The Willis Gap Community Watch met on Thursday, October 10 at 144 The Hollow Road, Ararat. Patrick County Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Sain opened the meeting with a background on how the dispatchers work with him and handle the calls that come in while he is on duty. There was a question-and-answer period. He then introduced the guest speaker, Dispatcher Karen Campbell from the 911 Call Center, Patrick County Sheriff’s Office.
Campbell spoke about her job and how intense and rewarding it is. There are all kinds of call-ins. Some are not pertinent to an emergency. Sometimes, the person is rude and loud, using vulgar language, and is not always coherent. She assesses and deals with the situation, either handling it or calling for appropriate help from the deputy sheriff. The deputy and she stay in contact with each other (computers and cell phones) until the situation is resolved.
Campbell emphasized the crucial role of a 911 emergency dispatcher in an emergency. People often turn to them for help from the sheriff, police, fire department, or emergency medical technicians. As a dispatcher, you gather all relevant information, including the caller’s name, situation details, and address. You then assess the location of emergency medical teams, deputy sheriffs, and police officers and dispatch the appropriate team. If qualified, you may even provide medical information to the caller until help arrives. Your job is to stay on the line, keep the caller calm, and gather vital information until the situation is resolved. She shared that two women were assisted in giving birth this year, underscoring the life-saving role of a 911 dispatcher.
A 911 dispatcher works in a very stressful environment; an improper response or delay increases the risk and health of the caller. It is best to remember that callers are often frightened or excited and cannot give you the proper information. In some situations, the caller may become angry or abusive, and you must be able to control the situation. As a 911 dispatcher, you use telephones and computers to communicate with emergency response teams through two-way radios. Sitting for long periods and monitoring a computer screen could cause eye strain and back pain. Although dispatchers generally work a 40-hour week, they are often subjected to rotating shifts and alternative work schedules.
Sain was adamant about his trust in his 911 dispatchers. He has been known to intervene when speaking to callers, telling them they must be calm and courteous to the dispatcher trying to help them.
Refreshments at the meeting included chips, dip, cookies, drinks, and Campbell’s home-baked spice cake.
The next Meeting will be on Thursday, January 9.
