Ep 579 features a panel discussion entitled "No Dispatcher Left Behind." The panelists include Roxy VanGundy, director of Lyon County 911, KS, Erin Maccabee, a First Responder Clinician and Co-host of the After the Tones Drop Podcast, Cinnamon Reiheld, a First Responder Clinician and Co-host of the After the Tones Drop Podcast, and myself, Ricardo. This session was part of the Dare to be Great virtual event that took place from December 9 through 13th, 2024. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | L...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 49 min
Ep 578 features Kate, a Business Manager at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Kate's emergency response experience and the evolution of technology Emotional toll of dispatch work and Kate's background with Homeland Security Importance of understanding personal strengths and finding the right role Kate's transition to Cobb County 911 and her motivation driven by past tragedies If you have any comments or questions or would lik...
Dec 16, 2024•36 min
Ep 577 features Kysheem, an Emergency Communications Officer-2 at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Real-life experiences from Kysheem’s first emergency calls Comparison of phone and radio roles in emergency communications Detailed overview of the extensive training process for dispatchers Importance of staying composed and understanding subtle communication cues in 911 If you have any comments or questions or would like to b...
Dec 15, 2024•33 min
Ep 576 features Madison, an Emergency Communications Officer 2 and Training Officer 1, at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The emotional impact of losing a colleague and the role of peer support The reality versus perception of emergency calls The use of dark humor in coping with job-related stress The importance of teamwork and shared understanding among colleagues If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a...
Dec 04, 2024•35 min
Ep 575 features Theresa, a CTO at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Theresa shares her innovative community outreach using reptiles to engage the public The importance of understanding personality types in communication and teamwork Unique dispatch operations using reindeer names during the holiday season Information on how you can participate in educational and humorous emergency service presentations If you have any comment...
Nov 27, 2024•38 min
Ep 574 features Lindsey, a supervisor in the Employment Relations Unit at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Lindsey's transition from EMS to fire rescue and then to police dispatch Differences in protocols and communication styles between fire, EMS, and police departments Intense relief and euphoria from successfully resolving challenging calls Memorable and unusual call scenarios, including 'Florida man' incidents and a call...
Nov 21, 2024•36 min
Ep 573 features Jazmine, a Systems Analyst at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Episode topics – Jazmine’s journey from aspiring police officer to systems analyst The importance of training and multitasking in dispatch roles Handling emotional and high-stakes 911 calls Advancements in dispatch technology, including location accuracy and video capabilities If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com ....
Nov 12, 2024•31 min
Ep 572 features Suzanne Carlsen-Skunca, 911 Professional, Owner of Finding Your Path Coaching out of Canada. Episode topics – Suzanne's first robbery call and diverse experience in emergency dispatch Different shift patterns and their impacts on her well-being Personal challenges and the significance of mental health care A memorable industrial fire call leading to a PTSD diagnosis Career transitions, coaching work, and resilience in first responders If you have any comments or questions or woul...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 19 min
Ep 571 is an Open Mic session recorded in North Carolina. The stories come from all over the state. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Funny Open Mic stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com ....
Oct 29, 2024•34 min
Ep 570 is an Imagine Listening session recorded in North Carolina. The stories come from all over the state. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU HAVE PTSD OR SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – #IAM911 stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com ...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Ep 569 is an Open Mic session recorded in Washington DC during the NAVIGATOR conference. The stories come from all over the country. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Funny Open Mic stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com ....
Oct 18, 2024•25 min
Ep 568 is an Imagine Listening session recorded at the 2024 NAVIGATOR conference in Washington DC. The stories come from all over the state. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU HAVE PTSD OR SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – #IAM911 stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please e...
Oct 11, 2024•46 min
Ep 567 is an Open Mic session recorded in North Carolina. The stories come from all over the state. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Funny Open Mic stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com ....
Oct 05, 2024•22 min
Ep 566 is an Imagine Listening session recorded in North Carolina. The stories come from all over the state. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU HAVE PTSD OR SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – #IAM911 stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com ...
Sep 29, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Ep 565 is an Open Mic session recorded in North Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Open Mic (funny & outrageous) stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com ....
Sep 21, 2024•22 min
Ep 564 is an Imagine Listening session recorded at Burke County 911 in North Carolina. The stories come from all over the state. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU HAVE PTSD OR SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – #IAM911 stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at w...
Sep 14, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Ep 563 features Christa, a 911 professional and Industry Partner out of Michigan. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Struggles with the emotional toll of being a dispatcher and bringing work home The decision to step down from dispatch and feelings of guilt Her new podcast "Open Your Ears" focuses on single parenting and diverse family situations Emotional experiences handling extreme calls, including shootings and a house explosion Advice for current a...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Ep 562 features a special look at National #IAM911 Day, the birth of the #IAM911 Movement, and much more from a LIVE Open Mic broadcast. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The powerful "Imagine Listening" sessions and their evolution into a podcast and book series The impactful #IAM911 movement and its role in peer support and public education Ricardo's personal journey and inspiration behind his work Special performance by Bailey Johnson and insights o...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 28 min
Ep 561 features Elizabeth, an author, and a retired 911 professional. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The emotional toll of handling traumatic calls The role of peer support and stress management in her department Challenges of working with outdated technology in the 1990s dispatch center Transitioning from work to retirement and pursuing creative projects The importance of seeking culturally competent mental health support If you have any comments o...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Ep 560 features Brandon, a 911 Professional from a Regional Emergency Communications Center in western Massachusetts. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Brandon recounts a severe car accident that resulted in a challenging recovery The transition from security to public safety and what drew him to 911 dispatch Unusual and disturbing 911 calls, including domestic disputes and bizarre incidents The impact of mental health on dispatchers and the importance...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 20 min
Ep 559 features Julie, a Senior Level 3 Dispatcher, with St. George Communications Center, Utah. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Julie's transition from nursing school to a career in law enforcement and dispatching The unique traits and skillset required for the demanding role of a 911 professional Navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the work culture The importance of effective leadership, training programs, and a pos...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Ep 558 features Robin, the owner of CrisisIQ. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Robin's unique journey from communications to becoming a trainer and supervisor in dispatch The innovative training techniques she developed and implemented at her agency An emotionally challenging first call and the importance of caller management Robin's advice on the significance of work-life balance and avoiding burnout Insight into Robin's company, CrisisIQ, and its ta...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 16 min
Ep 557 features Marlene, an Emergency Specialist - 1 with Aurora 911 out of Colorado. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Marlene recounts the emotional impact of a call involving a mother accidentally running over her one-year-old baby The struggles of translating and dealing with medical and fire emergencies Navigating the complexities of revealing their identities while handling calls Marlene's transition to working in public safety and her initial ch...
Jul 26, 2024•29 min
Ep 556 features Joey, a Professional Development Specialist with Aurora 911 out of Colorado. Episode topics – Joey's path to joining the public safety field and his personal connection to 911 dispatching The emotional and professional challenges faced during initial training and first emergency calls The unique structure and supportive culture at Aurora 911, including professional development roles Benefits and amenities provided to dispatchers, such as ergonomic workstations and a free coffee m...
Jul 19, 2024•26 min
Ep 555 features a conversation from the Dispatcher’s Roundtable - Round 41 on leadership and the transformational experience of the Leadership Training event at the Mayan Ranch hosted by the 360 Dispatcher. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Tyler's emotional performance and conversation about Kari's law Corinne's reflections on her eye-opening ranch experience Joe Serio's insights on personal growth and facing challenges Terrie's heartfelt account of o...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 36 min
Ep 554 features Mario, an Emergency Specialist - 3 with Aurora 911 out of Colorado. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Mario's initial interest in being an EMT and the shift to 911 dispatching Challenges and adrenaline rush of early days in dispatch The impact of working on high-stress calls Memorable and haunting calls in dispatch Tips and advice for new dispatchers from Mario's six years of experience If you have any comments or questions or would lik...
Jul 13, 2024•19 min
Ep 553 features Bess, a Management Assistant, and Pam, a Chaplain with Aurora 911 out of Colorado. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Bess reflects on the positive impact of kindness during a memorable Thanksgiving as a dispatcher The importance of being human and adaptable in the ever-evolving field of dispatching Transitioning careers from dispatching to management and the associated challenges Pam’s insights on the role and selection of chaplains for...
Jul 06, 2024•34 min
Ep 552 features Reyna, an Emergency Specialist 1 with Aurora 911 out of Colorado. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Reyna's journey into public safety and criminal justice The challenges of working early morning shifts Handling emotionally intense 911 calls The complexity of translating emergency calls Unexpected moments with family members calling in emergencies If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please emai...
Jun 25, 2024•28 min
Ep 551 features Carlynn, 911 Professional and Engagement Strategist with FirstWatch. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Learn more about FirstWatch - Web Episode topics – The importance of standardized questions and procedures in dispatching. Personal stories of challenging calls and their emotional impact. How First Watch software aids dispatch centers by automating tasks and analyzing call data. The significance of accreditation as a center of excellence in emergency ...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Ep 550 features Jenessa, Level 3 - 911 Professional out of St. George Communications, Utah. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Training, unexpected calls, and personal growth insights from almost 15 years in the field are explored The importance of staying calm and compassionate in high-pressure situations is highlighted Jenessa shares her journey into public safety and the overwhelming nature of starting as a dispatcher She discusses distressing 911 ca...
Jun 12, 2024•50 min
