tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post2896161514113746906..comments2024-01-19T09:22:35.992-08:00Comments on Romance Under the Moonlight: Hug a Dispatcher this week - It's National Dispatcher's Week 9-14 APR 2012Stephanie Burkhart http://www.blogger.com/profile/16952130018587727063noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-9591877417100339752012-04-16T08:05:30.073-07:002012-04-16T08:05:30.073-07:00Natalie, it's amazing how telephony technology...Natalie, it's amazing how telephony technology has come in just a few years, isn't it. Funny about the sex lines. hehe. <br /><br />If you accidently call 911 stay on the line long enough to let me know that it's an accident. It saves me a lot of time. I'll take you at your word, trust me. <br /><br />Smiles<br />StephStephanie Burkhart https://www.blogger.com/profile/16952130018587727063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-60673766572532404852012-04-15T17:07:06.797-07:002012-04-15T17:07:06.797-07:00I always thought that had to be a stressful job. M...I always thought that had to be a stressful job. My hat's off to you.<br /><br />I used to work for a long-distance phone company in customer service. People would call about phone calls on their bills they didn't recognize, and a lot of them were international (usually sex lines!). This was before the Internet (we had CRT computers!) so we could only call those numbers to see what they were.<br /><br />So we had to dial 9 for the outside line, then 011 for international call, then the country code and number. I was the first, but not the only, to dial too fast and the "0" didn't register. I was so shocked when I got 911 that I hung up. Of course, they called me right back. I felt terrible for wasting their time, but now that I've heard that Burger King call...Natalie J. Damschroderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07800784042353921973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-25995763342051378672012-04-15T01:17:33.118-07:002012-04-15T01:17:33.118-07:00I forgot here's a cyber hug.
((STEPH)) This i...I forgot here's a cyber hug.<br /><br />((STEPH)) This is how we do it in the online spades leagues I play in when I need a break.Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05983209367295987926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-38764977998172922492012-04-15T01:16:02.263-07:002012-04-15T01:16:02.263-07:00Hey Steph I've had the chance to call 911 seve...Hey Steph I've had the chance to call 911 several times. Twice for my husband, my sister called for me the last time. Then I had to call to report being robbed. I listened to the recording before the trial and I looked at neice that was with me and asked her do I really sound like that? It is a hard job you have. Thank you for doing it.Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05983209367295987926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-2708336195782382382012-04-14T09:32:43.887-07:002012-04-14T09:32:43.887-07:00Miriam thanks so much for sharing your experience....Miriam thanks so much for sharing your experience. That first call is so important and my response as that dispatcher is critical. We have what is called a "hotshot" broadcast with the just the basics - the type and the location. The sooner I can make that broadcast and get resources moving the better. Then I stay on the line and get more information. Seconds can count in a response. Good to hear there was no loss of life out your way.<br /><br />Smiles<br />StephStephanie Burkhart https://www.blogger.com/profile/16952130018587727063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-60172631287111006082012-04-14T09:30:32.093-07:002012-04-14T09:30:32.093-07:00Thank you Ms. Spencer. *smiles* You've all rea...Thank you Ms. Spencer. *smiles* You've all ready got me hooked! I'll be on the look out for your book.<br /><br />Smiles<br />StephStephanie Burkhart https://www.blogger.com/profile/16952130018587727063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-74406465423269279092012-04-14T09:29:41.707-07:002012-04-14T09:29:41.707-07:00Susan, I'd like to note the attrition rate, th...Susan, I'd like to note the attrition rate, those who don't make it through the training, is 50%. That's pretty high. You're right when you say this job isn't for everyone. I admire those who try, though.Stephanie Burkhart https://www.blogger.com/profile/16952130018587727063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-54307726145782103302012-04-14T07:18:27.311-07:002012-04-14T07:18:27.311-07:00Steph, my hat's off to you. You do a super-im...Steph, my hat's off to you. You do a super-important job every day and not many people can say that. In my area, we're just recovering from a brush fire that began in a State park and destroyed 450 acres. Puny by California standards, but in my part of PA it was a real eye-opener. We haven't had a blaze like that in 100 years, but unusual heat and drought coupled with high winds and a downed power line did us in. The calls first made to 911 dispatchers quickly drew firefighters, paramedics, state and local police, parks and recreation personnel, game wardens, Boy Scouts, local sporting groups, volunteers--I can't even think how many people responded. The entire community turned out, risking their own vehicles and equipment to create firebreaks, and it all started with 911. We had some folks evacuated when the fire neared a fireworks factory, but any loss of life or property was averted. And again it all started with those first calls to 911.Miriam Newmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05105724854045409335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-45063422626009310542012-04-14T06:38:25.028-07:002012-04-14T06:38:25.028-07:00Steph, too funny! Dispatchers ROCK. Actually in Ar...Steph, too funny! Dispatchers ROCK. Actually in Artful Dodging (coming out mid-April from Secret Cravings) I have a scene with the dispatcher & the heroine that I still laugh at after umpteen edits! Hope you get a chance to read it! M. S. SpencerM. S. Spencerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12700879115612868488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-52688681765403893422012-04-13T17:33:16.073-07:002012-04-13T17:33:16.073-07:00Kudos to you and all the dispatchers out there. I...Kudos to you and all the dispatchers out there. I'm know I would never be able to do this job. I don't work well under stress. Thankfully there are others that can!