Ep 548 features #IAM911 stories from the Imagine Listening session at the 9-1-1 Leadership Training retreat at the Mayan Ranch, hosted by the 360 Degree Dispatcher. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU SUFFER FROM PTSD OR HAVE SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

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Episode topics –

• Child's tragic passing and creation of a memorial room

• Emotional toll of handling a call about a deceased 13-year-old

• Saving a 17-day-old baby who wasn't breathing

• Encountering a hysterical caller after a suicide attempt

• Dealing with the trauma of officers being shot at a domestic violence scene

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

Ep 547 features Cat, 911 Communications Supervisor at Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA. 

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Episode topics –

• How Cat's unexpected journey into public safety began and her initial impressions of the dispatcher's role.

• The rigorous hiring process for 911 dispatchers and what it takes to become a certified training officer.

• The emotional ride of taking life-altering emergency calls and the coping mechanisms dispatchers use.

• Cat's harrowing experience with a suicidal caller and the profound impact it had on her.

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

Ep 546 features Lauren Spencer, a Retired 911 professional and Life Stylist Entrepreneur. 

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Episode topics –

• Lauren's path into public safety and overcoming initial setbacks.

• The intense training process and demands of a 911 dispatcher.

• Emotional and impactful experiences of life-saving calls.

• The importance of sharing stories and celebrating wins in a demanding job.

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

Ep 545 features Jeff, 2nd generation dispatch, 3rd generation fireman out of WestComm Regional, Massachusetts. 

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Episode topics –

• Explore Jeff Hastings’ journey and growth in the public safety field, reflecting on the influence of his father and mentorship from key figures like David Squires.

• Learn about the emotional and psychological challenges faced by dispatchers, including Jeff's personal struggles and the critical incidents that impacted him.

• Hear about the transformative power of networking events and training programs in Texas that helped Jeff overcome personal fears and embrace professional speaking.

• Understand the importance of mental health support in dispatch roles, as discussed by Jeff and Ricardo, highlighting sessions that aid in processing traumatic experiences.

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

Ep 544 features Stephanie, a 911 Professional out of Georgia.

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Episode topics –

• Discover Stephanie’s journey from ambulance driver to skilled EMT, and how she transitioned to the demanding role of a 911 dispatcher.

• Learn about the challenges and emotional toll of handling emergency calls, including a life-saving moment during a CPR call.

• Explore the evolution of emergency dispatch technology from flip cards to electronic tablets, and the skills required to succeed in this high-stress environment.

• Hear about the unique "dispatch ear" and how dispatchers manage the intense multitasking of listening, typing, and processing critical information.

• Discussion on the importance of support and coping mechanisms within the dispatch center to handle the psychological stress of the job.

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

Ep 543 features Lea Harms, 911 Professional, Industry Partner, and Author of "Lives on the Line."

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Now and then there is a snag and that’s life. This is also true when self-publishing or even through a publishing house. Snags happen, but no worries, you can sign up to find out more about Lives on the Line and its availability as soon as it is ready. Head over to Lea’s website for more information on her book, “Lives on the Line.”

Lives on the Line | Website

Episode topics –

• Lea's 911 story

• Discover how Lea's leap into dispatching led to a transformative career and inspired her book, "Lives on the Line".

• Learn about the intense training and personal growth experienced by 911 dispatchers, including Lea's own story of validation during a harrowing school shooting incident.

• Explore the emotional journey and therapeutic nature of writing as Lea talks about her emotional process in penning her experiences.

• Understand the impact and personal transformations faced by those in the 911 profession through Lea's perspective.

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

Ep 542 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 the last installment in this series out of Johnston County 911.

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Episode topics –

• Answering 911 Calls: The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Dispatcher's Job

• The Power of Self-Care: Personal Story and Professional Insight

• The Importance of Recognition for 911 Professionals: Celebrating their Essential Role

• 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 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].