A well-crafted 911 dispatcher resume is crucial for landing a role in emergency services.

A strong application should showcase your ability to stay calm under pressure, your expertise in multitasking, and your exceptional communication skills.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential components of an emergency dispatcher resume and provide tips on how to make your experience and skills stand out. We will also share great free resume examples to help you get started on the path to this rewarding career.

911 dispatcher resume examples

Police dispatcher resume sample

Police dispatcher resume template

Police dispatcher resume template
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Resume for police dispatcher | Plain text

Ashley Thompson

ashley.thompson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | Baltimore, MD

Professional Summary

Dedicated Police Dispatcher with over 9 years of experience managing high-stress emergency and non-emergency calls for the Baltimore Police Department. Proficient in computer-aided dispatch systems, crisis communication, and radio coordination.

Professional Experience

Police Dispatcher

Baltimore Police Department | Baltimore, MD

June 2017 – Present

  • Handle an average of 150+ emergency and non-emergency calls per shift, prioritizing calls based on urgency and coordinating swift police response.
  • Utilize Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to log call details, monitor officer location, and update records with real-time information.
  • Collaborate with neighboring police departments and emergency services, ensuring cohesive response efforts for cross-jurisdictional incidents.
  • Train and mentor two new dispatchers in standard procedures, radio communication protocols, and department-specific software.

Security Dispatcher

Maryland Security Solutions | Baltimore, MD

May 2015 – June 2017

  • Coordinated response efforts for security incidents across 20+ locations, maintaining detailed records of all calls and reports.
  • Operated multi-channel radio communication, dispatching security officers as required and reporting any suspicious activities to local law enforcement.

Education

High School Diploma

Baltimore High School | MD

Certifications

  • Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) Certification, 2017
  • CPR and First Aid Certified, 2016

Skills

  • Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)
  • Radio communication
  • Crisis management
  • Calm under pressure
  • Quick decision-making
  • Excellent verbal communication

Community Involvement

Volunteer Emergency Coordinator

  • Assisted with the annual "Baltimore Preparedness Fair," providing information to the community about emergency procedures and the role of police dispatchers.
  • Contributed to a 20% increase in public awareness and engagement in local safety initiatives.

Strong sides of this emergency dispatcher resume:

  • It emphasizes core skills essential to police dispatching, like Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio communication, and crisis management, directly after certifications.
  • The experience section shows the dispatcher’s duties in collaborating with neighboring departments and emergency services.
  • Community involvement is a unique feature that builds credibility, showing an understanding of the dispatcher’s broader role.
How to properly format a resume for a 911 dispatcher?
  • Opt for a professional, readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Keep the font size between 10-12 points for the body text and 14-16 for headers.
  • Your document should ideally be one page long.
  • Utilize concise bullet points to present information without crowding the page.
  • Add one-inch margins on all sides, and space out each section clearly to avoid a cluttered look.
  • Bold and capitalize headers to help hiring managers easily navigate through your qualifications.
  • Save and submit your application in PDF format to maintain its layout across different devices.

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911 EMS dispatcher resume example

Sample 911 EMS dispatcher resume

Jordan Reyes

jordan.reyes@email.com | (555) 987-6543 | Chicago, IL

Professional Summary

Experienced 911 EMS Dispatcher with over 11 years of expertise in prioritizing medical emergencies and providing pre-arrival instructions for Chicago’s busiest EMS division. Skilled in crisis management, multitasking, and medical dispatch software, with a commitment to compassionate caller support during life-threatening situations.

Professional Experience

911 EMS Dispatcher

Chicago Fire Department EMS Division | Chicago, IL

August 2015 – Present

  • Receive and prioritize 120+ emergency medical calls per shift, coordinating EMS unit dispatch to incidents throughout Chicago and providing CPR and basic first aid instructions over the phone.
  • Manage multiple calls simultaneously, ensuring callers receive accurate and timely medical guidance.
  • Work closely with paramedics and first responders, providing regular updates on patient condition, location, and any evolving medical risks.
  • Implemented improved call prioritization strategies that reduced EMS response time by an average of 15%.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Chicago Medical Response | Chicago, IL

January 2013 – August 2015

  • Responded to medical emergencies across Chicago, stabilizing patients and transporting them to medical facilities.
  • Assisted in training new EMTs on dispatch communications and field response protocols, enhancing team communication and readiness.

Education

Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services

City Colleges of Chicago | IL

Certifications

  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification, 2016
  • Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B), 2013

Skills

  • Medical dispatch software
  • Emergency prioritization
  • CPR and first aid instructions
  • Empathy
  • Active listening
  • Multitasking
  • Stress tolerance
  • Crisis communication

Additional Training

Mental Health Crisis Intervention Training, 2018

  • Completed advanced training on managing calls involving mental health crises, with emphasis on de-escalation and appropriate EMS response. Improved handling of mental health-related calls by 25%, as assessed by supervisory feedback.

Here are a few reasons why this example of an emergency dispatcher resume will impress recruiters:

  • Including the Mental Health Crisis Intervention Training emphasizes preparedness for handling sensitive calls.
  • By detailing experience in providing CPR and basic first aid instructions over the phone, the candidate clearly conveys their ability to assist callers with critical, life-saving steps.
  • The layout of certifications, along with relevant dates, builds credibility and shows the dispatcher’s dedication to up-to-date skills.
Should I choose a 911 dispatcher resume objective or summary?

