Fire and EMS incidents are dynamic, high-risk, and rapidly evolving, requiring dispatchers to think critically, communicate clearly, and manage resources with precision. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the essential skills every fire and EMS dispatcher needs, from processing the initial alarm or medical call to navigating the complexity of a multi-unit fire, mass-casualty event, or Mayday situation. Participants will explore foundational fireground and EMS operations, unit types, resource deployment strategies, and the dispatcher’s pivotal role in supporting both incident command and field responders.
Through scenario-based learning and real-world examples, attendees will practice managing multiple operational channels, coordinating with EMS units and transport agencies, tracking patient information, monitoring responder safety, and anticipating incident needs before they are voiced on the radio. The course emphasizes calm decision-making, situational awareness, and structured communication during high-stress events such as working fires, cardiac arrests, multi-patient incidents, rapid intervention deployments, and firefighter or responder emergencies.
Whether new to fire and EMS dispatching or looking to strengthen existing skills, participants will leave with practical tools, increased confidence, and a deeper understanding of how to support safe and effective operations from the communications center.
Course Objectives
- Explain the core components of fire and EMS response, including alarm levels, unit types, EMS treatment and transport roles, and dispatcher responsibilities throughout the incident lifecycle.
- Demonstrate effective call-processing and radio communication techniques, ensuring clear and concise information flow for fire, medical, and multi-agency events.
- Apply resource assignment, deployment, and tracking strategies to manage multi-unit fire responses, EMS calls, mass-casualty incidents, and evolving on-scene needs.
- Identify early indicators of escalating risk in both fire and EMS environments, using benchmarks, responder status updates, and scene information to support proactive incident management.
- Execute dispatcher responsibilities during responder emergencies, including Mayday events, firefighter down situations, EMS provider distress, tactical channel control, rapid intervention activation, and priority communications.
About the Essentials Series
The Essentials Series: Core Skills for Today’s Public Safety Telecommunicator is a growing collection of focused, scenario-driven courses designed to strengthen the foundational competencies every 9-1-1 professional needs. Each class delivers practical skills, real-world insight, and confidence-building tools that can be applied immediately on the job. Whether your center is onboarding new team members or investing in continuing development for experienced staff, the Essentials Series provides high-value, mission-critical training for every telecommunicator.
Current Courses in the Essentials Series
- Essential Customer Service Techniques
- Essential Crisis Call Skills: Navigating Suicidal and Mental Health Emergencies
- Essential T-CPR Skills: Guiding Lifesaving Action Before Help Arrives
- Essential Fire Dispatch Skills: From the First Alarm to Mayday
- Essential Police Dispatch Skills: From the First Call to Critical Incidents
