Within the Trenches

This episode is brought to you by Dispatch In Depth--a new podcast for emergency dispatchers. If you like Within The Trenches, you're gonna want to check it out. Dispatch In Depth takes you deep into the why and how of emergency dispatching. It's produced by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch and hosted by Isabel Gardett, the Director of Academics at IAED. Each episode features an interview with experts in the field including researchers, dispatchers, responders and public safety officials—who talk about the work they're doing to make emergency dispatching as safe and effective as possible. I've listened to each episode and they are educational and entertaining. Would you believe that levels of evidence for example on CPR protocols can be decided on with the help of animal studies? Pig studies led to the new compressions only that showed better outcomes in pigs. These studies can be compared to humans but, I don't want to give away anymore. It's something you have to listen to. The episode is Cardiac Arrested Development, just one of many great episodes of Dispatch In Depth available on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and Soundcloud. Halloween. It's probably my favorite time of the year. I love to be scared. The horror genre is my favorite. According to the free encyclopedia, Halloween, also known as All Hallows' Eve is a celebration observed in a number of countries on the 31st of October. It begins the 3 day observance of Allhallowwide, the time of the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, martyrs, and all the faithful departed. Others see it as a time for carving pumpkins with scary faces, trick or treating, goblins, ghost stories and haunted houses. During my time in dispatch I took all kinds of horrific calls from listening to someone as they took their last breath to someone finding a loved one hung in their home. They stick with me and will forever be embedded in my memory but two calls fall under the unusual and well...paranormal. This is Within the Trenches Ep 156... Please check out the links below and as always if you have any comments, questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Dispatch in Depth Podcast - iTunes | Soundcloud | Stitcher Radio Halloween description - Wikipedia Al Capone research citation - HAUNTED MICHIGAN: Al Capone & the Ghosts of Allegan County's 'Yellow Motel' The Final Insanity of Al Capone: Was Notorious Gangster Haunted by a Hapless Victim? This day in history: Capone goes to prison Episode topics - Story 1 - The suspicious 2 Story 2 - The Yellow Motel & Al Capone Story 3 - Home is where the ghosts are

Ep 155 features Dee, a dispatcher out of the city of Rockport, Texas. In this episode Dee shares her 9-1-1 story as well as what it was like to work in dispatch during Hurricane Harvey. Rockport was ground zero for this hurricane and her story is an amazing one. From the city running out of resources to no cell service for weeks, Dee, along with her crew and those on the road worked hard. But what if you have to tell someone no to a request for help? In dispatch you don't tell people no but in this situation...there is no other option. This is a must listen. To Dee, her crew, those out on the road and the TERT team that came out to assist, thank you for what you do and thank you for sharing this story. As always, if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. CNN Report on Hurricane Harvey Episode topics - Dee's 9-1-1 story Hurricane Harvey

Ep 154 is an extension of the podcast called Imagine Listening. It features the stories from the #IAM911 movement but this episodes' stories come from the 9-1-1 professionals of the Kentucky Emergency Services Conference. Following their stories is a presentation I gave at the conference. For years I have helped tell the stories of 9-1-1 dispatchers from all over the world but this time it's my turn. There are four videos shown during this presentation that you can view below. This is a must listen and share. As always if you have any comments, questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Behind the Mic: Stories from the trenches - WZZM13 Media Coverage of the podcast - #IAM911 Video - Project #IAM911 Video - Episode topics - #IAM911 stories from the Kentucky Emergency Services Conference My personal #IAM911 story - Within the Trenches - Keep Broadcasting Your Message

Ep 153 of Within the Trenches features Todd Sparrow, Director at Lawrenceburg 9-1-1 in Kentucky. In this episode Todd reflects on 35 years of public safety service, calls that have stuck with him, the Kentucky Emergency Services Conference and more. For more information on the conference please see the links below. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show please send an email to [email protected]. Kentucky Emergency Services Conference - Facebook | Web Episode topics - Todd's 9-1-1 story A domestic call at 16 years of age Kentucky Emergency Services Conference #IAM911

Ep 152 is an extension of the podcast called Imagine Listening. This episode features the stories of the #IAM911 movement. It also features a former police officer who tells his story of a burglary call he went out to that resulted in an officer involved shooting. This is an episode you do not want to miss. Make sure to check out the links below and as always if you have any comments, questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Natalie Harris - Podcast | Website A letter to the man I killed - Officer Involved (Documentary) - Website Episode topics - #IAM911 stories Burglary radio traffic Audio - A letter to the man I killed

Today, August 24 2017 marks the one year anniversary of when I started the #IAM911 movement. In this episode we will take a look back at why I started it, the explosion, media coverage and the future of the movement. It has been one hell of a year and I thank all of you for the support. I may have started this but it is because of the entire Thin Gold Line that made it a global success. If you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - Medical recap A look back at episode 114 #IAM911 explosion Media coverage Future

Ep 151 features Brianna, Benton County Emergency Communications out of Arkansas & Rob McMullen, director of Vigo County out of Indiana & NENA President. This episode begins with my first day in San Antonio, Texas for the NENA national conference and a 9-1-1 call I had to make on a couple who was arguing and at one point the male half was hanging from a parking garage. Brianna and Rob tell stories of their own and share what is in store for Rob as the incoming President of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA.) This episode was recorded live at the National NENA conference in San Antonio, Texas and is a must listen. As always if you have any questions, comments or you want to be a guest on the show please send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - The domestic at the top of the parking garage What is FirstNet? Rob for President And more!