Resume Summary

  • This is best suited for individuals with previous experience in emergency services or similar fields.
  • A summary is a short overview of your career, highlighting your main skills and achievements.
  • It’s typically 3 to 4 sentences long.

911 dispatcher resume summary sample:

Dedicated 911 Dispatcher with over 5 years of experience in emergency call handling and resource coordination. Known for quick decision-making, calmness under pressure, and excellent communication skills, resulting in effective emergency responses and positive outcomes.

Resume Objective

  • If you’re new to the field or changing careers, a resume objective is a better choice.
  • It focuses on your goals and how they align with the dispatcher role.
  • This is 2 to 3 sentences.

911 dispatcher resume objective example:

Motivated professional with a background in customer service seeking a 911 Dispatcher role. Eager to apply strong communication and multitasking abilities to ensure timely and efficient emergency response support.

How to showcase your 911 dispatcher resume skills?

In a high-stress position like dispatching, the right skills show hiring managers that you’re prepared to handle the challenges of emergency response.

  • Hard skills are specific technical abilities or knowledge you’ve gained, such as proficiency with dispatch software or CPR certification.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal or character traits, like empathy and adaptability, which are essential for handling stressful situations and interacting effectively with callers.

911 dispatcher hard skills:

  • Proficiency with CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) software
  • Knowledge of emergency response procedures
  • CPR and first aid certification
  • Ability to monitor multiple communication channels
  • Basic law enforcement terminology
  • Typing speed of at least 40 WPM
  • Call prioritization techniques
  • Incident documentation
  • Geographical knowledge of local area
  • Crisis management protocols

Soft skills for a 911 dispatcher:

  • Communication
  • Empathy
  • Calmness under pressure
  • Active listening
  • Adaptability
  • Decision-making
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Stress tolerance

911 fire dispatcher resume template

911 fire operator resume sample

911 fire operator resume sample
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Resume for 911 fire dispatcher | Text version

Sami Patel

sami.patel@email.com | (555) 345-6789 | Phoenix, AZ

Professional Summary

Skilled 911 Fire Dispatcher with 10 years of experience supporting Phoenix’s fire and emergency rescue services. Expertise in fire dispatch software, resource allocation, and emergency communication. Highly organized and calm under pressure, ensuring that fire crews arrive promptly and with appropriate resources.

Professional Experience

911 Fire Dispatcher

Phoenix Fire Department | Phoenix, AZ

March 2016 – Present

  • Dispatch fire units for an average of 100+ emergency calls per shift, including fires, rescues, and hazardous material incidents.
  • Utilize Phoenix’s fire dispatch system to track unit availability, monitor incident locations, and maintain communication with first responders on scene.
  • Conduct routine checks of communication equipment and software, ensuring optimal operational efficiency.
  • Led a special project to update citywide fire hydrant locations, reducing response time in high-risk areas by 10%.

Dispatcher Assistant

Arizona Public Safety Communications | Phoenix, AZ

September 2014 – March 2016

  • Assisted lead dispatchers with call prioritization, documentation, and coordination between fire and law enforcement departments.
  • Provided support in documenting incidents and updating fire dispatch protocols.

Education

High School Diploma

Phoenix High School | Phoenix, AZ

Certifications

  • Fire Service Dispatch Certification, 2016
  • Hazardous Material Awareness Training, 2015

Skills

  • Fire dispatch software
  • Emergency resource allocation
  • Incident documentation
  • Organizational skills
  • Problem-solving
  • High stress tolerance
  • Quick response time
  • Communication under pressure

Technical Proficiencies

  • Dispatch and Fire Software. Expertise in using Priority Dispatch and Hexagon CAD systems to track and deploy fire response units efficiently.
  • Geospatial Analysis Tools. Proficient in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) tools to assess and plan response routes for emergency incidents, reducing average dispatch times by 12%.

This sample emergency dispatcher resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Highlighting technical skills in a separate section ensures recruiters understand the candidate’s expertise relevant to fire dispatch.
  • This application presents a well-rounded dispatcher capable of multitasking in fast-paced fire emergency scenarios.
  • Mentioning a project to update fire hydrant locations provides a concrete example of initiative and problem-solving.
What educational credentials should I add to my 911 operator resume?

While a high school diploma is typically the minimum educational requirement for a 911 dispatcher, this section still holds value. Employers look for applicants with relevant coursework or certifications that may provide an advantage in handling emergency situations.

  • Write your high school diploma or any post-secondary education.
  • If applicable, include any classes or training relevant to the position, like psychology, communications, or emergency medical response.
  • CPR, First Aid, and other emergency response certifications can strengthen your candidacy.
How to organize the experience section in an emergency dispatcher resume?
  • List your most recent job first and work backward.
  • For each position, include your title, the employer’s name, location, and the dates of employment.
  • Emphasize experiences that involve communication, problem-solving, and multitasking.
  • Describe specific accomplishments using concise bullet points.
  • Start each bullet with a strong action verb like “coordinated,” “responded,” or “managed.”
  • Use metrics when possible to show the impact you had.

Conclusion

Writing a 911 operator resume that effectively highlights your skills and experience can make all the difference in getting noticed by hiring managers.

By focusing on the key skills for the role—like communication, crisis management, and quick decision-making—you’ll be well on your way to creating a compelling document that resonates with emergency services departments.

Remember to tailor your application to match the specific requirements of each position, and consider using our examples of resumes as inspiration.

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