Have You Thought of Being a Dispatcher?
The first and most important thing to do is to research the agency you are planning to work for.
In this way you will gain the knowledge needed for that agency.
In a world where safety and urgency are paramount, the role of a 911 emergency dispatcher is more crucial than ever.
As society evolves, the demand for alert, responsive, and composed professionals to manage and coordinate our emergency responses grows stronger.
What is truly expected from a 911 emergency dispatcher?
911 Emergency Dispatchers perform crucial tasks related to receiving emergency calls and dispatching necessary services in a timely and effective manner.
They act as the critical link between the public and emergency services such as fire, police, and medical services.
Their duties and responsibilities include but are not limited too:
- Answer incoming emergency calls, including calls for medical assistance, fires, assaults, burglaries, and car accidents
- Evaluate emergency situations and prioritize emergency dispatch according to the severity and urgency of the situation
- Provide immediate over-the-phone instructions for emergency medical situations, such as CPR
- Dispatch appropriate emergency services to the scene, including police, fire, and medical services
- Coordinate and communicate with multiple service providers simultaneously
- Document all call information, including time of call, nature of emergency, and actions taken, into computer systems for record-keeping purposes
- Keep callers calm and collected during emergency situations and provide reassurance until help arrives
- Provide critical information to emergency response personnel and update them on situation changes as necessary
- Undergo regular training to stay updated on emergency procedures and protocols
The dispatcher’s primary responsibility is to receive emergency and non-emergency calls, assess the required service, and dispatch the appropriate response teams.
Our ideal candidate should be calm under pressure, have excellent communication skills, and be able to effectively coordinate and prioritize multiple emergency situations.
Ultimately, the role of the 911 Emergency Dispatcher is to ensure fast and appropriate assistance to people in emergency situations.
- Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and record significant information
- Address problems and requests by transmitting information or providing solutions
- Receive and dispatch orders for emergency services
- Use the radio, phone, or computer to send crews to appropriate locations
- Monitor the route and status of emergency units
- Prioritize the most serious calls to ensure the allocation of limited resources
- Provide emergency medical instructions
- Enter data in the computer system and maintain logs of call activities
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a dispatcher or relevant position
- Fast typing with experience in data entry
- Knowledge of procedures and guidelines for emergency situations
- Proficient in English (oral and written)
- Outstanding organizational and multitasking abilities
- Active listener with excellent communication skills
- Sound judgement and critical thinking
- High school diploma or equivalent
Additional Information
- Work Environment: This role requires working in a high-stress environment, often with extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dispatch Supervisor or Operations Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.