Colorado High School starts 911 dispatcher class during nationwide shortage

Colorado high schools began training classes for teenagers this year. answer emergency calls It is hoped that this will help make up for the shortage of 911 dispatchers.

Calhan High School, a public high school in Calhan, Colorado, has launched a new course this year in addition to its criminal justice course.

Students who enroll are 911 dispatch The course provides hands-on experience with the software used by 911 dispatchers.

The new 40-hour course will also teach you step-by-step how to answer the phone in high-pressure situations.

Scott Brettell said he worked for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for about 16 years before teaching this course. Bretell said the pilot course also comes at a time when El Paso County is facing a dispatcher shortage.

Calhan High School is a public high school located in Calhan, Colorado. (Kennedy Hayes/FOX News)

The minimum age to become a dispatcher is 18 years old.

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The starting salary for a 911 emergency dispatcher here in El Paso County is about $60,000 a year, Bretell said.

“There’s no question that a 16-year-old can do this job,” Bretel said.

Students learn that the national standard for responding to 911 calls is that 90% of 911 calls are answered within 15 seconds and 95% of 911 calls are answered within 20 seconds. ((Kennedy Hayes/Fox News))

Brettell said the program There is a shortage of dispatchers in almost every state.

“When I call 911, I want to make sure that someone is there and can answer. And that’s what the focus of this whole thing is,” Bretel said.

According to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), it is estimated that 240 million calls are made to 9-1-1 each year in the United States.

Courses are held twice a week. ((Kennedy Hayes/Fox News))

Bretell said the course was created by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatchers. The group said 911 callers were held on hold for 46 seconds in Kansas City, Missouri, more than a minute and a half in Portland, Oregon, and in rare cases, 911 callers were held on hold for long periods in places like Oakland, California. Reports of this happening have been confirmed from all over the country. 20 min.

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Bonnie Stockman is the coordinator of the International Emergency Dispatch Academy.

“Ultimately, I learned a lot if I didn’t pursue a career or if I had to call 9-11,” Stockman said.

At the end of the course, students receive a certificate that is valid for two years and allows direct entry into dispatch centers nationwide.

This course is open to students from freshmen to fourth year students. ((Kennedy Hayes/Fox News))

Stockman said temps can be a good career for students. they are attending university.

Phoenix Feil is a sophomore at Calhan High School. Feil has loved watching crime and first responder-themed shows since he was young, so this year he decided to take a 911 dispatch course, he said.

“Personally, I want to be a forensic pathologist,” Feil said. “It will help pay for those costs while you attend college.”

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Caitlin Tatman is a senior at Calhan High School. Tatman said he has enjoyed his classes so far and she feels he is ready to take on the role of a 911 dispatcher after graduation.

“Sometimes you’re the last person talked to, but it’s really great to be able to help people and potentially save lives,” Tatman said.

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