Ep 541 features 911 dispatch stories from around North Carolina. The North Carolina 911 board and Within the Trenches podcast partnered on classes and podcast episodes to highlight the amazing work of 911 professionals throughout the state in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This is a continuation of this series out of Johnston County 911.

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Episode topics –

• Technology Boosts Safety: Tracking Callers for Better Help

• The Importance of Compassion in Customer Service: How Being Human Can Lead to Success

• The Importance of Leadership and Support in Building a Successful Community

• and more

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

Ep 540 features 911 dispatch stories from around North Carolina. The North Carolina 911 board and Within the Trenches podcast partnered on classes and podcast episodes to highlight the amazing work of 911 professionals throughout the state in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Sponsored by

INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

Episode topics –

• Kristen's 911 story

• HR with Lorenda

• Lynda’s 911 story

• and more

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

Ep 539 features Kris, Director of Program Development at The Healthy Dispatcher.

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Episode topics –

• Kris's 911 story

• The daunting learning curve of dispatch codes and the memorization techniques that Kris used to master them.

• Training complexities in 911 dispatch and the personal growth that comes from facing such stress-inducing experiences.

• Relatable anecdotes from Kris's early days of taking calls, including mishaps and the unique multitasking demands of the job.

• Kris and Ricardo's perspectives on the importance of supportive training and the process of becoming competent and confident dispatchers.

• The impactful stories of struggles and career transitions, highlighting the deep emotional bonds formed in the dispatch community and the continuous endeavor to give back and support the profession.

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

Ep 538 features Katie, a 911 dispatcher with Rockford 911 out of Illinois.

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Episode topics –

• Katie's 911 story

• How a background in special education equipped her to handle intense emergency calls involving children with autism

• Learn about the rigorous process Katie underwent to join the dispatch team, including testing, interviews, and a psychological evaluation

• Gain an understanding of the intense training new dispatchers undergo, and how real-life experiences shape their ability to manage emergency situations

• Explore the misconceptions about the dispatch profession and the critical 24/7 commitment it requires, including emotional challenges and the need for quick, accurate information

• Hear Katie's advice for anyone considering a career in dispatch and why recognizing dispatchers as integral parts of the first responder system is essential

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

Ep 537 features Brad Flanagan, Emergency Ops Manager for the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center out of Colorado.

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Episode topics –

• Brad's 911 story

• How Brad's unique journey from the military to 911 dispatching on a dare unveiled his strengths in emergency operations

• The indispensable human element in emergency response that technology can't replace and the potential for AI to reshape the industry

• Tackling the cultural shift in emergency dispatch centers towards a supportive environment and the critical role of mentorship

• The life-altering experiences of a dispatcher, highlighting the significance of dedication and the deep impact of emergency calls

• Brad's insights into the future of dispatching with new technologies, simplifying processes, and overcoming fears to innovate and save lives

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

Ep 536 features Katherine, 911 professional with Ada County Sheriff's Office out of Idaho.

Episode topics –

• Katherine's 911 story
• Exploring the repercussions of tragic calls, including a particularly disturbing case involving a missing child
• The challenges and importance of adequate mental health support and coping strategies for 911 dispatch professionals
• Insights into the rigorous training process for dispatchers and the continuous learning curve in high-stress situations
• How personal experiences and the nature of the job influence parenting and daily life perspectives
• A discussion on the professional and personal victories that come with being on the front lines of emergency response

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

Ep 535 features Ashley, 911 Professional with Rockland PD & Fire, and Greg, 911 Professional with CAL Fire, both out of California. 

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Episode topics –

• Ashley's 911 story

• Greg's 911 story

• Trusting your instincts

• Connecting communities

• How TikTok brought us together

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

Welcome to another episode of Within the Trenches, true stories from the 9-1-1 dispatchers who live them. Ep 534 features Deb, a Psychiatric Clinician, 911 dispatcher, and EMT.

Episode topics –

• Deb recounts her journey in dispatch, including her ability to thrive with ADHD and the contrast in training environments across different agencies.

• The episode delves into the common misconceptions about dispatch work, the diverse nature of calls handled, and the importance of transparency and accountability in public safety.

• Learn about the emotional and family impacts of shift work in dispatch, Deb's transition to becoming a clinician, and how her dispatch experience enhances her therapy practice.

• Ricardo and Deb discuss the significance of recognizing individual strengths in a dispatch setting and the challenges of communication and morale within public safety centers.

• The conversation also covers the serious topic of addressing suicidal thoughts within the profession and the value of seeking appropriate therapeutic support.

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

Welcome to another episode of Within the Trenches, true stories from the 9-1-1 dispatchers who live them. Ep 533 features Ashley, your friendly neighborhood dispatcher from Elkhart City in Indiana.

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Episode topics –

• Discover what lies beyond the emergency communications center - dispatchers' diverse responsibilities and the importance of self-care routines.

• Learn how dispatchers like Ashley cope with the immense stress and emotional toll of the job, and why seeking help is a sign of strength.

• Explore the misconceptions the public has about dispatchers compared to their often dramatized Hollywood counterparts.

• Gain valuable insights as Ashley shares her personal journey and pivotal moments from her 10 years in emergency dispatch.

• Hear about the impact of technology on emergency response operations and the significance of including dispatchers in tech-related decisions.

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

Welcome to another episode of Within the Trenches, true stories from the 9-1-1 dispatchers who live them. Ep 532 features Kelley Cunningham, the Eaton County Central Dispatch Director, as she shares insights on workplace culture, public safety, and the importance of dispatchers in emergency response.

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Episode topics –

• Her journey into public safety and the unexpected path that led her to dispatching.

• The importance of workplace culture and strategies to cultivate a positive environment.

• How the dispatch center prepares and trains to handle emergencies and prioritize mental wellness.

• The significance of public education and humanizing the voice within the 911 dispatch center.

• Reflecting on her career and the gratitude she holds for the experiences that have shaped her leadership.

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