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Genevieve Hudak HW 12 911 Dispatcher911 Dispatcher Job Duties The 911 Dispatchers are trained to ask various questions that will assure a timely response to all emergency and service related calls. They are trained to ask questions that will determine the exact nature of the call and that will enable them to provide the responding units with the information they need to properly handle the call and to assure their safety when responding and on the scene. Certain questions must also be asked to provide emergency assistance until responding units can arrive.[1] WHEN DO I USE 911? 911 is a reporting number. Call 911 to report an incident that you believe requires the response or intervention of a law enforcement officer, firefighter or emergency medical service. The professionals answering the 911 call will determine which agencies or units should respond and how quickly they need to reach the scene of the incident.[2] Call 911 when: A person is hurt or injured A crime has been or is being committed A motor vehicle accident occurs Any situation involves a fire[2] Minimum qualifications to be a 911 Dispatcher The minimum qualifications are the ability to pass a criminal background check, physical examination and drug screening. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent, an ability to type on a computer keyboard, an ability to hear within the required range, and the ability to speak the English language clearly. All employees are required to be available to work any shift (7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), weekends and holidays.[3] WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DO 911 OPERATORS RECEIVE? - 911 operators must receive a state mandated minimum of forty hours of training to become certified communications officers. [3] Employees receive training in call receiving; CPR; computer aided dispatching; crime information computers; fire equipment and apparatus usage; and general law enforcement information. Employees are given the opportunity to practice their skills during simulated incident training before being assigned to the dispatch center. During the on-the-job training phase, operators learn hands-on application of skills and knowledge gained in the classroom under the close supervision of an experienced Communications Training Officer.[3] Basic Communications Officer training, provided by the state, consists of instruction on Communications Officer ethics and responsibilities; liability; crisis intervention; communications impaired callers; call-taking, law enforcement, fire, and medical dispatching; radio operations, and emergency management.[3] Veteran 911 dispatchers receive in-service training including CPR and emergency medical dispatching which allows them to provide pre-arrival instructions during medical emergencies. [3] References: [1]http://www.co.hanover.va.us/communications/faqs.htm#8 [2]http://www.gibsoncountysheriff.com/dispatch/e911.htm [3]http://www.co.clayton.ga.us/communications/911_FAQS.htm#shouldnot |