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04419860031645350217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-57009668198356291432012-04-13T15:55:30.908-07:002012-04-13T15:55:30.908-07:00Rue, thank you for your kind words. I'm very r...Rue, thank you for your kind words. I'm very rewarded personally when I know I've helped a good person out who truly calls in the case of an emergency.<br /><br />Mona, that's not me on the Burger King tape. It all depends on my mood. Sometimes I'll be like that and enterain them, sometimes we'll be real busy so I'll interupt and get the off the line so I can take another call. BUT you have to do it in a way that's not rude, which is the challenge.<br /><br />Sarah, yes, we have shelter numbers and referal numbers for those who are frightened and just a need a place as well. I think the key word is patience, just like you mentioned. Without it, these people would drive you crazy.<br /><br />StephStephanie Burkhart https://www.blogger.com/profile/16952130018587727063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-24346985914056479002012-04-13T15:51:31.491-07:002012-04-13T15:51:31.491-07:00emergency numbers such as emergency dispatch and E...emergency numbers such as emergency dispatch and ER's are used by people who are often just distraught and don't know where else to turn. <br />Often in inclimate weather, frightened people or homeless people would call the ER to find shelter, food or warmth. We kept the numbers for those resources available.<br />I am glad to read that you keep a kind heart, an active thought process and a whole lot of patience in your work. It does take all of that to do such a job. There are always going to be those who abuse these systems intended for emergencies but sometimes it is out of ignorance. It sounds like you're the perfect person for the job. It can be so fulfilling to know you helped someone.<br />Great blog, Steph.Sarah J. McNealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17749991094677728042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-79398895255288798742012-04-13T15:40:15.472-07:002012-04-13T15:40:15.472-07:00Steph, it's so interesting to find out what it...Steph, it's so interesting to find out what it takes to be a dispatcher. You are so calm in the video. We need people like you. Thank you .Mona Riskhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14923883333893160794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-58140541840878892562012-04-13T15:09:08.607-07:002012-04-13T15:09:08.607-07:00Fascinating Steph. I've never had to call 911...Fascinating Steph. I've never had to call 911, but I am grateful that the service is available. It makes me feel safer. Thank you very much for your service both in dispatch and in the Army.Rue Allynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04838855971383130292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-13063021157206359042012-04-13T14:14:01.181-07:002012-04-13T14:14:01.181-07:00Maggie, if time permits, I try to call those hang ...Maggie, if time permits, I try to call those hang ups back because they're usually in error and I can confirm that, then I don't have to send. <br /><br />Thanks for sharing your experience.<br />smiles<br />StephStephanie Burkhart https://www.blogger.com/profile/16952130018587727063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-33612841630983123972012-04-13T14:10:57.747-07:002012-04-13T14:10:57.747-07:00Hi Steph,
Since I'm not a dispatcher, I don&#...Hi Steph,<br /><br />Since I'm not a dispatcher, I don't have any funny stories to tell. However, I have an experience from the other side of the phone.<br /><br />About a dozen years ago, someone in my house mistakenly dialed 911 and hung up when they realized their error. Within 15 minutes, a cop was at our door. He said because it was a 911-hangup, he was required by law to come inside and check to see that everything was all right. It was a bit mortifying. Thank goodness I wasn't the one who made the mistake.<br /><br />I'm grateful for all rescue personnel, including 911 dispatchers.<br /><br />MaggieMaggie Toussainthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12011893139722870283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-16650698282054863952012-04-13T13:54:32.485-07:002012-04-13T13:54:32.485-07:00Oh, Robert, ((hugs)). A lot of people who call in ...Oh, Robert, ((hugs)). A lot of people who call in are like that. <br /><br />Person calling in: I need the police at 19345.<br /><br />Dispatcher: 19345 what?<br /><br />Person calling in: 19345. Hurry, he's got a gun.<br /><br />Dispatcher: What's the name of the street.<br /><br />Person calling in: oh. <br /><br />It's especially important to get the street since most people call in on their cell phones and they are notorious inacurate with GPS data. We're either getting the cell tower or within 500 feet of the phone. <br /><br />Yes, I had to include the Viktor Fuentes call only because he's very reflective of many of calls we get.<br /><br />StephStephanie Burkhart https://www.blogger.com/profile/16952130018587727063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2634682259702186282.post-7407842585249271502012-04-13T10:04:10.464-07:002012-04-13T10:04:10.464-07:00Steph, I feel your pain! I'm only a dispatche...Steph, I feel your pain! I'm only a dispatcher for the security department at a Las Vegas hotel/casino, but I get those calls, too! On my side though, sometimes the officers I dispatch to are just as bad as the phone calls I get! For instance:<br /><br />"Charlie Two, head to room 3157. It's a vacant room and the former guest thinks they left their cell phone on the night stand. See if you can find it."<br /><br />"Copy. Is the vacant room occupied?"<br /><br />I also have to roll the paramedics quite a bit. We have a "red phone" that goes directly to the fire department. The majority of the calls to them I have to make though are for people who are passed out drunk!<br /><br />I loved the "Victor Fuentes" call, by the way! *chuckle*Robert Wacasterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06318586208955414903noreply@blogger.com