Episode 150 features Don, a dispatcher of Sonoma County SO and Lee Ann, Dispatch Manager with Marin County SO out of California. In this episode we follow the 9-1-1 stories of Don and Lee Ann from the beginning to present day. We talk about the calls that stick with a person and those that can make or break ones career. This episode was recorded live at the National NENA conference in San Antonio, Texas and is a must listen. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - Don's 9-1-1 story Lee Ann's 9-1-1 story 9-1-1 calls that stick 9-1-1 calls that make or break a career Don's life size pic of Rob And more

Ep 149 features Jen, a telecommunicator out of an agency in Illinois. In this episode Jen tells her 9-1-1 story, shares some calls and stressors of the job, along with some educational points for those calling 9-1-1 on a cell phone and how cell phones can still be used to dial 9-1-1 even when there is no service. This is a must listen so please check it out and share. As always if you have any questions, comments or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - Jen's 9-1-1 story 9-1-1 prank Kids playing on the phone and how to avoid it on a cell phone Always know where you are And more

Episode 148 features Adam Timm of The Healthy Dispatcher. This episode was recorded at the 2017 Michigan NENA conference in Lansing. In this episode Adam reflects on his dispatch career that spanned over 10 1/2 years in Los Angeles, California. He focuses on how stress from the job turned him into what his co-workers called him, "Angry Adam" and how going to classes to help deal with his stress helped him drop his angry persona and helped him realize his calling in helping his fellow dispatchers become less stressed and focus on their health and mental wellness. This is a must listen! As always if you have any comments, questions or you want to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. For more information on Adam Timm and The Healthy Dispatcher see the links below. The Healthy Dispatcher - Facebook | Linkedin |Twitter | Web Episode topics - Adam's 9-1-1 story To judge or not to judge The death of "Angry Adam" The rise of The Healthy Dispatcher

Ep 147 was recorded in front of a live audience at the 2017 Indiana NENA/APCO conference. Dispatchers share their outrageous and funny calls. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - Open mic - "That feels so good..." Open mic - "I'm willing to try..." 911 call - The billboard And much more

Today's episode is a hard one. If you have followed the #IAM911 movement then you know that many of the stories told by the dispatchers who lived them are hard ones. There are some good ones but they are rare. Many 9-1-1 professionals have poured their hearts out for the movement and continue to do so. In doing this they have opened the eyes of millions to what they do every single time they answer a call. These professionals have also found a way to tell their stories, heal and find some sort of closure. As my team and I continued to help share these important stories I had a thought, "Why not reach an even bigger audience by sharing them on the podcast?" This is now known as "Imagine Listening", an extension of the podcast featuring the stories of the #IAM911 movement. When recording these episodes, I read each story so that more people can get a feel for the types of calls, emotions and stress the dispatcher deals with. They have become quite popular and in this episode, I recorded it with a live audience. There were about 120 people in attendance and some dispatchers read their owns stories. Others wrote them down and my co-presenter Rob and I read them out loud. The room was packed and the emotions were high. We shared our stories and we healed. This is an important episode indeed. Please listen and share with everyone you know including local leaders. Let them know why you should be recognized as a 9-1-1 professional. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected] ***WARNING – IF YOU SUFFER FROM PTSD OR HAVE SUICIDAL TENDENCIES THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. YOU ARE LISTENING AT YOUR OWN RISK.***

Ep 145 features Sarah, Assistant Director at Kosciusko County out of Indiana and Curt, Sales Engineer with INdigital. In this episode we go back in time a few years to when Curt, who lived down the street from the Kosciusko County 9-1-1 dispatch center fell out of a tree and his wife had to call 9-1-1. Sarah, was the call taker that day and in this one story, they both found out what the other was doing before and after the call. To bring them together and allow for closure was a great experience. This is a must listen so please check it out and share it. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, please send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics – Curt's side of the 9-1-1 call Sarah's side of the 9-1-1 call Know your location And more

Episode 144 features show favorite Rob "Big Mac" McMullen and is the first Facebook Live episode. In this episode we play some funny 9-1-1 tapes, interact with our Facebook Live audience and share hilarious stories. You don't want to miss this one! As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - 9-1-1 stories Live at Indiana NENA/APCO conference 9-1-1 tapes

