1 answer
Angela
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How is it like being a dispatcher?
Hello,I’m an 8th grader looking forward to being a dispatcher and willing to help others when in danger. How is it like being a dispatcher? How can I help in dangerous situations?
1 answer
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hello Angela!
Dispatchers play a crucial role in public safety, managing a multitude of calls during their shifts, often simultaneously. The ability to coolly handle each call, prioritizing them based on urgency, is a key skill. Keeping meticulous records of the details, locations, and needs relayed in each call is equally important. The next step is determining the closest emergency responder and directing them to the situation.
Embarking on a Career as a Public Safety Telecommunicator
In this section, we delve into the world of public safety telecommunicators. These professionals typically need to pass a typing test. The entry requirement for this occupation is usually a high school diploma, after which on-the-job training is provided. Many states and localities necessitate certification for these workers.
Candidates are generally required to pass an exam and a typing test. In some cases, they may also need to clear a background check, lie detector, and drug tests, as well as hearing and vision tests.
Being multilingual, particularly in languages like Spanish or American Sign Language, can be a beneficial asset.
Education
A high school diploma is typically the minimum educational requirement for aspiring public safety telecommunicators.
Training
On-the-job training is a common part of the journey for public safety telecommunicators. The requirements and duration of training can vary across states and localities.
Some states mandate 40 or more hours of training, while others require ongoing education every 2 to 3 years. Certain states don't specify any particular training, leaving it up to localities and agencies to establish their own criteria and conduct their own courses.
Training programs usually include an instructional course and may also feature on-the-job demonstrations. After training, there may be a probationary period of about a year. This period can differ from agency to agency as there's no national standard for training or probation duration.
Training encompasses a broad range of topics, from local geography and agency protocols to standard procedures. Public safety telecommunicators are taught to use equipment such as computer-aided dispatch systems, which may display call information, maps, and video on multiple monitors. They may also receive training for high-risk incidents like child abductions and suicidal callers.
Agencies may have their own training programs or use those from separate associations. They often follow standards set by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO International), the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), and the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) as a guideline for their programs.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Many states and localities require public safety telecommunicators to be certified. APCO provides a list of states that require training and certification. One such certification is the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification, which equips dispatchers to provide medical assistance over the phone.
Public safety telecommunicators can opt for additional certifications, like the National Emergency Number Association’s Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification or APCO’s Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) certification. These certifications showcase their leadership abilities and expertise.
Advancement
Training and additional certifications can pave the way for public safety telecommunicators to progress to senior dispatcher or supervisor roles. Further education and related work experience can be beneficial for advancing to management-level positions.
Dispatchers play a crucial role in public safety, managing a multitude of calls during their shifts, often simultaneously. The ability to coolly handle each call, prioritizing them based on urgency, is a key skill. Keeping meticulous records of the details, locations, and needs relayed in each call is equally important. The next step is determining the closest emergency responder and directing them to the situation.
Embarking on a Career as a Public Safety Telecommunicator
In this section, we delve into the world of public safety telecommunicators. These professionals typically need to pass a typing test. The entry requirement for this occupation is usually a high school diploma, after which on-the-job training is provided. Many states and localities necessitate certification for these workers.
Candidates are generally required to pass an exam and a typing test. In some cases, they may also need to clear a background check, lie detector, and drug tests, as well as hearing and vision tests.
Being multilingual, particularly in languages like Spanish or American Sign Language, can be a beneficial asset.
Education
A high school diploma is typically the minimum educational requirement for aspiring public safety telecommunicators.
Training
On-the-job training is a common part of the journey for public safety telecommunicators. The requirements and duration of training can vary across states and localities.
Some states mandate 40 or more hours of training, while others require ongoing education every 2 to 3 years. Certain states don't specify any particular training, leaving it up to localities and agencies to establish their own criteria and conduct their own courses.
Training programs usually include an instructional course and may also feature on-the-job demonstrations. After training, there may be a probationary period of about a year. This period can differ from agency to agency as there's no national standard for training or probation duration.
Training encompasses a broad range of topics, from local geography and agency protocols to standard procedures. Public safety telecommunicators are taught to use equipment such as computer-aided dispatch systems, which may display call information, maps, and video on multiple monitors. They may also receive training for high-risk incidents like child abductions and suicidal callers.
Agencies may have their own training programs or use those from separate associations. They often follow standards set by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO International), the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), and the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) as a guideline for their programs.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Many states and localities require public safety telecommunicators to be certified. APCO provides a list of states that require training and certification. One such certification is the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification, which equips dispatchers to provide medical assistance over the phone.
Public safety telecommunicators can opt for additional certifications, like the National Emergency Number Association’s Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification or APCO’s Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) certification. These certifications showcase their leadership abilities and expertise.
Advancement
Training and additional certifications can pave the way for public safety telecommunicators to progress to senior dispatcher or supervisor roles. Further education and related work experience can be beneficial for advancing to management-level positions.
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