In recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, this special roundtable brings together
dispatchers from police, fire, and paramedic services across Canada and the United States.
With decades of combined experience, this conversation breaks down what 911 dispatch actually is, what it
requires in real time, and why it’s often misunderstood.
From cognitive overload and constant multitasking, to scene visualization, risk assessment, and the
responsibility of managing responder safety from behind the headset, this episode explores the operational
reality of a role with no pause button and no margin for error.
You’ll also hear about the “dispatcher ear,” the impact of shift work and fatigue, the disconnect between
public perception and real-world decision-making, and the growing strain on systems that rely heavily on
those behind the scenes.
This episode is focused on understanding the job itself. Part two explores what the job does to the people
doing it.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens on the other side of a 911 call, this is where that conversation starts.
Guests
Vince Savoia, former paramedic, dispatcher and college instructor
Keirsten McFie – Kingston fire dispatcher
Kelly Ing – Toronto police dispatcher off work
Emilie-Celine Lowther – Hamilton ambulance dispatcher off work
Resources Discussed in This Episode
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available.
• 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada)
Call or text 988
• Boots on the Ground
Peer support for first responders and families
https://bootsontheground.ca
• Wings of Change Peer Support
Support for public safety personnel and families
https://wingsofchange.ca
• I’ve Got Your Back 911
A charity with awesome merch supporting the mental health of first responders across Canada and (among
other things) the creators of a new APP connecting first responders and their families to help at the touch of
a button
https://ivegotyourback911.com