Is being a 911 dispatcher difficult?
A career as a 911 dispatcher is fast-paced, hectic, and above all else, rewarding. As a part of a chain of emergency responders, dispatchers are the face—or the ear—of emergency calls to 911. It takes a remarkable person to do a dispatcher’s work, and it is not suited to everyone.
How stressful is it to be a 911 dispatcher?
Often the first point of contact for someone in distress, 911 dispatchers frequently witness the worst of the tragedy over the phone. As a result, their stress and trauma exposure is just as great as any other first responder and can lead to the development of serious mental health issues, such as: Depression. Anxiety.
Is being a dispatcher easy?
A dispatcher’s job can be stressful, and they typically take many calls, deal with stressful situations, and must endure the pressure of responding quickly and calmly in life-threatening situations.
How many days a week do 911 dispatchers work?
Public Safety Dispatchers work a modified work schedule: 12 hours a day, 3 times a week, and one 4-hour shift, to make up a 40-hour work week. Public Safety Dispatchers staff the Communications Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and routinely work rotating shifts approximately every 6 months.
How fast do you need to type to be a 911 dispatcher?
Most 911 telecommunicators are required to type between 30 – 45 WPM without errors. You should know what you’re getting into before applying for a job as a 911 dispatcher. Emergencies don’t sleep and 911 telecommunicators work in shifts. You will be required to work midnights, weekends, and holidays.
How do 911 dispatchers cope with stress?
911 Dispatcher Stress Management: 5 Ways to Stay Mentally Strong
- Dispatchers Must Maintain a Strong Support Network. …
- Exercise Between Dispatch Shifts. …
- Eat Healthy Foods That Nurture Your Body. …
- Take Time for Leisure and Maintain a Work-life Balance. …
- Practice Good Sleep Hygiene.
Is dispatching a high stress job?
The Effects of the Job
In 2013, being an EMD was named the 13th most stressful job in America. The job is highly demanding – dispatchers are dealing with constant bursts of adrenaline as they receive panicked calls for up to 12 hours a day.
Is it hard to be a freight dispatcher?
Is it hard to be a dispatcher? Truck dispatching requires a high-level of organization, focus, attention to detail, and patience. Dispatchers constantly manage a high volume of requests — somewhat like an air traffic controller of the trucking world. It can be a stressful and challenging position.
Do dispatchers make good money?
Non-emergency dispatchers averaged $40,190 per year, or $19.42 per hour in 2019, according to the BLS. The lowest paid 10 percent earned $25,260 per year, or $12.14 per hour, while the best paid 10 percent received $67,860 annually, or $32.62 per hour.