How to become an emergency dispatcher in BC
Emergency Dispatcher / 911 Call Taker (E-Comm / BCEHS) · British Columbia
Answer 911 calls and send police, fire or ambulance. You need fast typing, a test, a background check and paid training from the employer.
THE ROUTE
The route at a glance
Typing Speed Certification & Basic Qualifications
Obtain official typing speed certificate and verify minimum qualifications
CritiCall Multi-Tasking & Dispatch Simulation Assessment
Pass proctored CritiCall computerized testing at employer testing center
Enhanced Security Clearance & Medical Hearing Screening
Clear enhanced security screening, credit/reference checks, and medical hearing test
Paid In-House Recruit Academy & Live Radio Mentorship
Graduate from paid recruit training academy and complete live probationary shift rotations
Typing Speed Certification & Basic Qualifications
Obtain official typing speed certificate and verify minimum qualifications
CritiCall Multi-Tasking & Dispatch Simulation Assessment
Pass proctored CritiCall computerized testing at employer testing center
Enhanced Security Clearance & Medical Hearing Screening
Clear enhanced security screening, credit/reference checks, and medical hearing test
Paid In-House Recruit Academy & Live Radio Mentorship
Graduate from paid recruit training academy and complete live probationary shift rotations
This is the overview. For the courses to take, the entry rules, the exams and the schools, open the full route.
See the full route, step by step →THE JOB
What the job is like
Pay and outlook from WorkBC.
Work takes place in secure, high-tech emergency operations centers featuring multi-screen workstations, ergonomic sit-stand consoles, and acoustic headsets, as well as 24/7 rotating shift schedules typically following a 4-on/4-off pattern (two 12-hour day shifts, two 12-hour night shifts, four days off).
Be mindful of high psychological stress and vicarious emotional trauma from listening to acute crises, domestic violence, and medical cardiac arrests and follow all required safety procedures.
Advance from 911 Call Taker to dedicated police or fire radio dispatch channel operator.
Supervise real-time floor operations, coordinate major multi-agency tactical incidents, and mentor junior call takers.
JOBS
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