21 911 Operator
What is it Like Working in Public Safety Communications (911 Operator)
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career in as a 911 operator with Barry Furey.
Guest: Barry Furey is a third generation public safety practitioner, with more than half a century of dedication. As a fire officer in three states, and a 9-1-1 director in four, Barry has real-time experience in the planning, management, and delivery of emergency services.
Connect with Barry:
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What We Discuss:
Requirements and Opportunities in Public Safety Communications
The Shortage and Benefits of Working in Public Safety Communications
The Importance of Empathy and Critical Thinking
Dispelling Misconceptions
Training and Technology as a 911 operator
Advancement and Specialization
Tips for Pursuing a Career in Public Safety Communications
This episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast features Barry Furey, a public safety consultant, who discusses his previous experience working as a 911 call taker and dispatcher. Barry covers various aspects of the profession, including typical job requirements, the current shortage of personnel, the challenges of the job, including its high-stress nature and demanding work schedule, the importance of empathy and critical thinking, and the training process. Furey provides valuable insights into the industry, highlighting the positive aspects, such as helping people and the opportunity to make a difference, while also acknowledging the demanding nature of the role and the need for mental health support. He emphasizes the importance of having a sit-along experience to gain a realistic understanding of the job before applying and encourages listeners to explore potential opportunities within the field.
A Career in Public Safety Communications. What Does a Public Safety Communicator Do?
Public safety communications involves several roles, but the most common is 911 call taking and dispatching. This involves:
Receiving calls from the public.
Screening calls to determine the nature of the emergency.
Dispatching the appropriate emergency response agencies.
Providing referrals for non-emergency situations.
How Do You Become a Public Safety Communicator, 911 Operator?
Unlike many careers that require a traditional college degree, most public safety communication roles only require a high school diploma or GED. However, applicants must generally be at least 21 years old and pass a background check. Specific requirements vary by state and agency, so it's crucial to research the requirements in your area.
With a current shortage of telecommunications personnel nationwide, now is a great time to apply. The application process typically involves submitting a resume, taking a pre-employment aptitude test, and undergoing a background check and psychological evaluation.
Why is there a shortage of public safety communicators?
Several factors contribute to the shortage of public safety communicators, including:
High stress levels: The job involves handling highly stressful situations, as callers are often experiencing emergencies.
Long and irregular hours: Public safety communicators work holidays, weekends, and nights, which can disrupt work-life balance and social activities.
Relatively low pay: Starting salaries average in the low $40,000s, which may not be attractive to some individuals.
High turnover: Many people use public safety communications as a stepping stone to other careers, like firefighting or law enforcement.
Despite these challenges, public safety communications offers job security and the opportunity to help people in need.
What is a Typical Day Like for a Public Safety Communicator?
A typical day for a public safety communicator is anything but typical. You can expect:
Periods of extreme boredom interspersed with periods of intense activity.
A wide variety of calls, ranging from life-threatening emergencies to minor complaints.
The need to handle family crises, weather emergencies, and any other situation requiring emergency response.
What Qualities Make a Good Public Safety Communicator?
Essential skills for a successful public safety communicator include:
Critical thinking: You need to quickly assess situations, gather information, and make decisions under pressure.
Adaptability: You must be able to handle unexpected situations and adjust to changing circumstances.
Strong communication skills: You need to communicate effectively with callers, emergency responders, and other personnel.
Empathy: While essential to connect with callers and provide support, it's crucial to maintain a balance and avoid becoming overwhelmed by emotionally charged situations.
What are Some Misconceptions about Public Safety Communications?
Television shows often portray public safety communications inaccurately, leading to misconceptions about the job. In reality:
Dispatchers don't have unlimited time and resources. They must prioritize calls and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
The job is far more demanding and stressful than typically depicted.
Advice for Aspiring Public Safety Communicators
If you're interested in pursuing a career in public safety communications:
Research the requirements and job openings in your area.
Contact the local dispatch center to inquire about sit-alongs or tours.
Consider gaining experience in a related field, such as customer service or emergency response. This can make your application more competitive and provide valuable insights into the demands of the job.
Public safety communications is a challenging but rewarding career. It offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives and serve your community. If you're looking for a career that is both demanding and fulfilling, this may be the perfect fit for you.
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career as a 911 Operator
Public safety communications involves 911 call taking and dispatch, where calls are received from the public and dispatched to the appropriate emergency response agencies.
Most positions in public safety communications require a high school diploma or GED, although some departments may have additional requirements.
There is currently a shortage of telecommunications personnel in the industry, making it a good time to pursue a career in public safety communications.
Empathy, critical thinking, and adaptability are important skills for success in this field.
The job can be stressful and may involve irregular hours, but it offers the opportunity to help people and make a difference in emergencies.
Misconceptions about public safety communications include the idea that the job involves solving crimes and that there is a lot of downtime.
Training and ongoing education are important in this field, and technology plays a significant role in the industry.
There are opportunities for advancement and specialization within public safety communications.
If interested in pursuing a career in public safety communications, it is recommended to research local requirements and job openings, and consider reaching out to local dispatch centers for more information.
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(Summary provided by NotebookLM. May not be 100% accurate.)
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