HENRICO COUNTY, Virginia – The 911 Henrico County Center needs dispatchers who play a vital role in community safety.
Attracting applicants has become a challenge for many emergency call centers across the country, according to Henrico’s office, Ally Steuart.
Steuart admitted the job is stressful and demanding.
“I get to sit behind a desk every day and answer that phone and save someone’s life,” he explained.
Dispatchers are also trained to give instructions on first aid and CPR. Some have even helped deliver babies over the phone.
They work weekends, vacations and long hours inside the Henrico Emergency Communications Center on East Parham Road. Steuart said that lately a typical 10-hour shift has become 14 to 16-hour shifts due to lack of staff.
“You have to be patient in this job because it is the worst day of their lives for these citizens. If you can’t be patient and work on it, they will never come down and let you know what’s going on. You will never get them to do CPR. If you call them or stress because they are stressed, nothing will come of it, ”Steuart said.
Dispatchers juggle five computer screens while listening to citizens and passing this information on to officers or firefighters.
After three years working, Steuart has grown within the ranks and is training new recruits.
But despite the challenges, working at a shipping center can be rewarding, he said. He described the partnership and cooperation between the first attendees as a family.
“I can do CPR. I get to stop the bleeding from a wound. I can prevent someone from getting hurt and I go home at the end of the day thinking I saved someone’s life, ”Steuart said.
On Friday morning, nine new recruits graduated from the county law firm.
If you would like to request a Henrico 911 event, we recommend that you apply online at Henrico.us.