You may have heard of the thin blue line or the thin red line, but have you heard of the gold line? There is a quote commonly found on inspirational signs, in pictures, and saved to various social media platforms. It says this: “Between the thin red line and the thin blue line lies the thinnest gold line. The gold line represents those who are rarely seen but mostly heard. The calm voice in the dark night. Dispatchers, the golden glue that holds it all together.”

In this third installment of the spotlight series, we’re going to take a closer look at police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers, and how they are the calm in the chaos. Our information comes directly from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They are the principal federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy.

Let’s start by delving into the definition of a dispatcher…

What Is a Dispatcher?

A dispatcher answers both emergency and nonemergency calls for people who need law enforcement, firefighters, ambulatory services, or a combination of the three. To some, they are also known as public safety telecommunicators.

Dispatchers have the difficult task of keeping a cool head under pressure, and providing stability and direction in stressful situations. According to the BLS, “Dispatchers must stay calm while collecting vital information from callers to determine the severity of a situation and the location of those who need help. They then communicate this information to the appropriate first-responder agencies.”

Additionally, dispatchers often tell callers what to do before help arrives. Because of this, most dispatchers have been trained to deliver medical assistance over the phone. They might need to help the caller provide first aid while they wait, or they might need to instruct the caller on how they can remain safe. Throughout these calls, dispatchers keep detailed records of their conversations and log important facts.

What Does a Dispatcher Do?

The BLS lists the following as tasks typically performed by dispatchers:

• Answer 9-1-1 emergency telephone and alarm system calls
• Determine the type of emergency and its location and decide the appropriate response on the basis of agency procedures
• Relay information to the appropriate first-responder agency
• Coordinate the dispatch of emergency response personnel to accident scenes
• Give basic over-the-phone medical instructions before emergency personnel arrive
• Monitor and track the status of police, fire, and ambulance units
• Synchronize responses with other area communication centers
• Keep detailed records of calls

What Is the Work Environment of a Dispatcher?

According to the BLS, “Dispatchers typically work in communication centers, often called public safety answering points (PSAPs). Some dispatchers work for unified communication centers, where they answer calls for all types of emergency services, while others may work specifically for police or fire departments.”

The work environment of a dispatcher can be stressful. Some may work long shifts, take numerous calls, and face troubling situations. During certain calls, they will be required to help people in life-threatening situations. The pressure to remain calm while responding quickly can be demanding.

Below is a breakdown for the biggest employers of police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers…

+ Local government, excluding education and hospitals: 80%

+ State government, excluding education and hospitals: 6%

+ Ambulance services: 6%

+ Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private: 3%

+ Hospitals; state, local, and private: 2%

How Do You Become a Dispatcher?

So, just how do you become a dispatcher? Let’s start with education! The BLS states that “most police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers have a high school diploma. Many states and localities require dispatchers to have training and certification.”

Plus, candidates usually need to pass a written exam and a typing test. In some situations, applicants might be required to pass a background check. They might also need to pass tests for the following: lie detector, drugs, hearing, and vision. Experience with computers and customer service can be very helpful. Additionally, the ability to speak other languages—particularly Spanish—tends to be desirable in this occupation.

Generally speaking, the training requirements will vary by state. For instance, some states might require 40 or more hours of initial training, while others might require continual training every two or three years. Then there are some states that do not mandate any specific training. To learn more, the BLS recommends looking at the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO International). There you’ll find a list of states that require training and certification.

The BLS also notes the following about dispatcher training:

“Training covers a wide variety of topics, such as local geography, agency protocols, and standard procedures. Dispatchers are also taught how to use specialized equipment, such as two-way radios and computer-aided dispatch software. Computer systems that dispatchers use consist of several monitors that display call information, maps, any relevant criminal history, and video, depending on the location of the incident.”

An Overview of Unitek EMT

While Unitek EMT does not offer dispatcher training courses, we do offer an accelerated EMT program! Experts in the EMS field educate our students through a combination of traditional learning, simulation training, and workshop-style classes. Additionally, we offer a program with several variations to better accommodate our students.

