Public service organizations thank 911 dispatchers
There’s one phone number everyone has memorized: 911.
Chris Beck, who’s been a Butler County 911 dispatcher for five years, remarked that the number is the first step to people in crisis receiving help, and he’s received many interesting calls in his time on the job.
He described an instance where a woman called in who was stranded after an ice jam flooded a creek around her and her dogs. While she and her pets got to higher ground, Beck pinpointed her location using Rapid SOS technology and updated those responding.
“It was a collaborative effort by all involved,” he said.
In another form of collaboration, Butler County Department of Emergency Services workers like Beck were recognized by public safety entities for their contributions to the community in honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Cranberry Township EMS provided lunch to the six employees in the dispatch center in Butler Township last week. EMS executive director Matt Nickl said they’ve been showing appreciation to Beaver and Butler counties in this way for nearly 10 years.
“That’s the first line in the chain of survival,” he said of the telecommunicators. “They make sure we’re taken care of and we make sure to take care of them. They usually don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
The dispatch center also received meals, ice cream and other gifts from entities with which they serve. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week follows similar holidays for police officers, firefighters and EMS responders, 911 dispatcher Chris Beck said.
“There were a lot of different organizations we deal with on a routine basis that gave us things,” he said. “Allegheny Life Flight sent us Penn State Creamery ice cream.”
Beck said they’re appreciative of people who recognize what they do.
“Like everywhere else, we’re short, short staffed and work long hours. It’s very much appreciated, things from those who recognize that,” he said.
Beck has served as a dispatcher for 16 years. To qualify for the job in Butler, he said someone in his position needs two years of field experience. According to him, 70% of his coworkers are still active in the field.
“We’re EMT, firefighters or police officers. I still work casually for EMS and I’m a fire chief as well,” he said.
With dispatchers having this kind of background, it gives them a greater appreciation for the calls they answer.
“It’s challenging when resources are limited, we’ll have ambulances out from one end of the county to the other. Because of a busy day and limited resources, it makes you want to leave your desk and go help,” he said.
Another challenge of the job is not knowing the outcome of calls, Beck said.
“It’s an open book and we don’t get to hear the ending,” he said.
Dispatchers are trained to have a calming effect on callers experiencing stress, Beck said.
“We do deal with some irate or upset (people), but by the end of the call when they hear ‘help is on the way,’ they’re usually appreciative,” he said.
According to Beck, there is action being taken to get dispatch telecommunicators recognized as first responders nationwide. The status would grant them access to union membership and benefits.
“For the most part we’re designated as secretaries,” Beck said. “I think the most rewarding thing is that we’re a vital link to sending help to those in need.”