Ep 143 features Bill, Quality Assurance Specialist with Horry County E911, South Carolina. In this episode I got the chance to speak with Bill about his 9-1-1 dispatch career after retiring from the military and how crucial it is to follow protocols in the center. Bill shares a story where confirming the location was not followed and how critical it is to do so in an emergency. If you ever wanted to know what you need when calling 9-1-1, this is the episode for you. Please check it out and share it. This is the last episode recorded at the IAED's annual NAVIGATOR conference and it was a complete success. Thank you to everyone with the IAED for the hospitality and giving me the opportunity to attend the conference, speak and do the podcast. To learn more about the IAED and the Annals of Emergency Dispatch & Response follow the links below. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, please send an email to [email protected]. IAED - Facebook | Twitter | Web Annals of Emergency Dispatch & Response - Facebook | Twitter | Web Episode topics - Bill's 9-1-1 story Early training calls Location is key And more

Ep 142 features Erin, Communications Specialist at Loveland Emergency Communications out of Colorado and the 2017 IAED Dispatcher of the Year. In this episode we take a trip down memory lane with Erin as she talks about her early 9-1-1 career to present day. She shares stories including one from when she was training and took her first 9-1-1 call with her trainer and when she answered she added a few "1's" to 9-1-1. She also shares her call and experience that lead to her becoming the 2017 IAED Dispatcher of the Year. This is a must listen so please check it out and share it. To learn more about the IAED follow the links below. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, please send an email to [email protected]. IAED - Facebook | Twitter | Web Episode topics - Erin's 9-1-1 story Early training calls IAED Dispatcher of the Year And more

Ep 141 features Ryan Dedmon, Outreach Director with the 911 Training Institute and creator of the popular blog Operation 10-8. In this episode I finally got the chance to not only have Ryan on an episode where we are face-to-face but we finally met after almost a year of talking online. Ryan explains the reasons why the 9-1-1 Wellness Foundation closed its doors and what's new in the world of the 9-1-1 Training Institute. This is a must listen so please check it out and share it. To learn more about the IAED and the 9-1-1 Training Institute follow the links below. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, please send an email to [email protected]. 9-1-1 Training Institute - Facebook | Web Operation 10-8 - Facebook | Web IAED - Facebook | Twitter | Web Episode topics - The decision to close the doors of the 9-1-1 Wellness Foundation 9-1-1 calls What's new at the 9-1-1 Training Institute? Upcoming training

Ep 140 features Ty, Director of Education with NENA and Lisa, Education Instructor for NENA. In this episode we follow Lisa through every rank in dispatch she held up and to the point that she left to become an instructor. Both Lisa and Ty share 9-1-1 stories from their career and let us in on what's new at NENA and their upcoming annual conference in San Antonio, Texas. This is a must listen so please check it out and share it. To learn more about the IAED and NENA follow the links below. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, please send an email to [email protected]. NENA - Facebook | Twitter | Web IAED - Facebook | Twitter | Web Episode topics - Lisa's 9-1-1 story 9-1-1 calls What's new at NENA? Upcoming training & annual national conference

Ep 139 features the CEO and Public Relations Director of Uivo, Emily and David. Uivo is the only fast and secure emergency contact system for personal property that works directly with public safety dispatch centers. In this episode we learn about how both Emily and David got into public safety. Emily has a background in 9-1-1 dispatch and David is a current firefighter and paramedic. Emily's experience in the 9-1-1 world was an inspiration to the development of Uivo. This is a must listen so please check it out and share it. To learn more about Uivo and the IAED follow the links below. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, please send an email to [email protected]. Uivo - Facebook | Web IAED – Facebook | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emily's 9-1-1 story David's public safety story 9-1-1 calls The severed foot run NAVIGATOR conference experience

Ep 138 features Christine, dispatch supervisor with Waukesha, Wisconsin and Drew, manager of EMS and flight communications of Columbia City, Indiana. In this episode we follow Christine and Drew as they reflect on their careers and how they got there. Stories are shared along with moments of clarity and realization that this job is not just a job but a life long career. This is a must listen so please check it out and share it. To learn more about the IAED follow the links below. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, please send an email to [email protected]. IAED - Facebook | Twitter | Web Episode topics - Christine's 9-1-1 story Drew jump into public safety 9-1-1 calls NAVIGATOR conference experience

Ep 137 features Ethan, a dispatcher out of NC & Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship Recipient & Daphanie, dispatcher and past guest out of FL and she is also one of the Within the Trenches Podcast Facebook Page Admins. In this episode we follow Ethan's journey into medical dispatching as well as stories from his career. As a first timer to the IAED's NAVIGATOR conference he touches on his experience and Daphanie lends some insight on the conference, networking and a few of her personal 9-1-1 stories. This is a must listen so please check it out and share it. To learn more about the IAED follow the links below. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, please send an email to [email protected]. IAED - Facebook | Twitter | Web Episode topics - Ethan's 9-1-1 story 9-1-1 calls NAVIGATOR conference experience

This is a special episode that you don't want to miss. In this episode my wife Rebecca joins me to chat about what it was like for her during my time working as a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Not many people know this but as a dispatcher you miss out on all kinds of family time. You will more than likely work days, nights, weekends, holiday's and some people work forced overtime. This episode is an #IAM911 story, but from the spouses side. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - Podcast updates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week IAM911 from the spouses side

This is an episode you do not want to miss! No intro on this one. It's a surprise guest. Please listen, enjoy and share!

