How You Can Help
IT ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO MAKE AN IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE!
STEP 1: CLICK HERE to find your local members of Congress and their contact information.
STEP 2: Send an email or call to voice your support for helping 911 dispatchers get the recognition, benefits, and support they deserve.
- Urge support for Enhancing First Response Act (S.3556) and 911 SAVES Act (H.R. 6319)
- Stress the critical role of 911 dispatchers in the emergency response process
- Reinforce high stress, turnover rates, the need for better training, benefits, and support
FEEL FREE TO "CC" ME ON YOUR EMAIL! SPM@sockpuppetmaster.com
Enhancing First Response Act & 911 SAVES Act!
The Enhancing First Response Act (S.3556) and 911 Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services (SAVES) Act (H.R. 6319) are bills designed to enhance the reliability and efficiency of emergency services, specifically focusing on the communication systems used during natural disasters and the classification of 911 dispatchers.
Updating the classification of 911 dispatchers from "clerical workers" to "protective service workers" in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system aims to better reflect the critical, lifesaving work that dispatchers perform daily. This legislative initiative underscores a significant push towards acknowledging the vital role of 911 dispatchers as first responders and ensuring that emergency communication systems are robust and effective during crises.
Why should 911 Dispatchers be reclassified as First Responders?
High Stress Environment
In a study comparing the stress levels of more than 600 jobs, 911 dispatchers ranked 13th on the list.
Up to 24% of 911 dispatchers show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), similar to the rate for police officers.
Burnout & Turnover
Approximately 25% of all 911 dispatchers leave the job after less than a year, leaving calls centers understaffed.
A 911 dispatcher is in the top 10% of "high-turnover" professions, comparable to EMT and paramedic turnover.
Longer Response Times
If a patient is not breathing and must wait 2-3 minutes or longer for an ambulance to arrive, the outcome can be fatal. The initial intervention by a 911 dispatcher is necessary to preserve lives.
