Matthew Huddle, an emergency dispatcher with over 15 years of experience in Fire and EMS dispatch and over 20 years of firefighting experience with the Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department, discusses the role of the Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) in violent incidents. He covers the varying definitions of “violence,” the role of premise history, and the EFD’s need to cultivate active listening skills.
Tracy Eldridge discusses the history and mission of her company, “On Scene First,” and promotes using DISC model for more effective communication inside and outside the center.
Jason and Kathy Lott, founders of the Thin Gold Line Foundation, talk about Jason’s experience as an emergency dispatcher with PTSD and the resources their organization provides for other dispatchers.
The Raspy Dispatcher herself, Ashley Valenzuela, discusses the resources her company offers, as well as some tips preparing for life both before and after dispatch.
Erika Lakey, ENP and CMCP, and Yasmen Barnett, ENP and CMCP, talk about emergency response career paths inside and outside of the comm. center, including how to branch out of or enhance your current role.
Jim Marshall, CEO and co-founder of the 911 Training Institute, and Jason (Jay) Scott, partner engagement director at 911 Training Institute, discuss the underlying principles of Emergency Mental Health Dispatching (EMHD). They cover the development of MPDS Protocol 41: Caller in Crisis (to be released in Fall 2023 to accompany MPDS v14) and provide examples and resources for those interested in learning more.
The hosts of the H.A.L.T. and Call for Backup podcast series, Jim McLintock and Mike Koch, and Cassie Sexton, series regular, get into the nitty gritty of addiction, trauma, and the day of small beginnings in emergency response.
Dr. Renee Thornton, the founder of Pathfinder Resilience, discusses public safety wellness and enhancing workforce performance. She gives a practical definition of “resilience,” outlines the eight dimensions of wellbeing, and talks about actions you can take to make your center’s culture more positive.
Dr. Conrad Fivaz, President of Priority Solutions Inc and chair of the ECNS council of standards, Ellen Edwards, Senior Professional Practice Educator for Clinical Support Desk at Welsh Ambulance Service, and Dr. Mike Brady, Consultant Clinician NHS 111, discuss the implementation of video technology at the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust (WAST). They go over best practices, the types of calls best handled with video technology, and clinician feedback.
Dr. Violet Rymshaw, CEO of Innovative Writing and former emergency dispatcher for police, fire, and EMS, discusses her research on the distinct needs of emergency dispatcher wellness. She talks about stressful calls and center culture as well as small steps to take toward improving the profession overall.