Episode 134 of Within the Trenches features Caroline Burau, 12 year 9-1-1 dispatch veteran and author of Answering 911: Life in the hot seat and Tell me exactly what happened. In this episode Caroline talks about how she got into dispatching, 9-1-1 calls that stuck with her, her inspiration for writing and much more! I also make an announcement that I have been holding back for some time and it's an amazing one. This episode is one you don't want to miss so please listen and share. Below you will find some links to Caroline's social media and website. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Caroline Burau - Facebook | Twitter | Web Episode topics - Caroline's 9-1-1 story Early calls Writing, publishing, healing

Episode 133 of the podcast features Kaylyn, a 9-1-1 dispatcher & content creator out of Northern California. She is the creator of the popular YouTube channel Youmarriedme. In this episode Kaylyn shares her 9-1-1 story along with her inspiration for Youmarriedme. One of her stories left me speechless. It's a powerful one that you don't want to miss! Below you will find links to her social media outlets. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Youmarriedme - Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Episode topics - Kaylyn's 911 story Kaylyn's first high priority call Kaylyn's closure, 5 years after a suicide call Inspiration for "Youmarriedme"

Within the Trenches is back with episode 132! After this website being down for almost a week it is back up and iTunes subscriptions are up and running again too. In this episode I spoke with Mary the Deputy Director of Macecom out of Washington State and also the author of a very popular article "Dispatch on the Brain" for The Journal through the IAED. We visit her personal 9-1-1 journey, calls she has taken and much more. This is a must listen! As always if you have any questions, comments or you want to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Also make sure to check the links below. Macecom is currently hiring and please go to Macecom's Facebook page and like them. Mary's article is also listed along with the link to 911ceu.com. Macecom - Facebook | Web Macecom - Now hiring! Dispatch on the Brain by Mary | The Journal 911CEU - Web Episode topics - Website issues recap Mary's 9-1-1 story Mary's 9-1-1 calls Dispatch on the Brain article discussion

Imagine you're watching television, enjoying your day and a breaking news flash comes on. You see law enforcement in a shootout with two heavily armed men during a bank heist. You are shock at the sight of it. Now imagine you're 911, experiencing this first-hand with your brothers and sisters who are there, giving their lives. You listen as they yell for assistance, and..."Shots fired!" Episode 131 - Imagine Listening features the stories of the #IAM911 movement. This episode also features radio traffic recordings courtesy of the 911dispatch.com tape library on the North Hollywood bank heist shootout that occurred February 28, 1997. This year marks the 20th anniversary of that incident. Two men, heavily armed and wearing body armor were in a shootout with law enforcement for nearly 44 minutes. In the end, the only fatalities were the suspects. This is a must listen! As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. If you have an #IAM911 story to share, use the same email or send a message to the Facebook podcast page or Twitter account. Episode topics - Stories from the #IAM911 movement 911 tape - North Hollywood bank heist shootout

Ep 130 features April, Industry Affairs Specialist with INdigital and former 911 Director with Eaton County 911 out of Michigan along with Larry, Director of Sales and Marketing with INdigital and former Reserve Officer with Hudsonville PD out of Michigan. In this episode we share dispatch stories and listen to 9-1-1 calls. This is a must listen! As always if you have any questions, comments or if you want to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - April's 9-1-1 story Suicide call April took Larry's public safety start 911 Tapes - Tape 1 - CPR - In July 2009 a Charleston County (SC) woman suffered a cardiac arrest at home, and her husband dialed 911 for help. Dispatcher Melissa gave him CPR instructions, and he performed for six minutes until EMS units arrived. His wife Christine survived. Tape 2 - In July 2009 a Boca Raton couple were attacked by a "crazy" fox, and they used a PVC pipe to club the animal to death. Michael and Dani dialed 911 for help. Oddly, 10 minutes later a raccoon attacked a person several blocks away. Tape 3 - In Nov. 2009 a 4 year-old girl in Charles County (Md.) dialed 911 for help when her mother became ill. Child gave dispatcher information that allowed EMS units to quickly arrive and treat her mother's diabetic emergency. Tape 4 - In July 2007 two elephants from a visiting circus wandered past their electric-fence enclosure and into the neighborhoods of Newmarket (Ont., Canada) to graze on grass and trees. A group of people walking home spotted the elephants and dialed 911 to report their sighting to a surprised dispatcher. The elephants were rounded up without incidents. Tape 5 - In May 2010 a Northport (Fla.) woman dialed 911 to complain about her pizza order. Caller acknowledged the call wasn't an emergency, but still complained. Tape 6 - In Nov. 2010 a Puyallup (Wash.) woman dialed 911 from a closet after hearing someone break into her home mid-morning. Puyallup PD dispatcher Dorene answered the call and expertly asked questions and reassured the caller. *** Tape credit goes to my good friend Gary of 911dispatch.com for allowing me to use his library for the podcast. RIP sir and I will be forever grateful to you. ***

