Why do 911 operators sound so calm?

Mainly because they need to remain calm at all times – as it does no help to go into “OMG-mode”. Their job is to get the facts needed to dispatch help and/or directly help the caller make sensible decisions until that help arrives. Wasting time empathizing gets in the way of the first objective.

What is the first thing a 911 dispatcher says?

By clearly stating your location (or a solid address if possible), emergency/what kind of emergency responder you need, and your phone number, the 911 operator can dispatch emergency responders to your location or call you back if the call drops. You might say, “I need an ambulance.

How do dispatchers stay calm?

Tell people to calm down

1. “Police/EMS/etc. will be there soon.”
2. “They will be able to take care of you and the emergency.”
3. Listen to their fears and what they’re saying; sometimes people in an emergency just need someone to listen while they’re waiting to get help.
4. Say, “I understand you’re upset. It is okay.

What will a 911 operator ask?

Dispatchers ask for pertinent information first – address, type of call, name of caller or those involved, and your call back number. Once the initial information is obtained, additional questions may be asked depending on the type of call.

Is there a shortage of 911 operators?

Background. ABC NEWS– Right now, there’s a critical shortage of 911 operators all across the nation. With roughly 240 million 911 calls coming in every year, some cities are missing up to half their usual dispatchers.

How stressful is it to be a 911 operator?

Often the first point of contact for someone in distress, 911 dispatchers frequently witness the worst of the tragedy over the phone. As a result, their stress and trauma exposure is just as great as any other first responder and can lead to the development of serious mental health issues, such as: Depression. Anxiety.

Why don’t 911 dispatchers reveal their secrets?

The stress and demands of constantly managing emergencies can take a toll on 911 dispatchers—which is why they might not reveal these secrets. An estimated 240 million calls are made to 911 in the United States each year.

What happens if you call 911 and they don’t answer?

The worst thing you can do to a 911 dispatcher is end the call before they answer. Every time someone calls and hangs up, dispatchers are required to call that number back. Even if you called by mistake, the best thing to do is stay on the line and explain, rather than hanging up and initiating a game of phone tag.

What skills do you need to be a 911 dispatcher?

A 911 dispatcher must meet the following job requirements: Be an excellent speaker and writer of English Have office skills such as word processing, stenography, and transcription Have a working knowledge of laws, legal codes, government regulations, and agency rules

How much money does a 911 dispatcher make?

The average 911 dispatcher earns around $36,300 a year; the top 10 percent make about $56,580, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.