Answering the Call: A Dispatcher's Story from Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene made landfall in 2024, communities across the Southeast were tested by one of the most devastating storms in recent memory. While first responders rushed into dangerous conditions on the ground, dispatchers worked tirelessly behind the scenes, answering call after call and guiding help to where it was needed most. In the midst of chaos, their steady voices became lifelines for people facing their darkest moments.
The History of 911
Before the establishment of 911, attempting to reach emergency services in the US was a challenge. There was no standardized emergency number in the United States; people had to call their local police or fire department directly, which could be challenging to remember and time-consuming in an emergency. The United Kingdom was the first to […]
2023's Top Podcasts All Dispatchers Should Be Listening To
Emergency Dispatchers often face unique, taxing challenges that most of us can never fully comprehend. These professionals balance and navigate mental, physical and logistical problems while providing a necessary service for communities around the world.
Communicating the nuances of the job is no easy task. Still, these podcasts make great strides in educating the public, fostering understanding and providing a source of community for dispatchers and other first responders.
We found that the following podcasts were a wealth of valuable information and worth sharing with our own community:
Evolution of the Healthful PSAP (Bonus: Ergonomics Whitepaper)
Reducing workplace discomfort and injury is critical for PSAPs challenged with down-time and churn. While somewhat surprising, it is true that the industry lacks a centralized ergonomic standard to address the needs and challenges specific to 911 dispatching environments. Read on to learn how PSAP equipment providers can deliver meaningful solutions.
Considerations when Designing a Control Center
As the brain stem for emergency response, PSAPs are critical to smooth and safe operations. A PSAP must provide a stable and distraction-free environment to monitor, assess, and respond to a wide variety of operations and incidents. While issues like focus and response time are often top priorities when designing a PSAP, some equally important factors often are treated as afterthoughts. Here are some design tactics to consider to increase job quality, safety, and satisfaction for dispatchers and operators.
Green Manufacturing, the Pacific Northwest Way
At Watson, environmental friendliness isn’t just a fad. It is a standard we have been committed to from the start. As a Pacific NW company, Watson Consoles are built to satisfy the need for comfort and convenience within dispatch centers, while remaining committed to doing our part in protecting the environment.
Space-Saving Call Center Desks: Inline vs Corner
When it comes to setting up a dispatch call center, maximizing space is always at the top of the list. For years, PSAP call centers have been almost exclusively equipped with corner desks, but that dynamic is changing. Technology has evolved greatly over the years, becoming less bulky and weighing a fraction of old hardware. Desks have evolved to cope with modern computing needs, and old standards are being questioned.
Should my Dispatch Center LEED with Red Lists Materials?
The short answer is. “heck no!” And here’s why. As agencies prioritize the health of their teams, they are turning to indoor air quality and LEED certifications for assurance that building materials and interior furnishings meet healthful standards. Red list materials are a no-go for agencies seeking products that are designed with the user’s health in mind. Read on to learn more.
Watson's Dispatch Workstations Contain Healthy Materials
Watson Consoles is known for lasting durability and sophisticated design. These attributes are achieved in concert with a commitment to minimize our impact on our Earth. Learn why a recent materials change matters to the folks that make your 911 dispatch workstations and how the change improves your work environment.
2018 Top 5 Blogs for High Performance PSAP Teams
Project profiles, tips from industry pros and the latest information on dispatch console workstations are a few of the things you’ll find on the Watson Consoles’ blog. Here are the top five blogs of 2018. Check these out and see why thousands of dispatchers are active subscribers.
The Cornerstone of Effective PSAP Workplace Design
This article follows our previous discussion about the impact of workplace design on employees. Today we’ll discuss the best way for PSAPs to prioritize workplace design elements. This includes surveying the team and creating a workstation spec that supports PSAP engagement and retention strategies.
Does Your Dispatch Center Design Boost Operator Retention?