Ep 129 of the podcast features Jerry, Chair of the Board of Accreditation for the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, the organization charged with setting standards, establishing curriculum, and conducting research for public safety dispatch worldwide and Mike, who is the Digital and Social Media Content Editor of the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. In this episode we share medical dispatch stories, learn about the IAED and their upcoming 2017 NAVIGATOR conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. They will be featuring the podcast at the conference and I will be giving a class called, "Keep Broadcasting Your Message." The Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship is up and the IAED and I are going to be pushing it hard. The deadline is February 15, 2017 and it's an opportunity that you do not want to miss out on. Below you will find out what you can get from the scholarship and a link on where to apply. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship - Web IAED - Facebook | Twitter | Web Scholarship includes - Complimentary registration to the NAVIGATOR 2017 Conference Complimentary registration for a one-day pre-conference course of choice at NAVIGATOR 2017 A $500 travel stipend Official Within the Trenches T-shirt Episode topics - How Jerry got into public safety? How Mike got into public safety? Medical dispatch stories What is the IAED? What is the NAVIGATOR Conference

Imagine waking up on Saturday. The sky is blue and the sun is shining bright. You lean over to wake your husband. He doesn't move. You turn him over and notice his lips are blue…you check him…no pulse. Your heart breaks…he's gone. Now imagine you are 9-1-1, listening to the screams and wails of a wife who has lost her best friend and husband. She requests CPR instructions but you know it's too late. This is what it's like, Within the Trenches. In this episode we will visit the #IAM911 movement, a movement I started to fight the reclassification of dispatchers from clerical to protective and bring awareness to the types of calls that 9-1-1 dispatchers answer on a daily basis. Now…you heard the warning at the beginning but I must warn you again and add that if you suffer from PTSD or have suicidal tendencies you are listening at your own risk. The stories you are about to hear are all true and come from the dispatchers who lived them. While some stories have a good outcome, the majority are horrifying. This is our reality. Your worst day is our every day. So let's start with a bang. I want you to imagine each story. Become the dispatcher who has taken each call and imagine listening…

Episode 127 features show regular Rob "Big Mac" McMullen, Director of Vigo County 9-1-1 in Indiana and 1st VP of NENA. In this episode we talk about those unwanted stomach issues in dispatch. The ones that attack when a high priority call comes in and you are unable to get up to use the bathroom. It happens to some more often then you would think. We also play a few 9-1-1 tapes that you don't want to miss. They come from the archive of 911dispatch.com. Thank you and R.I.P. Gary. I will forever be grateful to you for your help and kindness. Episode 128 and 129 are also coming up where 128 will be the second installment of Imagine Listening, an extension of the podcast featuring the stories of the #IAM911 movement. 129 will feature the IAED and the 2017 Navigator conference. There is a lot more to come so don't miss out! As always if you have any questions or would like to be a guest on the show, send an email to [email protected] Episode topics - Medical issues in dispatch Pootastic dispatch stories Tape 1 - Naughty kids Tape 2 - Lady wants officer to come back to her home Tape 3 - Dog calls 911 Tape 4 - Manny to the rescue

Episode 126 is different from the rest. It's the introduction to Within the Trenches - Imagine Listening, an extension of the podcast featuring stories from the #IAM911 movement. What you are about to hear are true stories. While some have good outcomes, the majority are horrifying. A warning...if you suffer from PTSD or have suicidal tendencies this episode may be a trigger. LISTEN AT YOUR OWN RISK. This episode also touches on PTSD in 9-1-1 dispatch and a look at the dark humor that comes with the job. A shout out goes to Dave, Tim and Amy of Darkness Radio for having me on their show. Below you will find links to my interview and a shout out to Mike of Sword & Scale for having me on episode #82 of his podcast. As always if you have any questions or want to be a guest on show send an email to [email protected]. Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship - Web Sword and Scale - Facebook | iTunes | Stitcher Radio | Twitter | Web | Episode #82 Darkness Radio - Facebook | Twitter | Web | Interview - Hour 1 | Interview - Hour 2 Episode topics - Imagine Listening featuring #IAM911 Stories PTSD in 9-1-1 Dispatch Dark Humor

