911...What's Your Emergency?
IAR Smart
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Achieve3000, May 25, 2011). Whether there's a fight, a crime in progress, a raging fire, a car accident, or a medical emergency, when someone calls 911, a police, fire, and ambulance dispatcher (PFAD) listens. PFADs, also known as 911 operators and public safety dispatchers, determine the nature of the emergency and send the appropriate assistance. PFADs are crucial links between people in need of help and emergency service workers. They play a critical role in aiding communication among different types of emergency responders, such as police officers and fire fighters. Without PFADs, public safety agencies would be much less efficient—and in many emergency situations, every second counts.
Job Duties
PFADs work in dispatch centers. There, they answer telephone requests for emergency assistance. Upon answering a 911 call, PFADs first ask questions to determine the location and nature of the emergency, as well as the type of help required. In accordance with established protocol, PFADs prioritize the calls they receive. Then, they dispatch the appropriate aid to the scene. PFADs relay data to emergency responders, including police officers, fire fighters, and ambulance workers. PFADs often remain on the line with callers, obtaining additional information to relay to emergency workers. During this time, they may also provide instructions to callers, such as how to administer first aid.
In order to do their jobs efficiently, PFADs constantly monitor the locations of emergency responders by scanning charts and computer screens. They also communicate directly with public safety workers. This helps PFADs remain aware of which emergency units are in the vicinity or available for dispatch.
Not all calls that PFADs receive pertain to emergencies. PFADs may also take non-emergency calls for police departments after business hours.
Abilities and Personal Qualities
It is important for PFADs to be able to communicate effectively. They should be able to read, write, and speak English. PFADs must also be comfortable operating a variety of equipment, including two-way radios, radio scanners, voice recording equipment, multi-line telephone systems, and computers. Many PFADs use computer software such as Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect.
PFADs should possess excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to process information. They must also be able to make prudent decisions—and quickly. They must listen well and be able to handle stress and remain calm during calls. It is also helpful for a PFAD to have the ability to calm callers, especially enough to extract relevant information. PFADs may take calls from people who are angry, scared, or confused. Therefore, they should respect people's privacy, be caring, and be able to understand people's feelings and reactions to various situations. PFADs should also get along well with other people.
Education and Training
PFADs are typically required to have a high school degree. In many states, PFADs must also complete certain types of training. Some must obtain particular certification prior to starting work. Once hired, PFADs usually receive three to six months of on-the-job training.
Hours
Emergency 911 calls are received in dispatch centers 24 hours a day. Because of this, many PFADs work days, nights, and weekends. Some PFADs work full time, often in 8- to 10-hour shifts. Others work part time.
Salary
According to the most recent national wage survey conducted by the federal government, the average annual income for PFADs is about $37,000.
Job Outlook
According to the government, the job outlook for PFADs is favorable. Job opportunities are expected to grow faster than average due to the growing and aging population of the U.S. This will increase demand for emergency services. In certain locations, however, job growth may slow due to the closing of some call centers. Also, the sophistication of equipment used by PFADs is advancing. Candidates with good computer skills are expected to have the best chances of landing jobs.
Describe the role of a police, fire, and ambulance dispatcher (PFAD). What are the most important aspects of the job? What are some of the key skills needed to perform this job successfully? Support your response with information from the lesson
The role of a police, fire, and ambulance dispatcher (PFAD) is to receive emergency calls and determine the nature of the emergency and the appropriate assistance needed. They are responsible for dispatching the appropriate responders, such as police officers, firefighters, and ambulance workers, to the scene.
The most important aspects of the job include effective communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to handle stress. PFADs need to be able to effectively communicate with callers to gather important information and provide instructions or reassurance. They must be able to prioritize calls and make quick decisions about which responders to dispatch. The job can be high-pressure and fast-paced, so PFADs must be able to handle stress and remain calm during emergency calls.
Some key skills needed to perform this job successfully include:
1. Communication skills: PFADs need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with callers, emergency responders, and other dispatchers. They should have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to understand and convey information quickly and accurately.
2. Problem-solving skills: PFADs need to be able to think quickly and find solutions to problems in emergency situations. They may need to gather information from callers, assess the severity of the situation, and make decisions about the appropriate response.
3. Ability to handle stress: Emergency calls can be intense and emotionally charged. PFADs need to be able to stay calm and composed under pressure, even when dealing with upset or panicked callers. The ability to manage stress and remain focused is crucial in this role.
4. Ability to multitask: PFADs often need to juggle multiple tasks and calls at once. They must be able to prioritize and manage their workload effectively, while still providing efficient and accurate assistance to callers.
5. Knowledge of emergency protocols and procedures: PFADs need to be familiar with emergency protocols and procedures in order to effectively prioritize calls and dispatch the appropriate responders. They also need to have knowledge of first aid techniques and be able to provide instructions to callers in emergency situations.
Overall, being a PFAD requires strong communication skills, quick thinking, the ability to handle stress, and knowledge of emergency procedures. It is a crucial role in ensuring the effective response to emergencies and providing a lifeline for those in need of assistance.
Thought Question: Describe the role of a police, fire, and ambulance dispatcher (PFAD). What are the most important aspects of the job? What are some of the key skills needed to perform this job successfully? Support your response with information from the lesson.
R—Restate the question
A—Answer the question
This part should be one complete sentence.
C—Cite relevant evidence (A DIRECT QUOTE) that supports answer.
Possible
starters:
-According to the author,
-According to the text,
The author stated
E—Explain the reason you chose the pieces of evidence and how it supports your thesis statement.
Possible starters:
This evidence proves…
-This evidence shows…
-These facts indicate…
This part should be 1-3 sentences.
S—Sum up final thoughts
How?
Restate your claim from the first box.
Possible starters:
-Overall
-All in All
This part should be one sentence.
R: The role of a police, fire, and ambulance dispatcher (PFAD) is to receive emergency calls and determine the nature of the emergency and the appropriate assistance needed.
A: The most important aspects of the job include effective communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to handle stress.
C: According to the lesson, PFADs "answer telephone requests for emergency assistance" and "dispatch the appropriate aid to the scene." They also "relay data to emergency responders" and "provide instructions to callers, such as how to administer first aid."
E: This evidence shows that the role of a PFAD involves not only receiving emergency calls but also gathering important information, prioritizing calls, and making quick decisions about dispatching aid. Additionally, being able to provide instructions and guidance to callers is crucial.
S: Overall, the role of a PFAD is to effectively communicate, make quick decisions, and handle stress in order to ensure the appropriate response to emergency situations.
i need another sentence for the evidence
According to the lesson, PFADs also constantly monitor the locations of emergency responders and communicate directly with them, demonstrating the importance of coordination and staying updated on the status of available resources.
use quotes
According to the lesson, PFADs "constantly monitor the locations of emergency responders by scanning charts and computer screens" and "communicate directly with public safety workers," highlighting the significance of staying informed and coordinating with emergency personnel (Achieve3000).
more
According to the lesson, PFADs "relay data to emergency responders, including police officers, fire fighters, and ambulance workers" and "often remain on the line with callers, obtaining additional information to relay to emergency workers" (Achieve3000). This highlights the crucial role that PFADs play in facilitating effective communication between callers and emergency responders, ensuring that all necessary information is conveyed accurately and promptly.
What is the last paragraph mainly about?(of the text)
The advancing sophistication of equipment used by PFADs
Various ways that prospective PFADs can increase their chances of landing a job
Various ways that the growing and aging population of the U.S. is affecting PFADs
The expected employment prospects for PFADs