PSAPs recognize, now more than ever, that the work-environment influences dispatcher focus, comfort, stress-management, engagement, and retention. Learn which workplace improvement is likely to give your dispatchers and your team the biggest boost.
911 Dispatcher Desk Increases Job Satisfaction
Dispatch console workstations are one piece of the mission critical landscape. And it’s the piece we are passionate about getting right.
The Myth of the "Ergonomic Edge"
Do I need ergonomic nosing on my dispatch console?
A customer recently asked me about a blog post they read that focused on “ergonomics in the public safety dispatch center” and sited “ergonomic nosing” as an important feature for their dispatch consoles.
Do Your Public Safety Dispatch Consoles Have Multi-ports?
Advances in linear dispatch console workstation design have put users first – technology integration has improved and user comfort and focus features are more efficient and effective. Teams now have outstanding options for desktop convenience power and data. What are the convenience port solutions for operators who prefer the conventional 90 degree, corner unit?
How to Design a PSAP to Maximize Dispatch Team Space
You just found out your dispatch center is getting a new building, and you can’t wait for the architects to finish the building design so you can start planning your new dispatch furniture layout. Not only can you not wait, you shouldn’t wait! Here’s why.
5 MORE Signs you Should Invest in New 911 Dispatcher Desks
In the last installment, 5 Signs you Should Invest in New Dispatcher Desks, we shared the top reasons many PSAPs are prompted to seek funding for work station replacements. Making a case for replacement dispatcher desks and obtaining funding can be a long process. Start by identifying the need(s). Here are five MORE signs that your center may be ready for workstation replacements.
5 Signs You Should Invest in New Dispatcher Desks
Some folks think 911 dispatchers sit at the type of desks found in a corporate office. The “desks” are far more complex and provide the, literal, foundation for mission critical communications technology. Since these workstations are more complex, require an investment from the agency, and are only updated every decade or so, how can you be sure you’re in need of replacement console workstations?
Top consoles featured at premier dispatch center design expo!
When you get approval to design your new dispatch center, be ready! Demo PSAP technology, chairs, floors and workstations at the International APCO Conference Expo – The Sand’s Convention Center – August 6 and 7. Be sure to stop at booth #1215 and learn how Watson’s tech-ready, future-proof workstations enhance design and provide your agency lasting value.
5 Pillars of Lifetime Customer Care
It is critical that console workstation providers deliver service and resources that matter, easing the ownership burden and extending the value of your asset. This should include recommendations for getting the most out of the console amenities, tips for daily maintenance and easy-access to specialists who can answer any questions you may have along the way.
Mid-Year Round-Up: Top 5 Blogs for 911 Dispatch Center Teams
911 dispatchers and communications center managers tune in to our blog feed for project profiles, tips from industry pros and the latest information on dispatch console workstations. Here are the top five blogs of 2018. Catch up when you have a few minutes of down-time.
Watson Named Boeing Supplier of the Year
Boeing has named its 2017 Supplier of the Year Award winners, recognizing 13 companies for the high-quality products, services and value they create. Watson was honored as a distinguished Boeing Supplier of the Year. Learn more about Watson’s history with Boeing and the criteria Watson met to earn the acknowledgment.
This Leadership Approach May Be Sabotaging Your Center's Success
Lisa had been a telecommunicator for about 3 years when she hit a wall. Despite knowing her work was meaningful (she was saving lives, after all), she couldn’t shake the feeling she could be doing more with her life. Frequent overtime could’ve been a factor, but she and her family appreciated the larger paycheck. Her coworkers were sometimes a challenge to deal with, but, for the most part, she got along with everyone. Another consideration dawned on her.
Dispatch Conference Expos Offer Free Access to Industry Experts
Function? Durability? Style? Cost. At a conference expo, your team can conduct thorough research (in one location) by evaluating how multiple vendors score in each of these areas. Even if you are not currently “buying,” keep in mind that your team is more likely to SECURE FUNDING if you provide a clear case for the need along with product comparisons and budget numbers.