Behind the Badge: 911 Dispatcher

CORDELE, Ga. — When there is an emergency, who ya gonna call? No, not the ghostbusters. In time of real emergency only three numbers spring to mind…. 9-1-1.

And there is always someone there, standing by, waiting to assist those in need of help. They are more than just phone operators, they are 911 dispatchers. They are a vital link between a caller in distress and the first response teams they need. They prioritize calls based on the nature of the emergency and dispatch the proper emergency personnel, but they do so much more. In many instances they provide instructions on life saving techniques such as CPR. They are also the voice of comfort, keeping callers calm so they are able to provide the information needed to help first responders understand the full scope of the situation they present.

The efficiency of a dispatcher can often times be the difference between life and death. There are 15 dispatchers employed at Crisp E-911. Among them is Senior Dispatcher Linda Herman.

“We are the first contact that they make,” she said. “It is your job to make sure you get the right people to them.

Herman, who has over 25 years of experience said that some calls get really emotional.

“You just have to remain calm,” she said.