These variations include a 14-Day Boot Camp¹ at our facility in Chandler, Arizona, and a Boot Camp at our Fremont Campus in Northern California. In California we offer AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) courses for professionals to learn or recertify for CPR, while others enhance their skillset with our Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course.

Our Arizona students can attend American Heart Association (AHA) CPR courses or a stellar EMT Refresher course. This course is a combination of the traditional EMT Refresher—it includes all core material—and the NCCP National Registry 20-hour requirements, but it is presented in a 30-hour format. Additionally, a BLS course is also offered at the Chandler facility.

If you’d like more information, please contact us toll free at 888-790-1458.

Change your future with Unitek EMT!

¹ Our 14-Day EMT Program in AZ and the 14-Day on-ground portion of the EMT Program in CA are taught in an intensive “boot camp” style, to simulate the fast pace of work expected on the job as an EMT. The California EMT Program also includes online instructional hours.

If you aren’t familiar with EMS, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) perform a vital service by responding to emergency calls. They are often the men and women you’ll see in ambulances, where they treat injuries and save lives. They can be found in every state and in most locations. Without EMTs, countless people wouldn’t get the treatment they need.

At Unitek EMT, we’re starting a new series that sheds a light on various EMS personnel. In this segment, we’re taking a closer look at EMTs!

Let’s start with the basics…

What Is an EMT?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), EMTs tend to the sick or injured in emergency situations. Because of this, “People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.”

Once a 911 operator receives an emergency call and dispatches EMTs, they arrive at the scene in as little time as possible, often working with police, firefighters, and other first responders. The BLS lists the following as tasks typically performed by EMTs and paramedics:

• Respond to 911 calls for emergency medical assistance, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or bandaging a wound
• Assess a patient’s condition and determine a course of treatment
• Provide first-aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured patients
• Transport patients safely in an ambulance
• Transfer patients to the emergency department of a hospital or other healthcare facility
• Report their observations and treatment to physicians, nurses, or other healthcare facility staff
• Document medical care given to patients
• Inventory, replace, and clean supplies and equipment after use

How Do You Become an EMT?

Aspiring EMTs usually complete a postsecondary educational program. While the requirements vary by location, all states require EMTs to be credentialed.

The BLS says the following about EMS education: “Both a high school diploma or equivalent and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification typically are required for entry into postsecondary educational programs in emergency medical technology. Most of these programs are non-degree award programs that can be completed in less than 1 year; others last up to 2 years.”

EMT programs are normally offered by technical institutes, community colleges, and universities that specialize in emergency care training. For instance, Unitek EMT offers an accelerated EMT program based out of Arizona!

Why Should You Work as an EMT?

As an EMT, you will help alleviate the suffering of others. Not only will you better your community, but you will also develop life-saving skills, perform an invaluable service, and maintain a certain degree of job security. EMTs and other EMS personnel will always be needed for the overall health and safety of society.

Additionally, EMTs may advance into other related healthcare occupations, such as physician assistants or medical assistants. According to the BLS, some also use their EMT training to pursue “administrative positions in various healthcare settings, such as ambulatory care companies or hospitals.” It’s also important to note that aspiring firefighters may be required to complete EMT training in order to apply for jobs.

A Day in the Life of an EMT

A typical day as an EMT may differ depending on the location, employer, and individual. However, most begin their days on an ambulance with a truck check. This means EMS personnel ensure that the ambulance is fully equipped, fueled, and ready for service. These steps may include checking the onboard oxygen level, IV supplies, intubation equipment, monitor/defibrillator, backboard, etc. It’s somewhat difficult to summarize one typical day for an EMT, as it’s largely dependent on the number and type of calls they receive.

In an article by the Association of American Medical Colleges, two medical students talk about their experience as EMTs and how it prepared them for medical school. Christina Houser said the following:

“Volunteering as an EMT for Tulane and New Orleans EMS was the most influential experience that I had prior to medical school. As an EMT, I had the opportunity to perfect the basics of collecting a patient history and performing a physical exam, a necessity for any type of physician. Working as an EMT taught me how to excel in high-pressure situations, making medical school tasks ranging from taking exams to scrubbing into various surgeries much easier.”

