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
The last paragraph of the text is mainly about the expected employment prospects for PFADs.
The reader can infer from the article that __________.
The shifts for PFADs are probably shorter than shifts in most other fields because their work is stressful.
PFADs are probably not required to type because their work involves just listening and speaking.
PFADs must learn ways to acquire important information from callers who are very upset.
Demand for PFADs is probably dropping because Americans are staying healthier and living longer.
The reader can infer from the article that PFADs must learn ways to acquire important information from callers who are very upset.
Which is the closest antonym for the word crucial?
Impulsive
Illiterate
Insignificant
Irretrievable
The closest antonym for the word "crucial" is "insignificant".
This article would be most useful as a source for a student research project on __________.
Careers in the medical field
How to choose the right career
How to administer first aid
Careers in public safety
This article would be most useful as a source for a student research project on careers in public safety.
What cause and effect relationship is described in this article?
Because PFADs are required to learn how to administer first aid, many PFADs go on to become ambulance workers.
Because PFADs are required to attend months of on-the-job training, they are not usually required to finish high school.
Because 911 calls are received in dispatch centers 24 hours a day, many PFADs work days, nights, and weekends.
Because 911 calls are received from the general public, PFADs are usually required to be fluent in multiple languages.
The cause and effect relationship described in this article is:
Because 911 calls are received in dispatch centers 24 hours a day, many PFADs work days, nights, and weekends.
The article states:
Not all calls that PFADs receive pertain to emergencies. PFADs may also take non-emergency calls for police departments after business hours.
Which would be the closest synonym for the word pertain?
Yield
Object
Assent
Relate
The closest synonym for the word "pertain" would be "relate".
Which of these statements is contrary to the ideas presented in this article?
The slowly shrinking population of the U.S. is expected to decrease demand for PFADs and other emergency service workers.
In some places, job growth for PFADs may slow due to the closing of some call centers.
PFADs often work 8- to 10-hour shifts that include days, nights, and weekends.
According to a national wage survey conducted by the government, the average annual income for PFADs is about $37,000.
The statement that is contrary to the ideas presented in this article is: "The slowly shrinking population of the U.S. is expected to decrease demand for PFADs and other emergency service workers." The article states that the job outlook for PFADs is favorable because the growing and aging population of the U.S. is expected to increase demand for emergency services.
Look at page 2 of the Article. Drag the events to put them in the order in which they happened.
intruders entered murdocks home
two suspects were caught and arrested
murdock asked the dispatcher for help quickly
the dispatcher told him he was doing a good job
the officers saw them flee in the woods
murdock called 911
I apologize, but as an AI language model, I do not have access to specific pages or articles. Therefore, I am unable to provide the order of events described in the article you are referring to. Please provide me with the information or context about the events, and I will do my best to assist you.
Dig Deeper
You read that police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers (PFADs) play an important role in facilitating communication among emergency responders, but PFADs, also called "911 dispatchers," must be adept at communicating with the general public. They must obtain information about the nature of the emergency while reassuring the caller that emergency responders will soon be on the scene—this can be particularly challenging when the caller is a child. Here are two stories about children who called 911 and spoke to PFADs.
Keeping a 12-Year-Old Calm
A 12-year-old boy in Port Arthur, Texas, maintained incredible poise on the phone with a 911 dispatcher after burglars broke into his house when he was home alone.
"Someone's trying to break into my house," Deion Murdock told a 911 dispatcher with the Port Arthur Police Department. "I'm in my mother's room right now—please hurry."
The intruders broke through a window and entered Murdock's home. Meanwhile, Murdock stayed on the line with the dispatcher, who instructed the boy to hide in a closet.
"I'm going to have to whisper now because I think they're coming in," Murdock said, adding, "It sounds like there are multiple people."
The dispatcher kept the boy calm on the line, checking on him to make sure he was still there as officers raced to the scene.
"You're doing good, doing real good, doing perfect," she told him. "Your mom's going to be so proud of you."
