How To Get A Job As An Emergency Services Dispatcher

There is a rapidly growing demand for qualified Emergency Service Dispatchers.  Dispatchers respond to calls, usually 911 calls, for police, firefighters, or ambulances.  The work of Emergency Dispatchers is vital to the community, as they are depended upon to see that help speedily reaches those in danger or in need of medical assistance.

Emergency Dispatchers must be able to remain calm in stressful situations.  They deal with people of all ages, and in a variety of emergency situations.  They must be able to keep callers calm and focused.  Dispatchers must be discreet, well organized, have good manual dexterity, good hearing, a clear speaking voice, and be able to work well as part of a team.  They must be able to multitask, able to, quickly and calmly, ask the most pertinent questions, and swiftly record essential information in a very short time.  Emergency Dispatchers must be comfortable sitting for long periods of time and have good communication skills.

Emergency Dispatchers work in dispatch offices, in clean well-lit surroundings.  Offices may be large or small depending on the community served.  The environment will, at times, be crowded and the pace of activities hectic.  Dispatchers must be prepared to work shifts, as required, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Emergency Dispatchers take information from the public and relay it to police, firefighters, or ambulance services, whichever service or services are appropriate.  They filter out crank calls, keep records, record time and location of calls, and dispatch services.

Education

In order to become an Emergency Services Dispatcher, you will need to first obtain your high school diploma, or GED.  States and municipalities vary in what they require of their Emergency Dispatchers so make sure you understand what is required by the area in which you are seeking employment.

You will have to be at least eighteen years of age, a United States citizen, and be able to understand and speak English fluently.  A second language would be an asset.

You will need to pass a physical exam, a drug test, and a criminal background check.  You may be tested regarding clarity of speech and hearing.

If you pass all the required exams, you will then be interviewed and hopefully offered a position.

You will then receive from three to six months of on-the-job training which will teach you office procedures, computer systems used,  how to handle callers, what questions to ask, and how to record information received.  You will be given some practical experience under the supervision of a qualified Dispatcher.

Some areas require their Emergency Dispatchers to have state certification.

Emergency Services Dispatchers have a demanding yet personally rewarding career.