An Overview of Unitek EMT

At Unitek EMT, we strive to prepare aspiring Emergency Medical Technicians by providing them with EMT training and an accelerated EMT program. Experts in the EMS field educate our students through a combination of traditional learning, simulation training, and workshop-style classes.

Our 14-Day Boot Camp¹ is currently completed at a facility in Chandler, Arizona. Students can also attend American Heart Association (AHA) CPR courses or a stellar EMT Refresher course. This course is a combination of the traditional EMT Refresher—it includes all core material—and the NCCP National Registry 20-hour requirements, but it is presented in a 30-hour format.

If you’d like more information, please contact us toll free at 888-790-1458.

Help save lives with Unitek EMT!

¹ Our 14-Day EMT Program in AZ is taught in an intensive “boot camp” style, to simulate the fast pace of work expected on the job as an EMT. 

Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. This statistic was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On their website, they also cite a survey in which only 38% of respondents were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call 911 when someone was having a stroke. These results are somewhat alarming, to say the least.

In this third installment of the First Aid Series, we’re going to take a closer look at strokes and why prompt treatment is absolutely critical.1 Our information comes directly from a website called the Mayo Clinic. They are a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, and providing expert care to those who need healing.

Now, let’s dig into the definition of a stroke…

What Is a Stroke?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a stroke “occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.”

It’s important to remember that a stroke is classified as a medical emergency. Therefore, prompt treatment is crucial. Early action may minimize brain damage or potential complications. There is some good news, though: Strokes can often be treated and prevented. In fact, the Mayo Clinic states that fewer Americans now die from strokes than they have in the past.

So How Do You Recognize a Stroke?

While symptoms might vary, there are some general signs that often signify a stroke. Watch for the below and, if possible, also pay attention to when these symptoms first start. Why? According to the Mayo Clinic, the duration of each one might affect your treatment options.

Check out the below breakdown from their website:

• Trouble with speaking and understanding. “You may experience confusion. You may slur your words or have difficulty understanding speech.”

• Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm, or leg. “You may develop sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in your face, arm, or leg. This often happens just on one side of your body.”

• Trouble with seeing in one or both eyes. “You may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes, or you may see double.”

• Headache. “A sudden, severe headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness, may indicate you’re having a stroke.”

• Trouble with walking. “You may stumble or experience sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination.”

How Do You Provide First Aid to a Stroke Victim?

Call emergency medical services if you notice any signs of a stroke, even if they seem to waver or disappear. The Mayo Clinic advises that you think “FAST” and do the following…

• Face. “Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?”

• Arms. “Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Or is one arm unable to rise up?”

• Speech. “Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is his or her speech slurred or strange?”

• Time. “If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.”

Please remember that time is critical. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms persist—every minute counts during a medical emergency. If you’re with someone who you suspect is having a stroke, watch them closely while waiting for first responders to arrive.

What Are Some Stroke Risk Factors?

There are numerous factors that can increase your stroke risk. Potentially treatable risk factors include but are not limited to the following:

+ Lifestyle risk factors

• Being overweight or obese
• Physical inactivity
• Heavy or binge drinking
• Use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines

+ Medical risk factors

• Blood pressure readings higher than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)
• Cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, heart defects, heart infection, or abnormal heart rhythm
• Personal or family history of stroke or heart attack

For more information about strokes—including causes and prevention—be sure to check out the Mayo Clinic section that’s dedicated to this particular condition. Strokes impact more people than you might think!

A Brief Overview of Unitek

At Unitek EMT, we strive to prepare aspiring Emergency Medical Technicians by providing them with EMT training and an accelerated EMT program. Experts in the EMS field educate our students through a combination of traditional learning, simulation training, and workshop-style classes.

