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Telecommunicators

Telecommunicators Week

Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: April 12–18, 2026

Public safety telecommunicators, or dispatchers, are often the initial first responder to an emergency. They take the 911 call or text of distress and obtain essential information to relay to emergency medical service providers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and others. Telecommunicators also give important instructions to callers to help save lives.

Gov. Mike Braun proclaimed the third week of April 2025 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Indiana (view the proclamation). IDHS encourages public safety agencies and residents statewide to recognize the important work these professionals do and to share appreciation for them.

Telecommunicators Week: April 14–20, 2024

Public safety telecommunicators, or dispatchers, are often the initial first responder to an emergency. They take the 911 call or text of distress and obtain essential information to relay to emergency medical service providers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and others. Telecommunicators also give important instructions to callers to help save lives.

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb proclaimed the third week of April 2024 as Public Safety Telecommunicator Week in Indiana (view the proclamation). IDHS encourages public safety agencies and residents statewide to recognize the important work these professionals do and to share appreciation for them.

Did You Know?

  • In 2024, Hoosier telecommunicators received more than
    3.2 million calls and more than 39,000 texts to 911.
  • Indiana has about 2,000 telecommunicators serving
    daily to help protect Hoosiers and keep them safe.
  • There are more than 90,000 public safety telecommunicators
    in the United States, answering more than 240 million calls to 911 each year.
  • Indianapolis became the first metropolis in the
    nation to deploy Text-for-911 services in October 2015.
  • The first 911 call in Indiana was made in March 1968.

Highlighting Hoosier Telecommunicators

The following are just a few stories of telecommunicators, as recognized by the Indiana Statewide 911 Board during 2025:

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Sydney and Kyle, Wayne County Emergency Communications (WCEC)
Wayne County

Two Wayne County Emergency Communications dispatchers demonstrated professionalism and composure while guiding callers through the delivery of two babies. Dispatchers Sydney and Kyle provided emergency medical dispatch instructions, helping ensure safe outcomes during both incidents.

With less than two years of service, both dispatchers remained calm under pressure and delivered clear, effective instructions. Their actions highlight the critical role telecommunicators play in supporting life-saving care before first responders arrive.

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Josh, St. Joseph County 911 Communications
St. Joseph County

A St. Joseph County 911 telecommunicator helped de-escalate a critical situation involving a caller in crisis, threatening self-harm. Telecommunicator Josh quickly established communication, providing calm and compassionate support that helped bring the situation to a safe resolution.

The incident underscores the importance of trained telecommunicators who can respond effectively not only to physical emergencies but also to behavioral health crises, ensuring callers receive the help they need in moments of distress.

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Katrina, Howard County 911 Communications
Howard County

A Howard County 911 telecommunicator played a key role in a life-threatening emergency by guiding a caller through CPR after receiving a report of an unresponsive individual. Telecommunicator Katrina quickly assessed the situation and provided clear instructions for approximately five minutes until EMS arrived.

Her calm and professional response helped stabilize the situation and ensured the patient received immediate care. The incident reflects the vital role telecommunicators play in bridging the gap between emergency calls and on-scene medical response.

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Nicole, Hamilton County Public Safety Communications
Hamilton County

A Hamilton County Public Safety Communications telecommunicator helped safely deliver a baby after receiving a 911 call from a couple en route to the hospital who realized they would not arrive in time. Telecommunicator Nicole calmly guided the callers through the delivery as they pulled over on the side of the road.

Thanks to clear instructions and steady communication, both the baby and parents were safe. The call highlights the critical role telecommunicators play in providing lifesaving assistance in unexpected and high-pressure situations.

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Blake, Howard County 911 Communications
Howard County

A Howard County 911 dispatcher helped save a life by quickly recognizing a medical emergency and guiding a caller through CPR instructions. Dispatcher Blake received a call about an unresponsive individual and immediately took control, providing step-by-step instructions until first responders arrived.

Kokomo Fire Department Engine 4 and Ascension St. Vincent medics continued care upon arrival, successfully restoring a pulse and transporting the patient to the hospital. The coordinated response highlights how telecommunicators and field responders work together to deliver critical, time-sensitive care.

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Molly, Hamilton County Public Safety Communications
Hamilton County

A Hamilton County Public Safety Communications telecommunicator helped save a life by providing CPR instructions during a critical water rescue incident. After receiving a call about a woman who had been pulled from the water and was not breathing, telecommunicator Molly immediately began guiding the caller through lifesaving measures.

Molly delivered clear, direct instructions that allowed the caller to perform effective CPR until first responders arrived. As the patient’s condition changed, she adapted her guidance in real time, demonstrating composure and professionalism in a high-pressure situation.

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Nate, Hamilton County Public Safety Communications
Hamilton County

A Hamilton County Public Safety Communications telecommunicator helped save a life by guiding a caller through CPR instructions during a medical emergency. Telecommunicator Nate answered a 911 call involving an individual who was not breathing and quickly took control of the situation.

Through calm communication and clear direction, Nate helped the caller administer CPR until responders arrived. His ability to provide immediate, effective guidance made a critical difference in the outcome of the incident.

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Taylor, Hamilton County Public Safety Communications
Hamilton County

A Hamilton County Public Safety Communications telecommunicator played a key role in a lifesaving response, assisting a caller with CPR before first responders arrived. Telecommunicator Taylor provided step-by-step instructions to ensure the caller could begin care immediately.

The patient later visited the 911 center to meet the voice who helped guide them through the emergency, underscoring the lasting impact of telecommunicators during critical moments.

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Adam, Hamilton County Public Safety Communications
Hamilton County

A Hamilton County Public Safety Communications telecommunicator helped guide a family through the birth of their child during an emergency call. Telecommunicator Adam provided calm and clear instructions as parents delivered their baby before reaching medical care.

Top Tips for 911 Callers

More tips at NENA.org

To Call or Not To Call?

Only call 911 for an emergency, which is any serious situation where a police officer, firefighter or emergency medical professional is needed immediately. If you are unsure, go ahead and call 911. The dispatcher can determine if you need emergency assistance and route you to the correct location if needed.

Do Not Hang Up

Telecommunicators are trained to get the most important information as quickly as possible. Allow the dispatcher to ask you all his or her questions before you hang up or leave the phone. If you call by accident, stay on the line until you can tell the dispatcher you called by accident and there is no emergency.

Try to Stay Calm, Answer Questions

Staying calm can be difficult when calling 911, but vitally important. Staying as calm as possible and answering the telecommunicator's questions will get you help as quickly as possible. Answer the questions even if you are unsure how relevant they are.

Know the Location

When you call from a mobile device, the 911 center that answers might not be the normal one that serves your area, so it may not be familiar with where you are. Look for landmarks, street signs and buildings. Know the name of the city or county you are in. This will help the dispatcher get the appropriate police, fire or medical units.