The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners recognized April 10-16 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week to honor the men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance to Santa Rosa County citizens.
Four shifts of five-person emergency medical dispatch teams serve Santa Rosa County. The dispatcher is the principal link between the caller in need of emergency assistance and the emergency responder. Dispatchers work from scripted questions to gather information from the caller while simultaneously dispatching responders.
“The typical 9-1-1 caller is naturally distressed when dealing with an emergency but our dispatchers are trained to help calm the caller to obtain critical information about the emergency so the appropriate resources can be sent as quickly as possible” said Scott Markel.
It’s important to know when it is appropriate to call 9-1-1. Call for assistance:
- When there is a medical emergency or fire
- When an active criminal act needs to be reported to law enforcement such as an assault, burglary, theft, etc.
- If you believe there is a threat or perceived threat to life or property
Do not call 9-1-1:
- To report a power outage
- To ask for a phone number or time
- For non-emergency related questions.
