Within the Trenches

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.

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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.

Direct download: wttep548.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:01am EST

Ep 547 features Cat, 911 Communications Supervisor at Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA. 

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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.

Direct download: wttep547.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:37am EST

Ep 546 features Lauren Spencer, a Retired 911 professional and Life Stylist Entrepreneur. 

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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.

Direct download: wttep546.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:52am EST

Ep 545 features Jeff, 2nd generation dispatch, 3rd generation fireman out of WestComm Regional, Massachusetts. 

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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.

Direct download: wttep545.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:47am EST

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.

Direct download: wttep544.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:53am EST

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