PULSE Magazine | June/July 2019 Issue

Governor Abbott Signs Bill Recognizing

Why classification of 911 dispatchers as first responders in Texas is important

The people you speak to on the other line when you dial 911 will soon have a new title. Governor Abbott signed on House Bill 1090, telecommunication specialists will officially be classified as first responders come September 1. 911 dispatchers are the first to know about an emergency, and sometimes what they’re told, and what they hear affects them as much as it affects the police, fire and emergency medical services who respond to these calls. They may not be on the front lines, but emergency dispatchers still grapple with the emotional impacts of dealing with crises. That's one reason why Texas will soon classify 911 dispatchers and other public safety telecommunications professionals as first responders. Texas is one of only a few states who have made this change, however, there’s currently a push to classify 911 dispatchers as first responders on the federal level as well. This bill will put dispatcher on par with their brothers and sisters who respond on the streets. Day in and day out, they hear some of the worst calls, they take the brunt of the caller who often times is in great distress. Listening to the agony and chaos of somebody in need takes an emotional toll on all 911 dispatchers. This change will give dispatchers a degree of recognition alongside police, fire and emergency medical services as an equal that they deserve. There are many challenges 911 Telecommunicators face on a daily minute by minute bases. the stress they are put under, and the critical importance of their work. The work performed by Public Safety Telecommunicators is nothing short of extraordinary. Dispatchers play an essential role in saving lives and in helping EMS, APD and AFD do there job safely. They are their eyes and ears before arrival on scene. They receive advanced training to effectively assess a situation, ask the right questions, and communicate vital information so that the responding crews know what to expect upon arrival of the scene of an emergency. Telecommunicators deserve the benefits and respect a first responder classification affords.

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