, beginning the day the test is taken and expiring the last day of that month two years later.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

References

• emergencydispatch.org – CERTIFICATION: ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN EXCEPTIONAL CARE STANDARDS
• danville-va.gov – NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF EMERGENCY DISPATCH
• mymanatee.org – INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF EMERGENCY DISPATCH (IAED)
• indeed.com – International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, Salt Lake City, UT

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