Any feedback on being a 911 dispatcher?

Question

I am contemplating a career change to become a 911 emergency dispatcher... any suggestions, comments or advice would be helpful. Thanks!

Answer 1

It is one of the most stressful professions in the world. Be prepared for that. Beig able to multitask ALOT is a requirement. You have to be able to do, see and hear multiple things at once and comprehend all of it.

Hours can be crappy at times, you'll be working holidays, weekends, etc... Also working different hours of the day and night.

You'll deal with many kinds of calls from life and death emergencies to barking dog complaints.

Depending on where you live the pay and benefits can be really good or really bad.

I highly suggest you do s sit-a-long in a 911 center, observe the work environment and make sure it is something you CAN and WANT to do.

Answer 2

I went to an interview to be a 911 dispatcher. Holy cow, the interview process was too stressful for me. I had to listen to a recording of a simulated 911 call with someone screaming information that was very hard to understand and then answer questions about what they had said. I was interviewed by 4 people at once. It was during this interview that I found out I would be expected to available to be scheduled for any shift and even if I wasn't scheduled, if they called me I was required to be at work within 30 minutes. It was at this point that I bowed out since I was the primary caretaker for my 1 yr. old son and had no way to get someone to watch him with less than 30 minutes notice. Good luck in your quest.

Answer 3

Crazy hours, very busy job, mult be able to multi-task. Need to be very level-headed, a person who doesn't rattle easily under heavy stress.

Also, very rewarding

Answer 4

Police dept. need dispatchers.send in your resume to as many PDs as you can.