Additionally, we offer a program with several variations to better accommodate our students. These include a 14-Day Boot Camp² at our Fremont Campus in Northern California, and a modified version of the Boot Camp at our facility in Chandler, Arizona. If you’d like more information, please contact us toll free at 888-790-1458.

Help save lives with Unitek EMT!

¹ Unitek EMT provides this information for general interest only, not as medical advice.

² Our 14-Day EMT Program in AZ and the 14-Day on-ground portion of the EMT Program in CA are taught in an intensive “boot camp” style, to simulate the fast pace of work expected on the job as an EMT. The California EMT Program also includes online instructional hours.

Have you ever wondered what happens to the body during a seizure? At Unitek EMT, we’re starting a new series that aims to answer questions like this one.¹ In each segment, we’ll look into a specific event, provide relevant information, and review what should typically be done until EMS workers arrive.

For today’s segment, we’ve taken information directly from a helpful website called Mayo Clinic. They are a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, and providing expert care to those who need healing.

Now, let’s take a closer look at seizures…

What Is a Seizure?

According to Mayo Clinic, a seizure is “a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.” Some have even referred to seizures as electrical storms of the brain. They can alter your behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness. Mayo Clinic also notes that you may have a condition called epilepsy if you experience a) two or more seizures or b) a tendency to have recurrent seizures.

There are various types of seizures, and they range in severity. They’re usually categorized by how and where they occur in the brain. On average, most seizures will last between thirty seconds and two minutes. Mayo Clinic states that a seizure lasting longer than five minutes is a medical emergency.

In truth, seizures may be more common than you think. Though the cause of a seizure is often unknown, they can occur after a stroke, a closed head injury, or an infection such as meningitis. Other possible contributors may include a high fever, lack of sleep, certain medications, brain tumor, alcohol abuse, or recreational drugs.

How Do You Recognize a Seizure?

According to Mayo Clinic, “signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary depending on the type of seizure.” Doctors commonly classify seizures as focal or generalized, a categorization that depends on how and where abnormal brain activity begins. However, if they don’t have this information, seizures might be classified as unknown onset.

The following are potential signs and symptoms:

• Temporary confusion
• A staring spell
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Cognitive or emotional symptoms, such as fear, anxiety, or déjà vu (the feeling that you have already seen or experienced something before)

When Should You See a Doctor?

Mayo Clinic advises that you seek immediate medical assistance if you experience a seizure for the first time or if any of the following occurs:

• The seizure lasts more than five minutes
• Breathing or consciousness doesn’t return after the seizure stops
• A second seizure immediately follows the first
• You have a high fever
• You’re experiencing heat exhaustion
• You’re pregnant
• You have diabetes
• You’ve injured yourself during the seizure

How Do You Provide First Aid for Seizures?

It’s critical that you know what to do if someone else has a seizure. On the flip side, if you are the one at risk of having seizures, give this information to family, friends, or co-workers in case you experience one around them.

To help someone during a seizure, take these steps before EMS workers arrive:

1. Carefully roll the person onto one side
2. Place something soft under their head
3. Loosen tight neckwear
4. Avoid putting your fingers or other objects in the person’s mouth
5. Don’t try to restrain someone who is having a seizure
6. Clear away dangerous objects if the person is moving
7. Stay with the person until first responders arrive
8. Observe the person closely so that you can provide details on what happened
9. Time the seizure
10. Stay calm

For more information about seizures—including diagnosis/treatment and departments/specialties—be sure to check out the Mayo Clinic section that’s dedicated to this particular condition.

A Brief Overview of Unitek EMT

At Unitek EMT, we strive to prepare aspiring Emergency Medical Technicians by providing them with EMT training and an accelerated EMT program. Experts in the EMS field educate our students through a combination of traditional learning, simulation training, and workshop-style classes.

Additionally, we offer a program with several variations to better accommodate our students. These include a 14-Day Boot Camp² at our Fremont Campus in Northern California, and a modified version of the Boot Camp at our facility in Chandler, Arizona. If you’d like more information, please contact us toll free at 888-790-1458.

Help save lives with Unitek EMT!

¹ Unitek EMT provides this information for general interest only, not as medical advice.

