We have all heard the stories of the heroic young child who saved his mother’s life by calling 911 and telling the dispatcher what was happening. But how do we teach our own child to be that hero in an emergency? 1. Teach your child how to use your phone. Show the child how to dial […]
Category: Dispatch Tips
Tips by and for dispatchers (ie telecommunicators, call takers, 911 call takers)
Use these Everyday EMS Tips resources to learn more about the risks and hazards of crystal meth. As you probably know meth patients and meth labs pose a significant hazardous materials exposure risk to emergency responders. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that has a severe impact on the central nervous system. Police officers, fire […]
While we have all heard the heroic stories of a toddler calling 911 and saving his mother’s life, this type of call is rare. Most young children are hesitant to call 911 and even more reluctant to talk to the stranger on the other end of the line. If you are dispatcher or other type […]
As a 911 dispatcher my theory on talking to anyone in crisis is simple: if you’re talking, you’re alive. Keep suicidal callers talking. For that moment you know they are alive. I ask questions in these three areas:
You work hard to keep the residents of your community safe by providing emergency police, fire and rescue services. Be equally as diligent to minimize contagions in your Dispatch Center. Simple cleaning can prevent the spread of germs from one dispatcher to the next. Use these Everyday EMS Tips for Preventing the spread of influenza […]
As an emergency dispatcher, I have heard a wide variety of rescue calls. The worst calls, the ones that cause my immediate increased pulse rate and surge in adrenaline, are the ones involving children. Some of my most memorable calls are for infants that are pulseless non-breathers. I recently had a call for five month […]
One of my favorite things to do is go to the library to peruse the racks of new fiction. I love picking up a book that has been freshly wrapped in library issued cellophane. I love the smell of the pages as I open the book, and the sound of the spine cracking for the […]
ThinkSafe is putting the finishing touches on an iPhone app called CPR hero. Watch this ThinkSafe video to see the App in action. I like the clear instruction and integrated metronome. Would you load this app on your iPhone or encourage lay people to have this resource on their phone?
EMS has given me some amazing opportunities. One of the most incredible was visiting Israel in early 2007 to attend a week-long training seminar on terrorism and mass casualty response. While I was in Israel I recorded a podcast each day that was posted at EMSResponder.com. I also wrote an article for EMS Magazine. I […]
Researchers have busted the myth that hands-free devices are safer than holding a cell phone while driving. Read this article about a study that showed hands-free devices are not safer than hand-held phones. A distracted driver is a dangerous driver. Follow these Everyday EMS Tips for eliminating driver distraction: