Become a Fire and EMS Dispatcher: Coordinate Emergency Responses and Ensure Community Safety

Fire and EMS dispatchers serve as the vital link between the public and emergency services, playing an indispensable role in ensuring community safety and well-being. Their responsibilities go beyond merely answering calls; they are tasked with the critical duty of coordinating quick and efficient responses to emergencies, often making the difference between life and death.

Fire and EMS dispatchers are the first point of contact for individuals in distress. They must quickly assess the situation, determine the nature and severity of the emergency, and decide the appropriate level of response. This requires a keen ability to prioritize calls based on urgency and potential impact on public safety.

Dispatchers communicate directly with fire departments, EMS personnel, and other public safety agencies. They provide responders with crucial information, such as location details, incident specifics, and potential hazards. Effective communication ensures that emergency personnel are well-prepared and can coordinate their efforts efficiently.

In addition to dispatching emergency personnel, dispatchers must manage resources effectively. This includes tracking the availability of fire trucks, ambulances, and personnel, as well as ensuring that the right equipment is sent to the scene. Their role in resource allocation is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring a swift response to multiple or overlapping incidents.

In the St. Louis area, the following agencies answer emergency and non emergency calls for fire and medical services only:

• Central County Emergency 911, located in Ellisville, covers the majority of fire department dispatching in St. Louis County and some agencies in Franklin and Jefferson Counties. Dispatchers here answer a high volume of fire and medical related calls for service and dispatch the appropriate equipment to the scene(s).