Within the Trenches – Details, episodes & analysis

Ep 562 features a special look at National #IAM911 Day, the birth of the #IAM911 Movement, and much more from a LIVE Open Mic broadcast. 

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Episode topics –

• The powerful "Imagine Listening" sessions and their evolution into a podcast and book series

• The impactful #IAM911 movement and its role in peer support and public education

• Ricardo's personal journey and inspiration behind his work

• Special performance by Bailey Johnson and insights on the 911 dispatch experience

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

Ep 561 features Elizabeth, an author, and a retired 911 professional. 

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Episode topics –

• The emotional toll of handling traumatic calls

• The role of peer support and stress management in her department

• Challenges of working with outdated technology in the 1990s dispatch center

• Transitioning from work to retirement and pursuing creative projects

• The importance of seeking culturally competent mental health support

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

Ep 552 features Reyna, an Emergency Specialist 1 with Aurora 911 out of Colorado. 

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Episode topics –

• Reyna's journey into public safety and criminal justice

• The challenges of working early morning shifts

• Handling emotionally intense 911 calls

• The complexity of translating emergency calls

• Unexpected moments with family members calling in emergencies

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

Ep 551 features Carlynn, 911 Professional and Engagement Strategist with FirstWatch. 

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Episode topics –

• The importance of standardized questions and procedures in dispatching.

• Personal stories of challenging calls and their emotional impact.

• How First Watch software aids dispatch centers by automating tasks and analyzing call data.

• The significance of accreditation as a center of excellence in emergency dispatch.

• Strategies for maintaining professional boundaries and fostering trust within dispatch teams.

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

Ep 550 features Jenessa, Level 3 - 911 Professional out of St. George Communications, Utah. 

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Episode topics –

• Training, unexpected calls, and personal growth insights from almost 15 years in the field are explored

• The importance of staying calm and compassionate in high-pressure situations is highlighted

• Jenessa shares her journey into public safety and the overwhelming nature of starting as a dispatcher

• She discusses distressing 911 calls and heartwarming moments of guiding parents through delivering babies

• Jenessa recounts performing CPR on a collapsed man during a 5k race

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

Ep 549 features Jonathan, TC CTO, with Johnston County, NC. 

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Episode topics –

• The emotional toll of a significant 911 call that changed Jonathan's perspective

• The importance of supportive family and coworkers in dispatch work

• Navigating the transition between different dispatch roles

• The intensity and unpredictability of dispatch work

• The journey of personal growth and leaving a positive legacy in the field

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

Ep 548 features #IAM911 stories from the Imagine Listening session at the 9-1-1 Leadership Training retreat at the Mayan Ranch, hosted by the 360 Degree Dispatcher. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU SUFFER FROM PTSD OR HAVE SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

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Episode topics –

• Child's tragic passing and creation of a memorial room

• Emotional toll of handling a call about a deceased 13-year-old

• Saving a 17-day-old baby who wasn't breathing

• Encountering a hysterical caller after a suicide attempt

• Dealing with the trauma of officers being shot at a domestic violence scene

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.

Ep 547 features Cat, 911 Communications Supervisor at Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA. 

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Episode topics –

• How Cat's unexpected journey into public safety began and her initial impressions of the dispatcher's role.

• The rigorous hiring process for 911 dispatchers and what it takes to become a certified training officer.

• The emotional ride of taking life-altering emergency calls and the coping mechanisms dispatchers use.

• Cat's harrowing experience with a suicidal caller and the profound impact it had on her.

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.

Ep 546 features Lauren Spencer, a Retired 911 professional and Life Stylist Entrepreneur. 

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Episode topics –

• Lauren's path into public safety and overcoming initial setbacks.

• The intense training process and demands of a 911 dispatcher.

• Emotional and impactful experiences of life-saving calls.

• The importance of sharing stories and celebrating wins in a demanding 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.

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

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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.