Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Criminal Justice Services
 
Board
Department of Criminal Justice Services
 
Previous Comment     Back to List of Comments
5/21/18  8:02 pm
Commenter: Angelina Bragg, Orange County Emergency Communications

Proposed Dispatch Curriculum
 

I appreciate the effort that was put into reviewing the Proposed Minimum Training Performance Outcomes for Dispatchers. It is vital that basic fire/EMS training be mandatory for all communications officers to be well-rounded in the communications field. The more knowledge a communications officer has, the better they are able to understand, obtain, and relay information to other agencies and the responders, which in turn helps the citizens. We have many situations in our field that require a response from many responders. For instance, a shooting requires law enforcement, first responders from the engine company, and EMS personnel; a domestic might need a medic and LE response; or a structure fire where fire and EMS are dispatched. Communications needs to anticipate the needs of the responders in all situations and have the tools and training available to gather the correct, pertinent information needed when call taking. Providing LE dispatchers with a basic understanding of Fire/EMS terminology enhances law enforcement communications and serves as a basis for questioning citizens in the event of an incident that requires multiple responders. I urge you to reconsider removing the fire/EMS language from the minimum training standards.

CommentID: 65329