Within the Trenches

Episode 678 features Scott Sells, who sat down with me to share his son Masons' story, what the Mason Sells AED Coordination Act is, and how it will help 911 professionals locate nearby AED's and help those in need.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Learn more about Mason's story - Web

Episode topics –

• The events surrounding the sudden cardiac arrest of Mason Sells and the challenges faced during the emergency

• The gaps in AED accessibility and how a locked device and lack of information impacted the outcome

• The process of turning personal tragedy into action: advocating for and creating the Mason Sells AED Coordination Act (Senate Bill 399)

• How the bill connects 911 telecommunicators to AED locations and incorporates technology to speed up emergency responses

• The vision for expanding this legislation beyond Georgia, increasing survival rates, and supporting emergency personnel nationwide

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Episode 677 features Anthony, a 911 professional out of Arizona.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Transitioning from veterinary ER work to public safety dispatch

• What new dispatchers experience during training and their first days on the job

• The emotional impacts and burdens of handling critical calls

• Real stories of both life-saving moments and calls that haunt dispatchers

• Important lessons for dispatchers and the public about emergency communication

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Episode 676 features Heidi, a supervisor and 911 professional with Anoka County 911 out of Minnesota.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• The impact of evolving technology, including AI and non-emergency call triage, on the dispatcher's role

• Lessons in leadership and mentorship from over 40 years in the industry

• Strategies for supporting new dispatchers and building resilience on the team

• Addressing challenges like burnout, low staffing, and the importance of a supportive work culture

• Why public education and community engagement are essential for the future of 911

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Episode 675 features a solo episode update for big news on Camp Imagine Listening, wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes stories from recent travels.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Vote for me for Top Host here - https://tophost.org/2026/ricardo-martinez-ii

Episode topics –

• Recap of recent podcast episodes, travels, and speaking engagements

• The story and mission behind Camp Imagine Listening wellness retreat

• Partnership details with Alex Sheen and the "Because I Said I Would" foundation

• Plans for funding and launching the first Camp Imagine Listening

• How you can support through the Top Host competition and future fundraising efforts

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Episode 674 features Mariah, a 911 dispatcher out of the SW part of Indiana.

Episode topics –

• How childhood experiences and early influences led to a career in public safety

• Challenges and rewards of working in a small-town emergency services environment

• The realities of 911 call-taking, from life-or-death moments to routine requests

• The impact of critical incidents and the importance of mental resilience

• Details about the "Listen Again" initiative focused on improving emergency communication through curiosity and compassion

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

A mother and her nine month old baby were trapped inside a burning apartment. On the other end of the phone was 911 dispatcher, Christina.

As the fire moved through the apartment, Christina stayed on the line giving instructions, keeping the caller focused, and trying to be the calm voice she needed in a horrific situation.

As the phone went silent, Christina could only hear fire. The call stayed with her long after her shift ended. Years later, she finally had the opportunity to speak with the woman whose voice she had never forgotten.

What the caller told her brought the story full circle. This story comes from Christina's conversation on Within the Trenches Episode 673, where she shares her journey in 911, training the next generation of dispatchers, peer support, and the calls that stay with us.

Within the Trenches - True stories from the 911 dispatchers who live them is a podcast based on the experience of being a 911 professional. Each episode will take you on a roller coaster of emotions.

Subscribe for more stories from 911 heroes like Christina.

#911dispatcher #firstresponders #WithinTheTrenches #IAM911 #podcast

Episode 673 features Christina, a peer support specialist, and 911 professional at Cary PD in NC.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Christina's career path from detention officer to long-time 911 dispatcher and part-time firefighter

• Differences in working at county versus city dispatch centers

• How serious calls and daily chaos impact mental health and the value of wellness practices

• Mentoring, tough calls, and the importance of peer support in the dispatch community

• Christina's powerful personal stories, including handling a life-changing fire emergency and family health struggles, and what she's learned along the way

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Episode 672 features Chantele, an Emergency Dispatcher with Maryland State Police.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Navigating the demanding hiring process and intense background checks for dispatchers

• The impact of rotating shifts and missing family milestones and holidays

• Adapting skills from retail work to emergency dispatch situations

• Trauma bonding, mental health challenges, and support systems on the job

• Coping strategies and advice for new dispatchers entering the field

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Episode 671 features Ashley, your friendly neighborhood 911 dispatcher out of Elkhart City, IN.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• The progress and challenges of ride-alongs, staffing, and cross-training in modern dispatch centers

• How Ashley transitioned from dispatcher to supervisor and her strategies for building a positive team culture

• Mental health struggles, the importance of self-care, and the impact of therapy on career sustainability

• Changes in training new dispatchers and the shift toward a more supportive, inclusive atmosphere

• Real-life critical incidents, including officer-involved shootings, and their lasting effect on perspective and practice

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Episode 670 features four powerful stories that reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Episode topics –

• Personal accounts from dispatchers, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers on September 11th, 2001

• Behind-the-scenes realities of working in public safety during a national tragedy

• The emotional impact and long-term effects experienced by first responders

• How 9/11 led to critical changes in technology and emergency communications

• Lessons on resilience, community response, and the ongoing importance of sharing these stories

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].