Dispatch in Depth

Combined Regional Communications Authority (CRCA) 911’s Deputy Director Lindsay Hubbard talks all about their dispatch internship program—how it came to be, how it’s evolved over the past few years, and advice for people looking to start similar programs in their own agencies.  For Your InformationLearn more about CRCA 911!  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRCA911CO  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crca_911/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crca911 Website: https://www.crca911.colorado.gov 

Bekah Haywood, Business Analyst for the Solutions Support Team, talks about all things FirstWatch. She discusses the upcoming high-acuity dashboard for Academy Analytics, the importance of peer support in the dispatch center, and how stories and data can work hand in hand.For Your Information: FirstWatch is booth #300 in the Exhibit HallLearn more about Academy Analytics: https://firstwatch.net/what-we-do/academy-analytics/    Check out the FirstWatch website: https://firstwatch.net/ Don’t miss these sessions at NAVIGATOR:  “Seeing the Forest AND the Trees with Academy Analytics and the IAED Data Center” presented by Carlynn Page Crampton (Wednesday, April 22, 3:00 p.m.) “Leading Through Conflict” presented by Mike Taigman (Thursday, April 23, 10:20 a.m.) 

Kathy Sukus, GM/OnStar Public Safety Engagement Leader, and Mitch Petterson, a member of the Outreach Team, discuss OnStar’s role as a Partner Sponsor of NAVIGATOR 2026. They highlight OnStar’s ACE status, their free public safety training, and the new Super Cruise feature.For Your Information Check out some of OnStar’s great resources: https://www.onstar.com/public-safetyhttps://www.gmstc.com/index.php/first-responderswww.onstarvirtualtraining.com 

Scott MacDonald, CEO of GovWorx, discusses the company’s sponsorship of NAVIGATOR 2026. He discusses where the company finds inspiration for supporting emergency dispatchers and talks about the CommsCoach Hiring and Retention platform, which will be demonstrated at the GovWorx booth.For Your Information:Check out the GovWorx website: https://govworx.ai    

Jeff Freeland, Product Manager for Motorola Solutions' AI Agents and Assistants, and Wendy Lotman, Statewide Account Executive, give an update on what Motorola Solutions is working on, particularly their new Assist Suites. They discuss how their solutions assist emergency dispatchers, why sponsoring NAVIGATOR is a priority, and what you can look out for at their booth in the Exhibit Hall.For Your Information:Check out the Motorola Solutions website: www.motorolasolutions.com     Learn more about the Assist Suites: https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/ai/assist-suites.html Don’t miss Wendy’s session on Thursday morning, April 23, entitled “Unified Strategies for Emergency Response: Harnessing NG911 for Major Events.” 

Acting Sergeant Tim Clover with St. Louis University talks about two experiences where he saved someone’s life in an emergency situation—one a choking infant and one a man in a vehicle fire. He discusses how his career as an Emergency Dispatcher and BLS instructor prepared him to spring into action. 

Jordan Kolarik, a Communications Team Leader with New South Wales Ambulance in Australia, talks about the neuroscience behind effective mentorship. He discusses adult learning, best practices, and some case studies from his own agency.For Your Information:Read Jordan’s post on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jordankolarikjp_whats-really-happening-inside-the-brain-activity-7393804186527698944-iNbc   Curious about box breathing? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G25IR0c-Hj8   

Dr. Sung Poblete, the CEO of Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), talks about the time-critical nature of emergency allergy 911 calls. She discusses the role of FARE, what emergency dispatchers should know about anaphylaxis, and a new way to distribute epinephrine.  For Your Information:Check out FARE’s website: https://foodallergy.org   Dr. Tim Dribin’s paper on the anaphylaxis clinical support tool: https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(25)00072-7/fulltext   

Taylor Davis, Director of Communications for Greenville County EMS (MedCom), talks about her recent Letter to the Editor for the Journal of Emergency Dispatch about her agency’s 84 CPR saves in 2024. She also covers what it’s like to work there, the goals they’re currently working toward, and how to improve center culture overall.For Your Information:  Read Taylor’s Letter to the Editor here: https://www.iaedjournal.org/letter-to-the-editor  Greenville County’s official government website: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/ 

Jonny McMullan, EMD Mentor Instructor and Curriculum Board Member, gives an update on what has changed in the EMD Mentor course since 2022. He discusses how an EMD Mentor offers different support than a CTO, supervisor, or ED-Q and how it can help overall with staff turnover and burnout.For Your Information: Jonny’s previous podcast episode: https://www.aedrjournal.org/facing-in-the-same-direction-with-jonny-mcmullan   Read more about the EMD Mentor program here: https://www.iaedjournal.org/helping-everyone-excel   https://www.iaedjournal.org/an-emds-best-friend   https://www.iaedjournal.org/encourage-understanding