Once officers arrived, they saw two men flee the home and run into the woods. The two suspects were later caught and arrested, and despite the traumatic ordeal, Murdock was unharmed.
Soothing a 5-Year-Old
A quick-thinking 5-year-old girl from Ridgewood, New Jersey, calmly dialed 911 when her mother began choking on a chip. Chloe Olsen thought she was talking to her father, saying to the dispatcher, "Daddy, Mommy's choking," but her parents and the police say that she did a great job.
"You could tell she was a little concerned and scared," said Police Chief John Ward, adding, "She still knew enough to talk to the dispatchers [and] work it through."
Chloe's mom, Kerry Olson, had stopped choking by the time rescue units arrived, but police said that Chloe may still receive special recognition for her actions.
The Olsons said that police and fire officials also deserve credit—for previously visiting Chloe's school and introducing students to a catchy jingle that tells them, "When there's big trouble and you're all alone, don't be scared; pick up the phone—and dial 911."
Chloe's parents and 8-year-old sister were greatly impressed.
"She did a great job. I'm very happy," said Douglas Olson, Chloe's father.
Here's how the call went:
911 dispatcher: "Where's your emergency? ... Hello?"
Chloe: "Daddy? Hello? Daddy, Mommy's choking."
Dispatcher: "She's choking?"
Chloe: "Yes, she can't talk right now."
Dispatcher: "OK, she can't talk?"
Chloe: "No."
Dispatcher: "OK, can you open the front door, and I'll get help over to you?"
Chloe: "OK."
Dispatcher: "Alright, open the front door. I'll be right there."
Chloe: "Love you, bye."
Chloe said she made the call because she knew it was an emergency. When she hung up, she told her mother, "Daddy's on the way," Kerry Olson said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Based on the information provided in this excerpt, here is the order of events:
1. Intruders entered Murdock's home.
2. Deion Murdock, a 12-year-old boy, called 911 and spoke to a PFAD.
3. Murdock stayed on the line with the dispatcher, who instructed him to hide in a closet.
4. Officers arrived at the scene, and two suspects were seen fleeing the home and running into the woods.
5. Murdock remained unharmed, and the two suspects were later caught and arrested.
1. Kerry Olson, a mother, began choking on a chip.
2. Chloe Olsen, a 5-year-old girl, calmly dialed 911.
3. Chloe informed the dispatcher that her mother was choking and unable to talk.
4. The dispatcher instructed Chloe to open the front door for help.
5. Police and fire officials arrived at the scene, and Chloe's mother had stopped choking.
6. Chloe receives praise for her quick action, and her school's preparedness efforts are credited.
7. Chloe tells her mother, "Daddy's on the way."
Please note that the exact timing or duration of each event is not provided, but this is the general sequence of events based on the information given.
only the ones provided
Apologies for the confusion. Based on the specific stories provided in the excerpt, here is the order of events:
For the story of Deion Murdock:
1. Intruders entered Murdock's home.
2. Deion Murdock called 911 and spoke to a PFAD.
3. Murdock stayed on the line with the dispatcher and followed her instructions to hide in a closet.
4. Officers arrived at the scene and saw two men fleeing the home into the woods.
5. The two suspects were later caught and arrested.
6. Murdock remained unharmed.
For the story of Chloe Olsen:
1. Kerry Olson, Chloe's mother, began choking on a chip.
2. Chloe Olsen, a 5-year-old girl, calmly dialed 911 and thought she was talking to her father.
3. Chloe informed the dispatcher that her
use this
Look at page 2 of the Article. Drag the events to put them in the order in which they happened.
intruders entered murdocks home
two suspects were caught and arrested
murdock asked the dispatcher for help quickly
the dispatcher told him he was doing a good job
the officers saw them flee in the woods
murdock called 911
use this
Look at page 2 of the Article. Drag the events to put them in the order in which they happened.
intruders entered murdocks home
two suspects were caught and arrested
murdock asked the dispatcher for help quickly
the dispatcher told him he was doing a good job
the officers saw them flee in the woods
murdock called 911..