Episode 125 features an interview with Kyle, a 9-1-1 dispatcher with Montgomery County Central Communications Center out of Indiana. He shares his 9-1-1 story and a recent call that follows a tragedy involving a mother who murdered her own children, stabbed herself in the neck but lived. She has been charged with two counts of murder and so far, has pleaded not guilty. This is an episode you don't want to miss. This is also part of the season finale of the Sword & Scale podcast. As always if you have any questions or you want to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Brandi Worley Case - FOX59 Sword and Scale - Facebook | iTunes | Stitcher Radio | Twitter | Web Episode topics - Kyle's 9-1-1 story Brandi Worley news story Shout out to the Sword and Scale podcast

This is a short episode on the Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship in association with the IAED, a recap of stories told in Ep. 123 and a shout out to Sword & Scale, an addicting true crime podcast that you must check out! I helped out on episode 82, their season finale and it is horrific! Per Mike, "DO NOT LISTEN TO EPISODE 82!" As always if you have any questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, send an email to [email protected]. Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship - Web Sword and Scale - Facebook | iTunes | Stitcher Radio | Twitter | Web Episode topics - Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship Episode 123 story recap Shout out to Sword and Scale podcast

Within the Trenches Ep 123 - This episode features four of my personal #IAM911 movement stories. They are the stories that started it all and now they have more of an explanation to them. Enjoy, share and make sure to check out the IAED links below as well as the information on the Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship. As always if you have any questions, comments or you want to be a guest on the show, send an email to [email protected]. IAED - Facebook | Twitter | Web Episode topics - Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship #IAM911 Stories Four wheeler flip Suicide - car vs tree Grandma death Baby death

Within the Trenches episode 122 is sponsored by INdigital, a leader in Next-Gen Core Services. This episode features Jennifer, a dispatcher with Ogle County Sheriff's Office out of Illinois and show regular Rob 'Big Mac' McMullen, director with Vigo County, Indiana and 1st VP of NENA. Jennifer shares her 9-1-1 story, we visit a tragic homicide case out of Montgomery County, Indiana and we share some updates on the #IAM911 movement, decals and the IAED/Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship. This is a must listen so check it out and share! As always if you have any questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship Registration - Web Episode topics - Update on inner ear issue and vertigo Update on vinyl decals Update on #IAM911 and Project #IAM911 Update on IAED and Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship Jennifer's 9-1-1 story Montgomery County, Indiana Homicide

Welcome to episode 121 of Within the Trenches. In this episode I had the opportunity to speak with Bailey, a Dispatcher and Corrections Officer with Mountrail Sheriff's Department out of North Dakota. She is also a singer and songwriter and released a song based on her experience as a 9-1-1 professional back in April of 2016. The song was submitted as an #IAM911 movement post and is a must listen. Bailey shares her story in this episode along with her song. Below are links to her music and social media. This episode also highlights the 2017 Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship that will help send a 9-1-1 professional to the IAED - 2017 NAVIGATOR conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is a great opportunity so don't miss out! As always, if you have any questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, send an email to [email protected]. Bailey - Music | Twitter Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship - Web Episode topics - #IAM911 Update Project #IAM911 Update Vinyl decal Update Bailey's 9-1-1 story "I Am Waiting" And more

Welcome back to another great episode of Within the Trenches, a podcast based on the experience of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher. In this episode I go solo and update everyone on major happenings with the podcast, the #IAM911 movement, Project #IAM911 and the recent announcement on my collaboration with the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED.) I also share an audio #IAM911 story from Donita, a 9-1-1 professional, as well as a video I put together as a glimpse into the stories that make up the movement. This is an episode you don't want to miss. There is an important message about the Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship that will be pushed out soon for the IAED's 2017 Navigator conference so make sure to listen in. Make sure to check out the links below and as always if you have any questions or you want to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - Recent conference attendance Adam Timm - The Healthy Dispatcher class #IAM911 movement update Project #IAM911 update IAED collaboration update An #IAM911 audio story by Donita The #IAM911 Movement - Video in audio form And more International Academies of Emergency Dispatch - Facebook | Twitter | Web An #IAM911 audio story by Donita, a 9-1-1 professional The #IAM911 Movement - Created by Ricardo Martinez II, Host and Creator of Within the Trenches and Founder of the #IAM911 Movement

Welcome to episode 119 or 9-1-1 of Within the Trenches. In this episode I had the chance to speak with Brianna, deputy director with Benton County Office of Emergency Communications in Arkansas and show regular, Rob "Big Mac" McMullen, director of Vigo County out of Indiana and 1st VP of NENA. We recorded live from the Hilton in Columbus, Ohio for the NENA Standards and Best Practices Conference as well as the Critical Issues Forum. This episode was a lot of fun to record and we covered a lot of topics so please make sure to check it out and share. As always if you have any questions or would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - Brianna's 9-1-1 story Brianna's first 9-1-1 call #IAM911 Project #IAM911 Dogs ate owner call On the go CPR Illinois conference decal offer And more On the go CPR (as mentioned in the podcast)

