Ongoing training and support are critical for ensuring success as a public safety telecommunicator. Learn about the importance of building your skills through training and the resources available to support you in your role.
Track Overview
The role of a public safety telecommunicator has evolved, and it continues to change as new technologies and data make their way into emergency communications centers (ECCs). To be successful, telecommunicators must have access to the resources needed to develop new skills, deal with job-related stress, and manage the mental load of this life-saving profession. Attendees will hear from industry leaders who have leveraged their knowledge and experience on the ECC call floor to support the advancement and growth of today’s telecommunicators.
Schedule
10 am EDT - 10:45 am EDT
Depositing Into Your Training Bank: The Investment That Always Pays Off
In this roundtable discussion, public safety agency leaders and training coordinators will discuss the importance of training, where to look for training opportunities, and how to leverage training to expand your career path.
Panelists
Virginia Tomek, Special Consultant, Dispatch Program Manager
California Commission on Peace Office Standards and Training (POST)
To Be Announced
Region 13 Representative
Moderator
Glenn Bischoff
Content Specialist, MCP
11 am EDT - 11:45 am EDT
It's OK to Not Be Okay
The mental load of a telecommunicator can be extremely heavy. In this session, acurrenttelecommunicator discusses the importance of helping each other manage that load and how her team worked together to develop a Critical Incident Stress Management Program to help provide that support at their own center.
Presenter
Laura Potts, 911 Dispatcher/ Acting Call Taking Supervisor
Harford County, MD Dept of Emergency Services
12 pm EDT - 12:45 pm EDT
Coping with the Aftermath of Large Events
When a major event ends, does it really end? What continues to occur after the main event is over, how do telecommunicators deal with the aftermath and what continues to occur in the weeks after? Join this session to hear what did occur after a mass casualty shooting, the events that occurred and the impact on staff.
Presenters
Matt Shenk, Communications Supervisor
Lancaster Countywide Communications
Rick Harrison, ENP
Technology Specialist, MCP
1 pm EDT - 1:45 pm EDT
Preparing for the Big One: Focusing On Your Family
The job of a telecommunicator doesn’t just affect him or her. It can affect the entire family. In this session, we’ll discuss lessons learned through personal experience and the resources available to support both telecommunicators and their families.
