What does a fire dispatcher do?
Fire dispatchers or call operators are the people you hear when you call 911 or any emergency number. They evaluate your calls to determine whether or not you need the assistance of a firefighter. Dispatchers play an important role in an emergency or non-emergency response. Fire dispatchers provide life-saving medical instructions, send ambulances and firetrucks, and, if needed, police. And yet, despite all the hysterics, these dispatchers must remain calm and collected to get and provide valuable information. A dispatcher must have good communication skills, a high moral character and integrity, emotional self-control, and empathy.
Fire dispatcher responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real fire dispatcher resumes:
- Certify as APCO Telecommunicator and APCO EMD.
- Dispatch police, fire, and ems to location for resident assistance.
- Dispatch fire and ems as needed as well as the fire marshals.
- Check for wanted/warrants using NCIC, ALACOP, and computer generate warrant lists.
- Perform warrant checks when request through the ACIC and NCIC criminal information centers.
- Save an infant by telling the mother how to give CPR to the non-responsive infant.
- Learn additional material and pass require tests such as IDACS, APCO, CPR, and NIMS certifications.
- Require to process emergency and non-emergency calls while listening, communicating, and speaking effectively with units on patrol.
- Used multiple computers/programs to dispatch emergency crews and ambulances to patient locations to provide emergency care.
- Assist road service providers by clarifying AAA policies, providing accurate directions and additional information need to perform request services.
Fire dispatcher skills and personality traits
We calculated that 20% of Fire Dispatchers are proficient in BLM, Computer Applications, and Computer Aided Dispatch. They’re also known for soft skills such as Ability to multitask, Communication skills, and Empathy.
We break down the percentage of Fire Dispatchers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- BLM, 20%
Use of BLM Lightning Maps to monitor current and potentialfire behavior and needs.
- Computer Applications, 16%
Input data into a number of fire-related computer applications and record and maintain electronic communication diaries.
- Computer Aided Dispatch, 6%
Utilized the Computer Aided Dispatch System to identify and respond the nearest available fire, technical rescue and paramedic resources.
- Firefighting, 5%
Organized and directed activities of firefighting crews.
- EMS, 5%
Answered 911 and non-emergency phones and assisted with medical situations, including CPR; dispatched fire and EMS teams.
- CAD, 4%
Record information into CAD computer system Maintain and update unit status Enter wanted/missing persons/stolen vehicles/items into DCI/NCIC computer
Common skills that a fire dispatcher uses to do their job include "blm," "computer applications," and "computer aided dispatch." You can find details on the most important fire dispatcher responsibilities below.
Ability to multitask. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a fire dispatcher to have is ability to multitask. Their role and responsibilities require that "public safety telecommunicators must stay calm in order to simultaneously answer calls, collect vital information, coordinate responders, monitor multiple displays, and use a variety of equipment." Fire dispatchers often use ability to multitask in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "take emergency (911) and non-emergency fire calls for service; provide emd to the citizens of our district. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform fire dispatcher duties is communication skills. Fire dispatchers responsibilities require that "public safety telecommunicators work with law enforcement, emergency response teams, and civilians." Fire dispatchers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "operated emergency communication and computer equipment such as a radio, telephone, local alarm systems and paging systems. "
Empathy. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of fire dispatchers is empathy. This skill is critical to many everyday fire dispatcher duties, as "public safety telecommunicators must be willing to help a range of callers with varying needs." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "experience with becoming familiar and understanding a computer system of which the company relies on very intently. "
Listening skills. A big part of what fire dispatchers do relies on "listening skills." You can see how essential it is to fire dispatcher responsibilities because "public safety telecommunicators must listen carefully to collect relevant details, even though some callers might have trouble speaking because of anxiety or stress." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical fire dispatcher tasks: "communicated and documented all department involvement through cad software. "
Typing skills. Another crucial skill for a fire dispatcher to carry out their responsibilities is "typing skills." A big part of what fire dispatchers relies on this skill, since "public safety telecommunicators enter the details of calls into computers; typing speed and accuracy are essential when responding to emergencies." How this skill relates to fire dispatcher duties can be seen in an example from a fire dispatcher resume snippet: "used 6 computer screens (viewing and typing). "
The three companies that hire the most fire dispatchers are:
- The State of Oregon11 fire dispatchers jobs
- MGM Resorts International2 fire dispatchers jobs
- City of Detroit2 fire dispatchers jobs
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Compare different fire dispatchers
Fire dispatcher vs. 911 telecommunicator
A telecommunicator receives calls and obtains information from people in need of assistance. Telecommunicators, also called 911 or public safety dispatchers, use a two-way radio in dispatching the right services to police officers, first responders, and firefighters. The telecommunicators coordinate communications between emergency personnel, police, and the public. They keep detailed records as well as trace drivers and their automobiles. The skills and knowledge necessary for this job include a dispatch system, public safety, and stressful situation management.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, fire dispatcher responsibilities require skills like "blm," "computer applications," "firefighting," and "communication logs." Meanwhile a typical 911 telecommunicator has skills in areas such as "public safety agencies," "medical dispatch," "non-emergency telephone calls," and "medical services." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
911 telecommunicators tend to reach similar levels of education than fire dispatchers. In fact, 911 telecommunicators are 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Fire dispatcher vs. Emergency communications officer
A communications operator is responsible for receiving incoming calls from customers and clients and transferring them to the appropriate department for their needs and concerns. Communications operators perform administrative duties, such as organizing directory, updating customers' information on the database, and pulling-up reports. They also help agents in responding to the customers' inquiries and processing their requests. A communications operator must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in documenting calls for audits and references.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, fire dispatcher responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "blm," "computer applications," "communication logs," and "fire reports." Meanwhile, an emergency communications officer has duties that require skills in areas such as "patrol," "emergency communications," "public safety agencies," and "data entry." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, emergency communications officers earn a higher salary than fire dispatchers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, emergency communications officers earn the most pay in the government industry with an average salary of $40,271. Whereas fire dispatchers have higher pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $41,088.In general, emergency communications officers achieve higher levels of education than fire dispatchers. They're 5.4% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Fire dispatcher vs. Telecommunicator
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a fire dispatcher is likely to be skilled in "blm," "computer applications," "firefighting," and "communication logs," while a typical telecommunicator is skilled in "patrol," "emergency services," "public safety agencies," and "medical dispatch."
Telecommunicators earn the highest salary when working in the government industry, where they receive an average salary of $38,270. Comparatively, fire dispatchers have the highest earning potential in the government industry, with an average salary of $41,088.telecommunicators typically earn similar educational levels compared to fire dispatchers. Specifically, they're 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Fire dispatcher vs. Communications operator
Types of fire dispatcher
Updated January 8, 2025
