They are the first lines of defense when the worst happens in our communities. In August, we visited the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Metropolitan Communications Dispatch Center and spoke with the 9-1-1 professionals who spend every day protecting Southern Californians. Some have even assisted with emergency birth. Many also have life-saving skills they have put to use while on the line, offering instruction to prevent choking with the Heimlich maneuver and providing help with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. As a result, they know how to send appropriate response even when communication is limited. Those who make the cut learn to not only ask questions but also to pick up on small audible cues - like the sound of a weapon reloading or the cries of an injured child. Operators often undergo background checks and psychological testing to ensure that they are fully equipped for the stress of the job. Training to use these services is extensive. They use sophisticated tools, like computer-aided dispatch, geographic information systems, and automatic vehicle location technologies. Today’s 9-1-1 professionals look nothing like the past. This history is important, but times have changed.
