Within the Trenches
Episode 646 features Autumn, a 911 professional at Indian River County Sheriff's Office out of Florida. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – How Autumn got started in public safety and her motivation behind the career The intense first calls, including challenging suicide and CPR emergencies Coping with emotional stress and the importance of mental health support in dispatch centers Autumn’s unforgettable baby delivery call on Valentine’s Day and earning her stork pin Advice for new dispatchers about training, confidence, and handling tough calls If you have any...
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Episode 645 features an Open Mic LIVE chat with Joe Serio of the 360 Dispatcher as we look at the 911 Leadership Training event he hosts at the Mayan ranch in Bandera, TX. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Behind-the-scenes look at the 911 leadership and mental health training events at the Mayan Ranch The importance of breaking the ice and building real connections among first responders Honest talk about fear, vulnerability, and the obstacles that hold us back—plus how to move forward Inspiring stories about personal and professional transformation from the ranch...
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Episode 644 features a look at the 911 Goes to Washington conference hosted by NENA through, 1st VP, Roxy Van Gundy, Congresswoman Norma Torres, and James, a 911 professional out of NJ. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Breakdown of the importance and impact of the 911 Goes to Washington conference. Updates on the Enhancing First Response Act and the push to reclassify 911 dispatchers as first responders. Inspiring words from Roxy Van Gundy emphasizing that every dispatcher’s voice matters, no matter where they come from. Recognition of Congresswoman Norma Torres,...
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Episode 643 features Keely, Marketing Contractor with RapidSOS, Ben, VP of Product with RapidSOS, and myself as we cover Most Important Seconds - After the Pitt. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Behind-the-scenes of a special HBO Max event honoring first responders and showcasing "The Pit" Real-world challenges of outages in 911 centers and hospitals, and how new tech is making a difference The impact of AI and interoperability in public safety, saving precious seconds and supporting understaffed teams Candid experiences from career dispatchers, EMTs, and product...
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Episode 642 features Alora, director at Unacoi 911 out Tennessee. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – How Alora got started in public safety and her rapid shift from part-time to full-time dispatcher The reality of short dispatcher training and surviving the critical early days on the job Experiences handling traumatic and life-changing emergency calls Leading her team through the chaos of Hurricane Helene and the unexpected impact on the community The story of Stella, the dispatch center’s emotional support dog, and the positive effect on team morale If you have...
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Episode 641 features Gina, ECC Engagement Manager, w/RapidSOS and 911 professional Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Gina’s journey from a law enforcement family to a career in dispatch and RapidSOS Training challenges and early calls that shaped her perspective Emotional toll and mental health strategies for dispatchers Memorable stories—both comical and intense—that highlight the dispatch experience The shift to RapidSOS, technology’s role in saving lives, and advice for new dispatchers If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest...
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Ep 640 features Shannon, a 911 professional out of Virginia. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Dispatchers’ experiences handling severe winter weather and long shifts Shannon’s unique journey into dispatch and her approach to training new recruits Emotional challenges and the importance of closure after difficult emergency calls The viral “trash panda” (raccoon) liquor store incident and how it unfolded from the dispatch perspective Advice for staying compassionate and positive in a high-stress 911 environment If you have any comments or questions or...
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Ep 639 features Hannah, a 911 professional out of Florida. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | Hannah's unconventional entry into public safety and her first intense sit-along experience The unique stresses, training, and teamwork required in a high-volume, multi-position dispatch center Memorable and unusual emergency calls—including a runaway monkey and a man-on-fire incident The mental health impact of dispatch work and ways to seek support and closure Small but meaningful moments where dispatchers make a difference, like teaching someone to tie a tie in a...
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Join me for a special episode highlighting a recent project experience with Business Insider for their Insider YouTube channel entitled, “How 911 Dispatchers Actually Work.” Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Preview of Ricardo’s appearance on Business Insider’s Insider channel Real-life 911 calls and memorable dispatcher moments The challenges of multitasking and triaging calls under pressure The emotional impact and lasting memories from the job Advocacy for 911 professionals and why their stories matter If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on...
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Join me for a special episode highlighting a recent visit to Calhoun County 911 in Michigan. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Shout out and transition for longtime sponsor Indigital, and introduction of RapidSOS as the new episode sponsor. Visit to Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority in Michigan, including B-roll, interviews, and the vibe inside the center. The importance of teamwork, communication, and positive culture within dispatch centers. Emotional highlights from real emergency calls and how dispatchers support each other through critical moments. Powerful story of...
info_outlineEp 630 features Nate, a 911 professional and trainer with Cass County Central Dispatch in Michigan.
Sponsored by
INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web
RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web
Episode topics –
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The critical role of RapidSOS technology in saving lives and responding to emergencies.
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The emotional impact of high-stress calls, including life-saving successes and tragic outcomes.
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Reenactments and media attention: what it's really like to have cameras in your face after a crisis.
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The importance of closure, peer support, and healthy coping mechanisms in 911 dispatch work.
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Building strong relationships with field responders and the realities of teamwork in life-or-death situations.
If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.