Within The Trenches

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 machine Advice for new dispatchers on trusting the process and overcoming self-doubt If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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 overcoming skepticism and emotional breakthroughs Juliet's journey from shy dispatcher to confident public speaker and marathon runner If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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 like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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 first responders Holistic wellness practices and the significance of spirituality in supporting dispatchers and their families If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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 email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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 dispatch. Strategies for maintaining professional boundaries and fostering trust within dispatch teams. If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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 calls and heartwarming moments of guiding parents through delivering babies Jenessa recounts performing CPR on a collapsed man during a 5k race If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 549 features Jonathan, TC CTO, with Johnston County, NC.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The emotional toll of a significant 911 call that changed Jonathan's perspective The importance of supportive family and coworkers in dispatch work Navigating the transition between different dispatch roles The intensity and unpredictability of dispatch work The journey of personal growth and leaving a positive legacy in the field If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 548 features #IAM911 stories from the Imagine Listening session at the 9-1-1 Leadership Training retreat at the Mayan Ranch, hosted by the 360 Degree Dispatcher. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU SUFFER FROM PTSD OR HAVE SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Child's tragic passing and creation of a memorial room Emotional toll of handling a call about a deceased 13-year-old Saving a 17-day-old baby who wasn't breathing Encountering a hysterical caller after a suicide attempt Dealing with the trauma of officers being shot at a domestic violence scene As always, if you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 547 features Cat, 911 Communications Supervisor at Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How Cat's unexpected journey into public safety began and her initial impressions of the dispatcher's role. The rigorous hiring process for 911 dispatchers and what it takes to become a certified training officer. The emotional ride of taking life-altering emergency calls and the coping mechanisms dispatchers use. Cat's harrowing experience with a suicidal caller and the profound impact it had on her. As always, if you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 546 features Lauren Spencer, a Retired 911 professional and Life Stylist Entrepreneur.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Lauren's path into public safety and overcoming initial setbacks. The intense training process and demands of a 911 dispatcher. Emotional and impactful experiences of life-saving calls. The importance of sharing stories and celebrating wins in a demanding job. As always, if you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 545 features Jeff, 2nd generation dispatch, 3rd generation fireman out of WestComm Regional, Massachusetts.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Explore Jeff Hastings’ journey and growth in the public safety field, reflecting on the influence of his father and mentorship from key figures like David Squires. Learn about the emotional and psychological challenges faced by dispatchers, including Jeff's personal struggles and the critical incidents that impacted him. Hear about the transformative power of networking events and training programs in Texas that helped Jeff overcome personal fears and embrace professional speaking. Understand the importance of mental health support in dispatch roles, as discussed by Jeff and Ricardo, highlighting sessions that aid in processing traumatic experiences. As always, if you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 544 features Stephanie, a 911 Professional out of Georgia. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Discover Stephanie’s journey from ambulance driver to skilled EMT, and how she transitioned to the demanding role of a 911 dispatcher. Learn about the challenges and emotional toll of handling emergency calls, including a life-saving moment during a CPR call. Explore the evolution of emergency dispatch technology from flip cards to electronic tablets, and the skills required to succeed in this high-stress environment. Hear about the unique "dispatch ear" and how dispatchers manage the intense multitasking of listening, typing, and processing critical information. Discussion on the importance of support and coping mechanisms within the dispatch center to handle the psychological stress of the job. As always, if you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 543 features Lea Harms, 911 Professional, Industry Partner, and Author of "Lives on the Line." Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Now and then there is a snag and that’s life. This is also true when self-publishing or even through a publishing house. Snags happen, but no worries, you can sign up to find out more about Lives on the Line and its availability as soon as it is ready. Head over to Lea’s website for more information on her book, “Lives on the Line.” Lives on the Line | Website Episode topics – Lea's 911 story Discover how Lea's leap into dispatching led to a transformative career and inspired her book, "Lives on the Line". Learn about the intense training and personal growth experienced by 911 dispatchers, including Lea's own story of validation during a harrowing school shooting incident. Explore the emotional journey and therapeutic nature of writing as Lea talks about her emotional process in penning her experiences. Understand the impact and personal trans

Ep 542 features 911 dispatch stories from around North Carolina. The North Carolina 911 board and Within the Trenches podcast partnered on classes and podcast episodes to highlight the amazing work of 911 professionals throughout the state in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This is the last installment in this series out of Johnston County 911. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Answering 911 Calls: The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Dispatcher's Job The Power of Self-Care: Personal Story and Professional Insight The Importance of Recognition for 911 Professionals: Celebrating their Essential Role and more As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 541 features 911 dispatch stories from around North Carolina. The North Carolina 911 board and Within the Trenches podcast partnered on classes and podcast episodes to highlight the amazing work of 911 professionals throughout the state in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This is a continuation of this series out of Johnston County 911. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Technology Boosts Safety: Tracking Callers for Better Help The Importance of Compassion in Customer Service: How Being Human Can Lead to Success The Importance of Leadership and Support in Building a Successful Community and more As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 540 features 911 dispatch stories from around North Carolina. The North Carolina 911 board and Within the Trenches podcast partnered on classes and podcast episodes to highlight the amazing work of 911 professionals throughout the state in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Kristen's 911 story HR with Lorenda Lynda’s 911 story and more As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 539 features Kris, Director of Program Development at The Healthy Dispatcher. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Kris's 911 story The daunting learning curve of dispatch codes and the memorization techniques that Kris used to master them. Training complexities in 911 dispatch and the personal growth that comes from facing such stress-inducing experiences. Relatable anecdotes from Kris's early days of taking calls, including mishaps and the unique multitasking demands of the job. Kris and Ricardo's perspectives on the importance of supportive training and the process of becoming competent and confident dispatchers. The impactful stories of struggles and career transitions, highlighting the deep emotional bonds formed in the dispatch community and the continuous endeavor to give back and support the profession. As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 538 features Katie, a 911 dispatcher with Rockford 911 out of Illinois. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Katie's 911 story How a background in special education equipped her to handle intense emergency calls involving children with autism Learn about the rigorous process Katie underwent to join the dispatch team, including testing, interviews, and a psychological evaluation Gain an understanding of the intense training new dispatchers undergo, and how real-life experiences shape their ability to manage emergency situations Explore the misconceptions about the dispatch profession and the critical 24/7 commitment it requires, including emotional challenges and the need for quick, accurate information Hear Katie's advice for anyone considering a career in dispatch and why recognizing dispatchers as integral parts of the first responder system is essential As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, pl

Ep 537 features Brad Flanagan, Emergency Ops Manager for the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center out of Colorado. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Brad's 911 story How Brad's unique journey from the military to 911 dispatching on a dare unveiled his strengths in emergency operations The indispensable human element in emergency response that technology can't replace and the potential for AI to reshape the industry Tackling the cultural shift in emergency dispatch centers towards a supportive environment and the critical role of mentorship The life-altering experiences of a dispatcher, highlighting the significance of dedication and the deep impact of emergency calls Brad's insights into the future of dispatching with new technologies, simplifying processes, and overcoming fears to innovate and save lives As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.