About This Role
Receiving, processing, and dispatching 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services is the core of this full-time role. The emergency telecommunicator, also known as a dispatcher, works under the general supervision of the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and Supervisors, performing essential duties to ensure public safety and coordinate emergency responses.
Responsibilities
- Receive incoming telephone calls for assistance
- Obtain information for the type of service needed (police, fire, medical)
- Classify the complaint and determine its priority
- Question the caller to determine circumstances and exact location of the incident
- Enter information into Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)
- Listen for background noises
- Give pre-arrival medical instructions over the telephone using medical dispatch cards after Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training and certification
- Provide emotional support and use hysteria management techniques
- Dispatch police to the scene as determined by jurisdiction
- Describe to officers via radio transmission the nature of call, address, contact person, and other necessary information
- Monitor officers' radio transmissions and take appropriate action
- Track all traffic stops, motorist assists, units on in-progress, and report-status calls
- Assist in street location guidance for officers unfamiliar with the area
- Dispatch fire department to the scene as determined by jurisdiction
- Describe to responding units via radio transmission the nature of the call, address, cross-streets, and other necessary information
- Coordinate notification of the proper department on requests for mutual aid
- Perform other fire dispatch duties as requested
- Dispatch medical units to the scene as determined by Medical Control
- Coordinate the unit's times in CAD
- Monitor traffic and render assistance as needed
- Offer medical emergency instructions to callers by following approved EMD protocols once EMD certified
- Operate LEIN computer
- Receive queries and information from officers and enter into the computer terminal
- Relay responses to the officers
- Advise officers if there has been a wanted response to a person, vehicle, or item checked
- Advise the use of caution in appropriate cases
- Advise officers of area or special broadcasts
- Handle non-emergency calls and refer callers to appropriate agency when possible
- Train new dispatchers until able to function independently, evaluating their progress and ability
- Perform minor maintenance on equipment or notify proper authorities for repair work