Welcome back to Within the Trenches, a podcast based on the experience of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher. In this episode I finally got the chance to speak to Ryan, who serves with the 911 Wellness Foundation as well as a consultant for the 911 Training Institute and runs the blog and social media outlets for Operation 10-8. This has been about 2 years in the making but it was worth the wait. Also on the podcast is Lloyd, a previous guest on the show and a police dispatcher in Western Canada. This was a lot of fun to record. As always, if you have any questions or you would like to be a guest on the show email [email protected]. Below you will find links for both Ryan and Lloyd's blogs and more. Ryan - Operation 10-8 - Facebook | Web 911 Wellness Foundation - Facebook | Web Lloyd - Dispatch Monkey - Facebook | Twitter | Web Episode topics - Ryan's background in public safety Operation 10-8 Dispatch Monkey Blog Snails call Goats call Marijuana call #IAM911 movement

Welcome back to another episode of Within the Trenches, a podcast based on the experience of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Today is September 15th, 2016 and there are only 5 days left until the ability to submit a public comment closes. The #IAM911 movement has raised all kinds of awareness on the issue of reclassification for Public Safety Telecommunicators (PSTs) from "clerical" to "protective", but most of all the awareness of what PSTs go through on a day to day basis. The support from the Thin Gold Line, the public, those on the road, industry partners and those in Office has been amazing! With that said, episode 117 has a special guest. In this episode I spoke with a former Public Safety Telecommunicator and currently the U.S. Representative for California's 35th District, Congresswoman Norma Torres. This was a lot of fun to record. She shared stories from her time in dispatch up to her current position in Congress. She recently sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in reference to their decision to reject the reclassification proposal started by APCO International. It was an honor to have her on the podcast and below you will find a link to the letter she sent to the OMB, her social media and links to where you can provide information to APCO International and NENA for public comment. We only have 5 days left so let's push it! Continue to share your stories and go to the websites below and submit your public comment. As always if you have any questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Congresswoman Norma Torres - Facebook | Twitter | Web | Letter to OMB APCO International - Facebook | Twitter | Web | Public Comment NENA - Facebook | Twitter | Web | Public Comment Episode topics - #IAM911 Change.org petition - Not affiliated with the #IAM911 Movement Congresswoman Torres on how she got her start in dispatch Letter to OMB What if scenario if OMB rejects for a second time And more...

Welcome back to another episode of Within the Trenches, a podcast based on the experience of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher. A lot has happened in the past couple of weeks and instead of boring you with text on this post I would like for you to listen to this episode with guest Jamison, Director of Weakly County 9-1-1 & is the Emergency Management Director as well as an ENP and 2nd VP of NENA and share it on social media. In this episode we take a deep dive look at the reclassification issue. As always if you have any comments, questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. To see what you can do to help NENA's push for reclassification follow the link below. Also if you have not done so make sure to check out the t-shirts for the #IAM911 movement. NENA - Web | Facebook | Twitter NENA Reclassification - Web #IAM911 t-shirt - Web Episode topics - Jamisons's 9-1-1 story The fight for reclassification #IAM911 movement

Welcome back to another episode of Within the Trenches, a podcast based on the experience of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher. A lot has happened in the past week. On August 24th 2016 I started the #IAM911 movement, which is an effort to assist in the reclassification of Public Safety Telecommunicators (PSTs) from "clerical" to "protective." Both APCO International and NENA are pushing to get this passed. Public comments are open until September 20th 2016 (In the episode I mention the 16th and at the end the 20th. The 20th is the right day.) The part of the public comments that interested me was the request for stories to show how we differ from commercial dispatchers and clerical workers. I felt that it was necessary to share stories as proof that PSTs are completely different. I shared a few stories and asked for others to share and the movement exploded. It has gone global and dispatchers everywhere are joining the movement to assist the reclassification push as well as bring to light what PSTs go through on a daily basis. This episode has much more so please check it out and share! As always if you have any questions or you would like to be a guest on the show, send an email to [email protected]. Also remember to check out APCO International and NENA below to see where you can submit your public comments. If you want to join the #IAM911 movement you may do so by sharing a story by meme, text or video, remember to use #IAM911 at the end and submit it to Within the Trenches on Facebook or Twitter. APCO International - Web NENA - Web Within the Trenches - Facebook | Twitter Episode topics - Episode 12 tooth story Recent tooth story A moment of clarity - I love you bro... The #IAM911 Movement

Good morning and welcome to episode 114 of Within the Trenches, a podcast based on the experience of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher. A lot has happened since the last episode and instead of boring you with text I will let you get to this episode. Check out the topics below and make sure to listen and share! As always if you have any questions or you would like to be a guest on the show you can email us at [email protected]. Episode topics - #IAM911 Movement How to participate in the movement Suicide Call Grandmother Death Call Four wheeler Flip Call

