Public Safety Dispatchers: Coordinating Emergency Responses

Police, fire, and EMS dispatchers are the unsung heroes who play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and security of communities. They are the first point of contact in emergencies, seamlessly coordinating critical responses that save lives and protect property.

Public Safety Dispatchers manage a high volume of calls, from life-threatening emergencies to non-urgent inquiries. Their ability to remain calm, empathize with callers, and extract crucial information swiftly is vital. They must quickly assess situations to determine the appropriate level of response needed. Once they gather the necessary information, dispatchers are responsible for directing police, fire, and EMS units to the scene. This requires a deep understanding of resource availability and prioritization. They must ensure that the right personnel and equipment are dispatched promptly and efficiently. Beyond sending units to a scene, dispatchers coordinate with multiple agencies to ensure a cohesive response. Whether it's a complex fire requiring additional resources or a multi-vehicle accident needing both police and medical personnel, dispatchers orchestrate the collaborative effort. Even after units are dispatched, the work of a dispatcher is far from over. They continuously monitor the situation, providing updates and additional support as needed. They are the communication bridge between the scene and other responding units. In many cases, dispatchers offer critical instructions to callers that can stabilize situations before help arrives. This can include guiding someone through performing CPR or advising on how to stay safe in a dangerous situation.

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

• East Central Dispatch Center, located in Richmond Heights, receives all Police, Fire, Medical, Emergency 911 and Non-Emergency calls for the Cities of Brentwood, Clayton, Maplewood, Olivette, Richmond Heights, Rock Hill, and Webster Groves. Dispatchers here answer a high volume of fire and medical related calls for service and dispatch the appropriate equipment to the scene(s).

• Kirkwood Police Department, located in Kirkwood, receives all Police, Fire, Medical, Emergency 911, and Non-Emergency calls for the cities of Kirkwood, Des Peres, Glendale, Oakland, and Warson Woods. Dispatchers here answer a high volume of fire and medical related calls for service and dispatch the appropriate equipment to the scene(s).