EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION OFFICER (ECO)
East Central 911 Dispatcher
We are always looking for mature and responsible individuals, who will be team players in a dynamic industry. All Emergency Communication Officers are trained as 9-1-1 Call takers and Emergency Fire Dispatchers. While experience in Emergency services is an asset, it is not a requirement. ECO's work around the clock with other Emergency Services keeping the communities that they serve....... safe!
So what makes a good Call Taker/Dispatcher?
Team Working Skills: Most importantly we are looking for team players, those individuals that will work with others to heighten professional standards and will work to maintain the highest level of service available for the clients we serve.
Communication Skills: A strong command of the English language is a fundamental skill of an ECO in our area of operations. Active listening skills and an ability to appreciate the message being conveyed by distressed callers is also very important. An ECO must have the ability to project confidence, be assertive when necessary, and demonstrate compassion while still getting the job done efficiently.
Map Reading Skills: A proficiency in locating rural land locations, street addresses and GPS coordinates is a necessary skill as ECOs work both with mapping software and paper maps.
Radio/Computer Skills: PTT (Push to talk) communications is still the standard in the industry. ECOs utilize radio codes in order to be able to concisely convey messages to other Emergency Service Workers. While no formal computer training is necessary, an ECO should be able to move around, search and access information from a number of sources very comfortably.
Ability to Multi-task: Dispatch work is fraught with distractions. An ECO is able to focus on a given task, but is still being mindful of other circumstances. During any typical call, an ECO will engage in communication with the caller, with ambulance, police and fire Departments. The ECO will use radio and telephone equipment, access information on computers, review maps and record important information.
Knowledge of the service area: An ECO must become very knowledgeable of East Central 911’s service area. It is only through experience that an ECO truly becomes very comfortable with the entire area that they serve. This is one of the reasons that local residents of our communities are highly sought.
Feb 2023
So what makes a good Call Taker/Dispatcher?
Team Working Skills: Most importantly we are looking for team players, those individuals that will work with others to heighten professional standards and will work to maintain the highest level of service available for the clients we serve.
Communication Skills: A strong command of the English language is a fundamental skill of an ECO in our area of operations. Active listening skills and an ability to appreciate the message being conveyed by distressed callers is also very important. An ECO must have the ability to project confidence, be assertive when necessary, and demonstrate compassion while still getting the job done efficiently.
Map Reading Skills: A proficiency in locating rural land locations, street addresses and GPS coordinates is a necessary skill as ECOs work both with mapping software and paper maps.
Radio/Computer Skills: PTT (Push to talk) communications is still the standard in the industry. ECOs utilize radio codes in order to be able to concisely convey messages to other Emergency Service Workers. While no formal computer training is necessary, an ECO should be able to move around, search and access information from a number of sources very comfortably.
Ability to Multi-task: Dispatch work is fraught with distractions. An ECO is able to focus on a given task, but is still being mindful of other circumstances. During any typical call, an ECO will engage in communication with the caller, with ambulance, police and fire Departments. The ECO will use radio and telephone equipment, access information on computers, review maps and record important information.
Knowledge of the service area: An ECO must become very knowledgeable of East Central 911’s service area. It is only through experience that an ECO truly becomes very comfortable with the entire area that they serve. This is one of the reasons that local residents of our communities are highly sought.
Feb 2023