Emergency Dispatcher

Your Fit

Income

$51K

Preparation

Some

Growth

3.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Emergency Dispatcher?

An Emergency Dispatcher is a crucial link between the public and emergency services, responsible for receiving and processing calls for emergency assistance. They quickly assess situations and dispatch appropriate emergency services, such as police, fire, or medical services.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Emergency Dispatcher.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Emergency Dispatcher earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$42K per year	$51K per year	$63K per year	$78K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $1.23K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Emergency Dispatcher do?

Work environment

Emergency Dispatchers typically work in communication centers, also known as Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). They work in a highly stressful environment, managing multiple communication channels. The role often requires working in shifts, covering 24/7 operations, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Quick task list

Answers emergency and non-emergency calls and assesses callers' needs.
Dispatches appropriate emergency services and personnel.
Coordinates with multiple agencies and provides critical information to emergency responders.
Documents calls and maintains communication logs.
Provides callers with instructions or assistance until emergency personnel arrive.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Police Dispatching: Specializing in law enforcement response, handling calls related to crimes and public safety.
Fire Dispatching: Focusing on dispatching fire services, managing calls related to fires and rescue operations.
Medical Dispatching: Coordinating medical emergency responses, including giving pre-arrival medical instructions.
Public Safety Communications: Integrating various emergency services and ensuring coordinated response efforts.

Description

Emergency Dispatchers serve as a vital part of the emergency response system. They must make quick, accurate assessments of incoming calls to determine the nature of the emergency and the appropriate response. This role requires excellent communication skills, as dispatchers must extract critical information from callers, often in distressing situations, and relay clear instructions to emergency responders.

The job demands a high level of emotional stability and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Dispatchers must be adept at multitasking and using various communication and computer systems. They play a critical role in ensuring public safety by efficiently managing response times and resources.

Career progression can include supervisory roles, training and quality assurance, or specialization in a specific area of emergency dispatch. This occupation can be incredibly fulfilling for those with a strong desire to help others and contribute to community safety.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being a key player in saving lives and ensuring public safety.
The fast-paced nature of the work and the ability to handle challenging situations.
Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development in emergency services.

You might make a good Emergency Dispatcher if you are...

Able to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations.
A strong communicator, capable of quickly obtaining and conveying information accurately.
Detail-oriented, with the ability to multitask effectively.
Compassionate, with a strong desire to assist those in emergency situations.
Technologically adept, comfortable with using communication and dispatch software.

Pros:

Rewarding and meaningful work with a direct impact on public safety.
Diverse and dynamic work experiences.
Opportunities for growth and specialization within emergency services.

Cons:

High-stress environment with potential for emotional strain.
Irregular hours due to shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Handling distressing situations and managing the responsibility of urgent decision-making.

How to become an Emergency Dispatcher

Typical education

A high school diploma or GED is usually required. Additional specialized training, such as certification in Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD), is often provided by employers. Some positions may require additional education or certifications in public safety or emergency management.

High school preparation

Courses:

Courses in communication for developing effective listening and speaking skills.
Psychology to understand how to interact with individuals in stressful situations.
Computer classes to gain proficiency in various software and technologies.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering with local community organizations, especially those involving crisis intervention.
Participating in activities that require quick thinking and problem-solving, like debate clubs or team sports.
First aid and CPR training, which can be valuable in providing pre-arrival instructions.

Preparation after high school

Certification programs in Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) or similar fields.
Training in public safety, emergency management, or criminal justice.
Internships or volunteer opportunities in emergency services or call centers.

More resources

National Emergency Number Association (NENA) - Offers resources and training for professionals in the emergency calling field.
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) - Provides education and certification for emergency communication professionals.
International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) - Offers certification and resources for dispatchers in medical, fire, and police dispatch.
O*NET Online - Comprehensive resource for detailed information on various occupations, including Emergency Dispatchers.

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