In the typical workplace, understaffing can lead to decreased sales, a lost client or the requirement that other employees work harder, more quickly, and longer hours. Certainly, this can be difficult for existing employees. Understaffing at the office, however, isn’t likely to lead to injury or death of another person. Things are different in public…
By Jeff Vilk, Guest Writer Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright once said, “As a leader, you have to have the ability to assimilate new information and understand that there might be a different view.” While she wasn’t talking about emergency communications, her words apply to our industry just the same. We must be able…
By Jeffrey Vilk, Guest Writer Since I began writing this column, I’ve realized something: I’ve forgotten a group that impacts us more than any other–our spouses and significant others. They are the ones who are there to pick up the pieces after we’ve experienced a tragic event. Events like when a baby receiving CPR instructions…
#TransformationTuesday: THD Edition spotlights members of The Healthy Dispatcher community who have made positive changes to their physical or mental health while working in the demanding field of 9-1-1 telecommunications. This week, #TransformationTuesday: THD Edition features Jennifer K., who has been a dispatcher for almost 19 years. What unhealthy (physically or mentally) habits did you…
#TransformationTuesday: THD Edition spotlights members of The Healthy Dispatcher community who have made positive changes to their physical or mental health while working in the demanding field of 9-1-1 telecommunications. This week, #TransformationTuesday: THD Edition features Julie F., who has been a dispatcher for 11 years. What unhealthy (physically or mentally) habits did you used…
By Jeffrey Vilk, Guest Writer When I started my career as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, I knew — or at least I thought I knew — what emotions I would experience. Excitement and anxiousness when I picked up the 9-1-1 call; nervousness and concern as I sent police officers to a call with lights and sirens…
