Emergency Dispatcher Training

In most states, 911 operators must meet certain training requirements.

Emergency dispatchers, also known as 911 operators, must have a high school diploma or GED to qualify for this position. Once hired, they may be required to complete additional training.

Facts

Emergency dispatchers are trained to respond to emergency calls from the public. They listen to and document information from callers, provide guidance and instructions and ensure that emergency services respond quickly.

Requirements

Emergency dispatchers must successfully complete at least six months of training or however many hours of training required by their employers. Each county, state, emergency dispatch service, police or fire department has different training requirements.

Certification Program

Some emergency dispatchers may be required to obtain a certification such as the emergency telecommunicator (ETC) certification provided by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED), which consists of 40 hours of training on emergency protocols, call classification, stress management and technology.

CPR Training

In addition to completing their on-the-job training, some 911 operators may also need to get their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification before they can begin taking medical emergency calls.

Geography

There are 18 states, including Arkansas, Oklahoma and Nevada, that have not established minimum training standards for emergency dispatchers.

References

• education-portal:Emergency Dispatcher Training Programs and Education Requirements
• emergencydispatch: Certification
• Public Safety Communications:Training Requirements for 9-1-1