Emergency Communications Week looks at how dispatch is changing — from smarter tools and automated routine tasks to new approaches that reduce unnecessary 911 demand. Together, these pieces show how agencies are improving safety, efficiency and real-time awareness for dispatchers, strengthening their role as first responders.
Learn how modern towing workflows can cut response times and clear scenes faster
THE FUTURE OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
In its first two weeks, the Sparks Police Department’s AI assistant handled 25% of non-emergency calls, helping reduce hold times and easing pressure on dispatchers
From call handling to real-time visibility, this checklist helps agencies assess whether their dispatch workflows are keeping pace with today’s emergency communications demands
THE MENTAL LOAD OF DISPATCH
Dispatchers are often the first to hear chaos, fear and loss unfold in real time, yet many remain excluded from the wellness resources, debriefings and peer support systems available to sworn personnel
Just because 911 dispatchers don’t witness trauma firsthand doesn’t mean they are not potentially vulnerable to the stressful aftermath
Subtle shifts in thinking add up to big results, offering greater levels of resilience to draw from during challenging times
What Outagamie County’s purpose-built 911 center reveals about resilience, technology readiness and dispatcher well-being
Amid a nationwide staffing shortage, learn how you can support the lifesaving role of public safety dispatchers – the FIRST first responders
A discussion of the groundbreaking findings of Carbyne’s “Pulse of 9-1-1 State of the Industry Survey” and the state of the emergency communications profession
60-second sitting stretch for dispatchers
Dispatchers spend long hours seated, focused and under pressure, which can lead to neck, shoulder and back tension. In this video, Lexipol Senior Strategic Wellness Director Mandy Nice demonstrates a simple seated stretch designed to relieve stiffness, improve posture and provide a quick physical and mental reset during the workday.
ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS NEWS & INSIGHTS
‘I’m hiding in a closet': 911 calls from co-workers, gunman’s mother released in Louisville shooting
“I need your help. He’s never hurt anyone, he’s a good kid,” the gunman’s mother said
When the chief takes all the dispatchers to lunch in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, someone has to answer the radio!
Fire, police and EMS agencies, as well as local governments, share their appreciation for emergency dispatchers during the 2023 recognition week
More states are adopting statewide NG911 plans and the use of text-to-911 continues to grow
Years before, the dispatch recruit ran away from home and the officer returned her back to her residence safely, while having a heart-to-heart that stuck with her
The two responders stepped in to help after noticing the baby’s mother desperately trying to clear an obstruction from his throat
During some shifts, the dispatch center has only had one person assigned to answer 911 calls for the entire city