The emergency number for most of the US is 911, but requirements for becoming a 911 dispatcher vary. Dispatchers need good communication skills, multitasking abilities, and customer service experience. Some agencies have age restrictions, and some rural areas have a seven-digit emergency number.
The telephone number to contact the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system for most areas of the United States is 911. A 911 dispatcher transmits information of citizens who need emergency services and the location of those citizens to the appropriate agency so that help can be provided. sent as soon as possible. EMS systems in the United States are not nationally standardized; therefore, the requirements for becoming a 911 dispatcher are not the same in all locations. Typical requirements include being a US citizen at least 18 years old, having at least a high school diploma, possessing good oral and written communication skills, and passing a written exam.
Most agencies require all dispatchers to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. Many also require US citizenship and submission to a background check and drug screening. Agencies that do not require a college degree may still require applicants to earn at least some college credits regardless of whether they graduate. When this is not a requirement, it may still be a very strong preference from the agency you want to work for as a 911 dispatcher.
Generally, it’s a good idea to check with the agency you plan to apply to to find out if they hire civilians. Some agencies have a policy of hiring strictly firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), or other sworn officers. You’ll also want to increase your chances of getting hired by acquiring certain skills needed to do the job. These skills involve typing at least 35 words per minute, computer literacy, and successful multitasking. Extensive customer service experience, especially working with a diverse customer base, is generally considered essential if you want to become a 911 dispatcher.
Candidate screening processes usually involve taking a written exam to assess your short- and long-term memory, accuracy, and ability to think quickly under stress. The ability to stay calm, help calm others, and communicate clearly and concisely are even more skills needed to become a 911 dispatcher. If you are under 18, you may not have to wait until your birthday. 18 years old to start training. Some agencies offer the advantage of cadet training programs that anyone as young as 16 who wants to become a 911 dispatcher can enroll.
In some rural areas of the US, emergency services cannot be reached by dialing 911; instead, these areas have a standard seven-digit emergency telephone number. Areas that use 911 may have a regular emergency line or an enhanced line that tracks the physical location of the caller. Tracking is performed whether a landline, cell or cell phone is used to make the call. This is especially useful in cases involving people who are very young, injured, or who speak a language other than English or Spanish.
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