Unit 1Unit 1Wild Calling!Wild Calling!

Emergency Communications As A Profession

Wild Calling!Wild Calling!

HistoryHistoryThe first Communications people?

The first 9-1-1 call – February 10, 1968 Halleyville,

Alabama

The first 9-1-1 center here in this state – April 1, 1970

Odessa, Texas

Our 9-1-1 Legislation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f1KQBXAAtA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI9YRU3lXS4

Emergency Number SystemsEmergency Number SystemsEngland - 999 and 112 – world’s

oldest emergency call service

June 30, 1937

Europe - EU - 112

Mexico - 066

Canada - 911 – 98%

United States – 95% of E911 agencies must be in Phase II, III in the US by 2005

ProfessionalismProfessionalism

Why is the work of Emergency Communications called the VITAL LINK?

The Broken Link?The Broken Link?

Why would or could it be called the BROKEN LINK?

Caller to Call Taker to Dispatcher to responders to scene. Where can the link be weak or broken?

Communication Activity

What is the Product?What is the Product?

Every work has a ‘product’ or ‘service’

What is the product of a Firefighter? Medic? Crisis Clinic? Dentist?

What is the ‘product’ of Emergency communications

Types of Agencies?Types of Agencies?

Who is the work of 9-1-1 serving?

What type of citizens call 911?

Public Safety and others in emergency services – how do they view 9-1-1?

What Are The Tools?What Are The Tools?

What is needed and used to perform the daily tasks and do the work of answering emergency calls for police, fire and EMS?

Daily Activity:

List 10 tools used in a Comm

Center environment.

Positions and Duties?Positions and Duties?

Daily Activity: Choose a state and research the following for a dispatcher in that state.

Pay

Hours

Benefits

Min Qualifications

Testing Required

Places You Could Work?Places You Could Work?

Global

States

County Agencies

City Agencies in the area

Types of Comm Centers?Types of Comm Centers?

City, County, State, private

Consolidated

Combined

Direct Dispatch

Relay Service

Support Agency

Once You Are Hired?Once You Are Hired?

Orientation

Training

Probation

Observation

Certification

EMD

Ongoing Training

Drills

Current Technology?Current Technology?

Enhanced 911Wireless PhonesGlobal PositioningGIS / Location

Technology

Computer Aided Dispatch

Next Generation 9-1-1NG911- text, video, photos

Work Realities?Work Realities?

Types of calls

Hours of work

Work atmosphere

Overtime

Holidays

Benefits

Stress

Negativity

Work Rewards?Work Rewards?

Types of calls

Hours of work

Work atmosphere

Overtime Pay

Longevity

Security

Emotional Rewards

Physical Requirements?Physical Requirements?

What physical demands are in this type of work?

…sitting?

…lifting?

…keyboarding?

Survive and Thrive?Survive and Thrive?

What does it take to do this work and thrive in it?

• Emotional maturity• Ability to think quickly• Customer service• Sense of balance

The Future?The Future?

Technology

Certification

College Training

Funding

Emergency CommunicationsEmergency Communications

APCO – Association of Public Safety Communications Officials

NENA – National Emergency Number AssociationState Organizations

Local OrganizationsUnionsJobs

– Types of Agencies

How To Have SuccessHow To Have Success

Training is an ongoing process

Self directed learning is a must

Communicate well to everyone

Pay attention to your needs

A Rewarding Career in 9-1-1A Rewarding Career in 9-1-1

Career advancement

Career ladder

Visionary leaders

Opportunities

911 Calls:Average Day

Destructive Son

Joke

Leave Me Alone

Little Old Lady