Episodes

  • Within the Trenches Ep 545
    May 8 2024

    Ep 545 features Jeff, 2nd generation dispatch, 3rd generation fireman out of WestComm Regional, Massachusetts.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Explore Jeff Hastings’ journey and growth in the public safety field, reflecting on the influence of his father and mentorship from key figures like David Squires.

    • Learn about the emotional and psychological challenges faced by dispatchers, including Jeff's personal struggles and the critical incidents that impacted him.

    • Hear about the transformative power of networking events and training programs in Texas that helped Jeff overcome personal fears and embrace professional speaking.

    • Understand the importance of mental health support in dispatch roles, as discussed by Jeff and Ricardo, highlighting sessions that aid in processing traumatic experiences.

    As always, if you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 544
    May 2 2024

    Ep 544 features Stephanie, a 911 Professional out of Georgia.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Discover Stephanie’s journey from ambulance driver to skilled EMT, and how she transitioned to the demanding role of a 911 dispatcher.

    • Learn about the challenges and emotional toll of handling emergency calls, including a life-saving moment during a CPR call.

    • Explore the evolution of emergency dispatch technology from flip cards to electronic tablets, and the skills required to succeed in this high-stress environment.

    • Hear about the unique "dispatch ear" and how dispatchers manage the intense multitasking of listening, typing, and processing critical information.

    • Discussion on the importance of support and coping mechanisms within the dispatch center to handle the psychological stress of the job.

    As always, if you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 543
    Apr 24 2024

    Ep 543 features Lea Harms, 911 Professional, Industry Partner, and Author of "Lives on the Line."

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Now and then there is a snag and that’s life. This is also true when self-publishing or even through a publishing house. Snags happen, but no worries, you can sign up to find out more about Lives on the Line and its availability as soon as it is ready. Head over to Lea’s website for more information on her book, “Lives on the Line.”

    Lives on the Line | Website

    Episode topics –

    • Lea's 911 story

    • Discover how Lea's leap into dispatching led to a transformative career and inspired her book, "Lives on the Line".

    • Learn about the intense training and personal growth experienced by 911 dispatchers, including Lea's own story of validation during a harrowing school shooting incident.

    • Explore the emotional journey and therapeutic nature of writing as Lea talks about her emotional process in penning her experiences.

    • Understand the impact and personal transformations faced by those in the 911 profession through Lea's perspective.

    As always, if you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    57 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 542
    Apr 21 2024

    Ep 542 features 911 dispatch stories from around North Carolina. The North Carolina 911 board and Within the Trenches podcast partnered on classes and podcast episodes to highlight the amazing work of 911 professionals throughout the state in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This is the last installment in this series out of Johnston County 911.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Answering 911 Calls: The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Dispatcher's Job

    • The Power of Self-Care: Personal Story and Professional Insight

    • The Importance of Recognition for 911 Professionals: Celebrating their Essential Role

    • and more

    As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    34 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 541
    Apr 20 2024

    Ep 541 features 911 dispatch stories from around North Carolina. The North Carolina 911 board and Within the Trenches podcast partnered on classes and podcast episodes to highlight the amazing work of 911 professionals throughout the state in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This is a continuation of this series out of Johnston County 911.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Technology Boosts Safety: Tracking Callers for Better Help

    • The Importance of Compassion in Customer Service: How Being Human Can Lead to Success

    • The Importance of Leadership and Support in Building a Successful Community

    • and more

    As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 540
    Apr 18 2024

    Ep 540 features 911 dispatch stories from around North Carolina. The North Carolina 911 board and Within the Trenches podcast partnered on classes and podcast episodes to highlight the amazing work of 911 professionals throughout the state in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Kristen's 911 story

    • HR with Lorenda

    • Lynda’s 911 story

    • and more

    As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 539
    Apr 10 2024

    Ep 539 features Kris, Director of Program Development at The Healthy Dispatcher.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Kris's 911 story

    • The daunting learning curve of dispatch codes and the memorization techniques that Kris used to master them.

    • Training complexities in 911 dispatch and the personal growth that comes from facing such stress-inducing experiences.

    • Relatable anecdotes from Kris's early days of taking calls, including mishaps and the unique multitasking demands of the job.

    • Kris and Ricardo's perspectives on the importance of supportive training and the process of becoming competent and confident dispatchers.

    • The impactful stories of struggles and career transitions, highlighting the deep emotional bonds formed in the dispatch community and the continuous endeavor to give back and support the profession.

    As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 538
    Apr 3 2024

    Ep 538 features Katie, a 911 dispatcher with Rockford 911 out of Illinois.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Katie's 911 story

    • How a background in special education equipped her to handle intense emergency calls involving children with autism

    • Learn about the rigorous process Katie underwent to join the dispatch team, including testing, interviews, and a psychological evaluation

    • Gain an understanding of the intense training new dispatchers undergo, and how real-life experiences shape their ability to manage emergency situations

    • Explore the misconceptions about the dispatch profession and the critical 24/7 commitment it requires, including emotional challenges and the need for quick, accurate information

    • Hear Katie's advice for anyone considering a career in dispatch and why recognizing dispatchers as integral parts of the first responder system is essential

    As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 7 mins