² Our 14-Day EMT Program in AZ and the 14-Day on-ground portion of the EMT Program in CA are taught in an intensive “boot camp” style, to simulate the fast pace of work expected on the job as an EMT. The California EMT Program also includes online instructional hours.

We all know it can be tough to make dinner after a hectic work day. This is especially true for EMS workers. Sometimes they work long shifts, and other times their non-traditional hours may bleed into lunch or dinner. It’s understandable why so many people order take-out rather than healthier, more time consuming options.

However, there are easy recipes out there! A website called Eating Well has put together a list of 20-minute dinner recipes that are simple yet nutritious. Below we’ve included fourteen of them to help you and your family enjoy some new, excellent meals this week.

Try these satisfying dishes with us…

Fourteen Delicious Dinner Recipes

1. Easy Pea & Spinach Carbonara: “Fresh pasta cooks up faster than dried, making it a must-have for fast weeknight dinners like this luscious yet healthy meal.”

2. Beef & Bean Sloppy Joes: “This healthy copycat recipe of the comfort food classic trades beans for some of the meat to bump up fiber by 7 grams. We also cut back on the sugar and ketchup in this Sloppy Joe recipe makeover.”

3. Classic Sesame Noodles with Chicken: “Classic sesame noodles become a healthy meal with lean chicken and tons of veggies in this quick recipe for Asian noodles.”

4. Spanakopita Scrambled Egg Pitas: “This meatless dinner comes together in only 15 minutes, thanks to the convenience of frozen chopped spinach and crumbled feta.”

5. Walnut-Rosemary Crusted Salmon: “Salmon and walnuts are both great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Pair this easy salmon recipe with a simple salad and a side of roasted potatoes or quinoa.”

6. Pork & Broccoli Thai Noodle Salad: “Crunchy broccoli slaw—available in most supermarkets near the other coleslaw mixes—is the secret to making this Thai noodle recipe super-fast.”

7. Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata: “This vegetable-studded frittata recipe is one of the quickest meals you can make. Make it for breakfast, or serve for lunch or dinner with a tossed salad.”

8. Quick Shrimp Puttanesca: “Because refrigerated fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, this Italian pasta dish will be on the table lickety-split!”

9. Beef Pad Thai: “We’ve bulked up the serving size of beef pad Thai by adding in lots of healthy veggies like matchstick carrots, snap peas, and scallions.”

10. Japanese Chicken-Scallion Rice Bowl: “Here’s the quintessence of Japanese home cooking: an aromatic, protein-rich broth served over rice.”

11. Skillet Chicken with Cranberries & Apples: “Celebrate the flavors of fall with chicken cooked in a fast apple-cranberry sauce. Serve with quick-cooking wild rice and roasted Brussels sprouts.”

12. Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes: “Two of our favorite comfort-food sandwiches join forces in these family-friendly dinner sandwiches.”

13. Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry: “To make this 20-minute vegan curry even faster, buy precut veggies from the salad bar at the grocery store. To make it a full, satisfying dinner, serve over cooked brown rice.”

14. One-Pot Greek Pasta: “A little bit of Sunday meal prep goes a long way in this one-dish Mediterranean pasta recipe. The pasta is cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge to use for meals all week.”

A Quick Overview of Unitek EMT

At Unitek EMT, we strive to prepare aspiring Emergency Medical Technicians by providing them with EMT training and accelerated EMT courses. Experts in the EMS field educate our students through a combination of traditional learning, simulation training, and workshop-style classes.

Additionally, we offer a program with several variations to better accommodate our students. These include a 14-Day Boot Camp¹ at our Fremont Campus in Northern California, and a modified version of the Boot Camp at our facility in Chandler, Arizona.

If you’d like more information, please contact us toll free at 888-790-1458!

¹ Our 14-Day EMT Program in AZ and the 14-Day on-ground portion of the EMT Program in CA are taught in an intensive “boot camp” style, to simulate the fast pace of work expected on the job as an EMT. The California EMT Program also includes online instructional hours.