When handling calls as an emergency dispatcher, you do have to pay attention to detail and get all the pertinent information. Then you have to know who is the best emergency service to handle the emergency, whether it is the police, ambulance services or the fire department. In this way you screen the calls. In some cases, it may be necessary to stay on the line with the caller until the emergency service arrives. You will need to be knowledgeable about medical emergencies as there have been cases where people working at this job have had to provide instructions to someone delivering a baby.
The work environment of an emergency dispatcher can be a very hectic one. You should be able to remain calm in an emergency and handle all cases with ease. You have to be very compassionate and caring so that you help the caller with his/her needs and be able to calm them down in some circumstances. Although a high school diploma is the usual requirement to obtain this kind of job, some states require that you have pass an exam for a license or certification in this field. For example in Wyoming, you are required to hold a certificate in Wyoming Peace Officers Standard Training. As a rule, for emergency situations you need to have CPR and some medical training. You will receive training on the job, which lasts few weeks. During the training period, you will learn how to take the calls and how to record the information and how to use various communication devices, including two-way radios.
You must undergo a complete background check in order to obtain a job as an emergency dispatcher. Another requirement is a medical exam to check to see whether you are physically and mentally fit for this job. You will also have to undergo drug testing. Good interpersonal skills is essential for this position so you can develop and maintain a good working relationship with your co-workers. This job involves shift work, so you will be working day and night shifts and on weekends. Although you will have a scheduled vacation during the year, you will have to work some of the federal holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. You usually enter the position of emergency dispatcher at the entry-level and you may have to serve a probationary period. At the end of this probationary period you will be granted permanent status if your performance has been up to standard.
