Within the Trenches

Episode 660 features a panel discussion from a recent Public Safety Showcase virtual event covering AI Tech and mental health for 911 professionals. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The real impact of AI on dispatcher cognitive load and stress management Why wellness apps often fall short for frontline public safety professionals Balancing public perception an...

Episode 659 features Donna, a 911 professional out of Texas. In this episode, we have a candid conversation on suicide in 911 dispatch. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The unseen trauma and emotional burdens shouldered by dispatchers Why dispatcher suicides remain under-recognized and rarely discussed What "struggle" actually looks like in the life of a dispa...

Episode 658 is a solo episode where I discuss the top three things that I had to explain to friends, family, and callers about 911. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The truth about tracing 911 calls and caller location technology Why dispatchers ask so many questions during emergencies The realities of putting callers on hold and response times The misconcepti...

Episode 657 features Cheyenne, a 911 professional out of Kansas. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Transitioning from firefighter to dispatcher and early career hurdles The evolution of public safety technology and dispatch procedures Navigating gender barriers and proving oneself in a male-dominated field Memorable and unusual 911 calls, including tips for eff...

Episode 656 features an Open Mic LIVE solo episode. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Highlights and behind-the-scenes from the recent Michigan Public Safety Telecommunications Conference The origin and growth of the Within the Trenches podcast and the #IAM911 Movement Using games and creative engagement in conference vendor halls The significance of peer suppo...

Episode 655 features Mel, a 911 professional out of a regional agency in Missouri. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The significance and traditions of National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week Memorable moments and challenges in dispatcher training and early career experiences Handling emotionally impactful calls and the importance of support and mental hea...

Episode 654 features a candid discussion on the question, "have you ever gotten so used to the chaos that silence feels uncomfortable?" with my guest, Keely. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The struggle to find comfort in silence after years of constant noise How triggers and overstimulation from dispatch can follow you into daily life The importance of findi...

Episode 653 features Nadine, a 911 professional with Seabrook PD, in Texas. Episode topics – How Nadine accidentally started her public safety career after moving from New York to Texas Surprises and challenges faced on the first days as a dispatcher The realities of dispatcher training, including tough early calls and adapting to new environments The impact of critical incidents, coping with toug...

Episode 652 features a Series Finale of the Most Important Seconds broadcast. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Recap of the season and connection to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh The challenges and realities of technology outages in emergency departments and dispatch Bridging the gap: importance of analog skills and cross-generational teamwork Candi...

Episode 651 features a Most Important Seconds broadcast. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Behind-the-scenes look at National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and its significance Firsthand stories and humor from emergency response professionals on high-intensity nights like the 4th of July The impact of technology (and tech failures) in dispatch and the ER...

Episode 650 features a LIVE podcast episode with guest, Keely, as we chat about National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Recognizing the vital role of 911 professionals during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Firsthand stories and the power of sharing personal experiences in public safety Behind-the-scenes lo...

Episode 649 features a solo episode with me, Ricardo, and we answer the following questions, "what has dispatch taught me about humanity?" Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The impact of the #IAM911 movement and upcoming 10-year anniversary challenge coin Dark realities dispatchers face, including high-stress incidents like officer-involved shootings and domest...

Episode 648 features Brandi, Executive Dir. with The 911 Chaplain Initiative. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web The 911 Chaplain Initiative - Web Episode topics – Brandy Powell's path from growing up with a police officer father to becoming a 911 dispatcher and chaplain The emotional impact of critical calls and finding closure as a dispatcher How humor, empathy, and community...

Episode 647 features Ashley, a 911 professional with Skiatook Police Department in Oklahoma. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – How Ashley got into public safety and her rapid onboarding experience. The challenges and surprises of being a new 911 dispatcher. The emotional impact of emergency calls and handling stress on the job. Ashley's life-saving CPR call and...

Episode 646 features Autumn, a 911 professional at Indian River County Sheriff's Office out of Florida. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – How Autumn got started in public safety and her motivation behind the career The intense first calls, including challenging suicide and CPR emergencies Coping with emotional stress and the importance of mental health support...

Episode 645 features an Open Mic LIVE chat with Joe Serio of the 360 Dispatcher as we look at the 911 Leadership Training event he hosts at the Mayan ranch in Bandera, TX. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Behind-the-scenes look at the 911 leadership and mental health training events at the Mayan Ranch The importance of breaking the ice and building real connec...

Episode 644 features a look at the 911 Goes to Washington conference hosted by NENA through, 1st VP, Roxy Van Gundy, Congresswoman Norma Torres, and James, a 911 professional out of NJ. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Breakdown of the importance and impact of the 911 Goes to Washington conference. Updates on the Enhancing First Response Act and the push to re...

Episode 643 features Keely, Marketing Contractor with RapidSOS, Ben, VP of Product with RapidSOS, and myself as we cover Most Important Seconds - After the Pitt. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Behind-the-scenes of a special HBO Max event honoring first responders and showcasing "The Pit" Real-world challenges of outages in 911 centers and hospitals, and how...

Episode 642 features Alora, director at Unacoi 911 out Tennessee. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – How Alora got started in public safety and her rapid shift from part-time to full-time dispatcher The reality of short dispatcher training and surviving the critical early days on the job Experiences handling traumatic and life-changing emergency calls Leading he...

Episode 641 features Gina, ECC Engagement Manager, w/RapidSOS and 911 professional Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Gina's journey from a law enforcement family to a career in dispatch and RapidSOS Training challenges and early calls that shaped her perspective Emotional toll and mental health strategies for dispatchers Memorable stories—both comical and inten...

Ep 640 features Shannon, a 911 professional out of Virginia. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Dispatchers' experiences handling severe winter weather and long shifts Shannon's unique journey into dispatch and her approach to training new recruits Emotional challenges and the importance of closure after difficult emergency calls The viral "trash panda" (raccoon...

Ep 639 features Hannah, a 911 professional out of Florida. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Hannah's unconventional entry into public safety and her first intense sit-along experience The unique stresses, training, and teamwork required in a high-volume, multi-position dispatch center Memorable and unusual emergency calls—including a r...

Join me for a special episode highlighting a recent project experience with Business Insider for their Insider YouTube channel entitled, "How 911 Dispatchers Actually Work." Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Preview of Ricardo's appearance on Business Insider's Insider channel Real-life 911 calls and memorable dispatcher moments The challenges of multitasking and triaging calls...

Join me for a special episode highlighting a recent visit to Calhoun County 911 in Michigan. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Shout out and transition for longtime sponsor Indigital, and introduction of RapidSOS as the new episode sponsor. Visit to Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority in Michigan, including B-roll, interviews, and the vibe inside the center. The impo...

Ep 636 features Carolyn, a 911 professional out of Texas. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Carolyn's unexpected start in public safety and her early experiences in dispatch. The significance and emotional impact of receiving the Guiding Light Award. Memorable calls and moments that shaped Carolyn's career and perspective. Major shifts...