Within the Trenches

Episode 659 features Donna, a 911 professional out of Texas. In this episode, we have a candid conversation on suicide in 911 dispatch.

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Episode topics –

• The unseen trauma and emotional burdens shouldered by dispatchers

• Why dispatcher suicides remain under-recognized and rarely discussed

• What "struggle" actually looks like in the life of a dispatcher

• The barriers and stigma around seeking help in this field

• Practical tools, peer support, and what really works to cope and heal

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

Episode 658 is a solo episode where I discuss the top three things that I had to explain to friends, family, and callers about 911.

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Episode topics –

• The truth about tracing 911 calls and caller location technology

• Why dispatchers ask so many questions during emergencies

• The realities of putting callers on hold and response times

• The misconception that dispatchers "just sit and answer phones"

• Staffing shortages, burnout, and what really goes on behind the scenes

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

Episode 657 features Cheyenne, a 911 professional out of Kansas.

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Episode topics –

• Transitioning from firefighter to dispatcher and early career hurdles

• The evolution of public safety technology and dispatch procedures

• Navigating gender barriers and proving oneself in a male-dominated field

• Memorable and unusual 911 calls, including tips for effective communication

• Launching a book series based on true stories from the front lines

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

Episode 656 features an Open Mic LIVE solo episode.

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Episode topics –

• Highlights and behind-the-scenes from the recent Michigan Public Safety Telecommunications Conference

• The origin and growth of the Within the Trenches podcast and the #IAM911 Movement

• Using games and creative engagement in conference vendor halls

• The significance of peer support, mental health, and communication in the dispatch community

• The ongoing fight for recognition, reclassification, and positive culture change in 911 centers

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

Episode 655 features Mel, a 911 professional out of a regional agency in Missouri.

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Episode topics –

• The significance and traditions of National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week

• Memorable moments and challenges in dispatcher training and early career experiences

• Handling emotionally impactful calls and the importance of support and mental health

• Evolution of 911 technology over the past 23 years and its real-world impacts

• Insights on work-life balance, boundaries, and advice for new and seasoned dispatchers

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

Episode 654 features a candid discussion on the question, "have you ever gotten so used to the chaos that silence feels uncomfortable?" with my guest, Keely.

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Episode topics –

• The struggle to find comfort in silence after years of constant noise

• How triggers and overstimulation from dispatch can follow you into daily life

• The importance of finding new coping mechanisms and routines post-dispatch

• Managing feelings of isolation, anxiety, and secondary trauma

• The ongoing need for conversation, support, and mental health awareness in public safety

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

Episode 653 features Nadine, a 911 professional with Seabrook PD, in Texas.

Episode topics –

• How Nadine accidentally started her public safety career after moving from New York to Texas

• Surprises and challenges faced on the first days as a dispatcher

• The realities of dispatcher training, including tough early calls and adapting to new environments

• The impact of critical incidents, coping with tough calls, and the value of taking time to process trauma

• Why mentorship and sharing experiences matter in building strong dispatcher teams

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

Episode 652 features a Series Finale of the Most Important Seconds broadcast.

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Episode topics –

• Recap of the season and connection to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh

• The challenges and realities of technology outages in emergency departments and dispatch

• Bridging the gap: importance of analog skills and cross-generational teamwork

• Candid discussions about mental health and self-care for first responders and medical staff

• Reflections on integrated safety networks and the future of emergency communication systems

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

Episode 651 features a Most Important Seconds broadcast.

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Episode topics –

• Behind-the-scenes look at National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and its significance

• Firsthand stories and humor from emergency response professionals on high-intensity nights like the 4th of July

• The impact of technology (and tech failures) in dispatch and the ER, and how critical information flows in emergencies

• Insights on teamwork, burnout, and the importance of supporting each other in high-stress professions

• Real talk about mental health, sharing experiences, and finding balance in the world of public safety

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

Episode 650 features a LIVE podcast episode with guest, Keely, as we chat about National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

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Episode topics –

• Recognizing the vital role of 911 professionals during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

• Firsthand stories and the power of sharing personal experiences in public safety

• Behind-the-scenes look at center celebrations, creativity, and dispatch center culture

• A memorable, unexpected 911 call story that keeps everyone guessing

• Community giveaways, leadership training opportunities, and industry thank-yous from special guests

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