Emergencies can happen any time day or night, and there's only one thing certain: when they do, a 911 dispatcher is ready.
These public safety telecommunicators answer calls, calm the callers, figure out what's going on, and decide who to send.
If you're calm under pressure and have a strong desire to help your community, becoming a 911 dispatcher could be just the job for you.
Keep reading to learn all the details about what it takes to become a 911 dispatcher so you can decide if you're interested in this career.
Becoming a 911 Dispatcher
While it doesn't take a lot of education and training to become a 911 dispatcher, it does take a lot of nerve.
This stressful but rewarding occupation can have you working long shifts at odd hours, always having to be on your toes.
Education and Training
At a minimum, 911 dispatchers need a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as a GED.
While some may have an associate or bachelor's degree, training is more important than post-secondary education.
Some jurisdictions have specific training or certification programs that dispatchers must complete.
Training programs typically include courses that involve:
- touch typing
- public safety language
- local geography
- police, fire, and medical codes
Dispatchers are also trained in first aid techniques so they can guide callers in administering first aid if necessary until help arrives.
Job Duties
The primary duty of a 911 dispatcher is to answer 911 emergency calls that come in through their switchboard.
They might also handle emergency-related text, social media, or alarm system messages.
With a caller on the line, the dispatcher determines what's going on and decides what services to send to the location.
Dispatchers then communicate the situation to fire, police, or medical services so the right help will arrive at the right place.
They also monitor the progress of services sent and communicate with the caller. They may need to assist the caller while they're waiting.
Soft Skills
Being a 911 dispatcher is not an easy job. Emergencies can happen at any time, and even if there's a boring lull, the dispatcher has to be ready.
When a call comes through, the dispatcher has no way of knowing what's happening on the other end of the line.
Generally, you need a lot of patience. You should be a calm person who can handle a high-stress, high-demand occupation.
It also helps if you're someone who doesn't get scared or grossed out easily. You need to be able to handle any type of emergency.
Having a strong memory is also important. A dispatcher may need to give life-saving information to someone at the moment when it counts.
Work Environment
Almost all 911 dispatchers work for local government or law enforcement agencies, although some work for hospitals or ambulance services.
They're typically stationed in switchboard rooms with several other dispatchers, all of whom might be answering calls at the same time.
They often take many calls over the course of a long shift, some of which might be threatening, frightening, or even horrifying.
It's up to the 911 dispatcher to maintain their coolness under pressure and be the calm voice of reason in a time of chaos for the caller.
Since emergencies can happen at any time, many 911 dispatchers work overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects employment of public safety telecommunicators will grow 4% between 2021 and 2031.
This rate of growth is about as fast as that for all occupations nationwide and mostly covers the replacement of dispatchers switching jobs.
Because of the high stress of this occupation, there's typically a high turnover for dispatchers.
The high turnover can make it relatively easy to find a job once you've completed the necessary training.
If you're interested in becoming a 911 dispatcher, follow the steps listed below.
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or the Equivalent
All 911 dispatchers have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. This is usually a requirement for local governments.
Some dispatchers may have additional education, but it's never required. An associate degree related to computer operations could be helpful.
If you haven't already, take typing and computer operation courses so that you're up to speed on those skills.
Step 2: Complete Any Necessary Training
Most jurisdictions have some training requirement, whether it's on-the-job training or a separate course.
Training also includes first aid training and can take up to one year to complete, depending on where you live.
In addition to any specific training, 911 dispatchers are typically required to undergo state and federal criminal background checks.
Step 3: Work Under Supervision
Once training is complete, 911 dispatchers typically work under supervision for a week or two before they work on their own.
During this time, you'll learn the specifics of the local agencies you're working with as well as the dispatch systems they use.
You'll also learn the specific procedures put in place for handling different types of calls as well as how to log calls and back up data.
Become a 911 Dispatcher Today
If you know how to stay cool under pressure and want to help your community, consider starting your career as a 911 dispatcher.