With all of the B.S. going on in the world right now I thought I would do a funny episode with the always epic Rob "Big Mac" McMullen. In this episode we share some personal stories along with a few funny 9-1-1 tapes. A big thanks goes out to the person who hooked me up with the tapes. They are awesome and shows what we deal with in dispatch. It's definitely light hearted and if you are looking for a laugh then make sure to check this out and share! As always if you have any questions or you want to be a guest on the show, send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - Rob's trip from hell A Ricardo recap I've locked myself in my car - 9-1-1 call I want my soup - 9-1-1 call Report of stolen false teeth - 9-1-1 call There is no one to make lunch - 9-1-1 call Put it in the wrong place - 9-1-1 call

Welcome to Within the Trenches, a podcast based on the experience of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Episode 112 features Jordon, a dispatcher and CTO out of Colorado and this episode is kind of a behind the scenes look at the voiceover work for the podcast. It's a funny one and towards the end we talk about marijuana, Colorado's legalization, edibles and how they pertain to 9-1-1. It was a funny episode to record and I hope you enjoy it. As always if you have any questions or you would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Decals - Dispatch Love | Daughters of Dispatch | Sons of Dispatch T-shirts - Sons of Dispatch (Split by size) | Daughters of Dispatch (Split by size) | Dispatch Love (Split by size) | Official Podcast Tee (Split by size) Episode topics – NENA conference recap Podcast merchandise The birth of my daughter Olivia Podcast Voiceover Marijuana edibles

Welcome to an all new episode of Within the Trenches, a podcast based on the experience of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher. In this episode I spoke with the first recipient of the Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship. Her name is Leslie, a Telecommunicator, CTO and 2016 recipient of the Mary Antley Telecommunicator of the Year Award. She dispatches out of New Hanover County in North Carolina and it was an honor to have her on the show. We recorded live from the Indiana Convention Center for the 2016 National NENA Conference & Expo. This episode is sponsored by NENA and INdigital - A leader in Next-Gen Core Services. I was given an opportunity three years ago to bring my newly created podcast to the National NENA conference in Charlotte North Carolina. It changed my life in so many ways. I told my wife that one day I would pay it forward and I did that by creating a scholarship that would send a dispatcher to the national conference. There is so much to say about Leslie but I would rather you hear her story in her own words. Once again it was an honor to have her on the show and I see big things coming in her future. Keep doing what you do! As always if you have any questions or would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics – How Leslie started out in dispatch Early phone calls A call that changed her life Mary Antley Award And more

Welcome to an all new episode of Within the Trenches, a podcast based on the experience of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher. In this episode I spoke with dispatchers from Indiana with the code names of Maverick and Phoenix. We recorded live from the Indiana Convention Center for the 2016 National NENA Conference & Expo. This episode is sponsored by NENA and INdigital - A leader in Next-Gen Core Services. This episode is hilarious and I can't even start to explain the stories we told but it was a good time and if you are looking for a good laugh make sure to listen and share. As always if you have any questions or would like to be a guest on the show please send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - Top Gun Early morning accident The loss of a member Tyson voice

Within the Trenches is back with episode 109 and you don't want to miss this one. I got the chance to speak with three great individuals including Greg with Van Buren County 9-1-1 along with Jim and Dee Ann of the 9-1-1 Wellness Foundation. We had a great time recording this episode of the show but we also learned a lot. In this episode we shared several stories and Jim talked about his class at the 2016 Michigan NENA conference as well as what the foundation is currently working on for the national conference and future endeavors. This was an extra special episode for me since it marked 3 years since I made my podcast debut as well as conference speaking debut at Michigan NENA 2013. I recorded episodes with great people that year including Jim and Dee Ann and afterward I was advised that I would be doing the podcast at the national show in North Carolina. I remember standing there in shock at everything that was happening and Jim pulled me aside, put his arm around me and said, "This is how it starts, it's where your change begins." I will never forget that day. Thank you to everyone who helped me in the beginning and to those who continue to help and believe in what I am doing. I love doing what I do! If you have any questions or would like to be a guest on the show please send an email to [email protected]. 9-1-1 Wellness Foundation - Web | Facebook | Twitter 9-1-1 Wellness Foundation GoFundMe - Web Episode topics - Jim's Michigan NENA Course Dealing with mean callers How to communicate at home And more

Good evening and welcome back to another episode of Within the Trenches. This past week I was in Lansing, Michigan for the 2016 Michigan NENA conference. It could not have gone any better. I got the chance to catch up with old friends and met a lot of new ones. It was great to see all of you and it was especially nice to see the crew from Van Buren County 9-1-1, Greg, Mike and Jennifer. It had been a while since I last saw them but we fell right back into it when we recorded this together. In episode 108 we visit our first calls, suicide by gun, domestic violence and spam. This is a must listen so make sure to check it out and share! As always, if you have any questions or would like to be a guest on the show send an email to [email protected]. Episode topics - First calls How the crew of Van Buren County 9-1-1 started dispatching Death by train DV & Spam Car vs animal And more!