Why Do Dispatchers Ask So Many Questions?

April is National 9-1-1 Education Month — Educate. Empower. Appreciate.

April is kind of a big deal in our world. It’s National 9-1-1 Education Month, which means we’re talking all about how YOU can make the 9-1-1 system work smarter, faster, and safer—for everyone. In this episode, we’re answering the big questions: • What exactly is 9-1-1 Education Month, and why should you care? • What are agencies across the country doing to spread the word? • And yes—what does a railroad crossing, a hotel phone, and a trivia game have in common? We’re breaking it all down—with our usual mix of facts, sass, and dispatcher realness. Check it out now!

Special Episode: The Voices Behind 911 – NPSTW 2025

It’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and we’re dedicating this special episode to the unseen heroes of emergency response—911 dispatchers! Yasmen and Erika take you behind the scenes of NPSTW, Learn the cool history behind National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, from its 1980s origins to today’s creative celebrations like APCO’s “What’s the Soundtrack of Your Agency?” and NENA’s 9-1-1 Hero Spotlight. we’re diving into the many ways dispatchers are honored. Plus, we’ll share simple ways you can show your appreciation! Whether you’re in the profession or just want to show support, this episode is all about recognition, appreciation, and giving 911 professionals the spotlight they deserve. Tune in, celebrate with us, and let’s make sure the voices behind 911 are heard!

911’s Most Ridiculous Calls

Not every 911 call is an emergency—some just leave us shaking our heads. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the calls that made us pause and think, Did that really just happen? From cows in ponds and napping horses to kids calling for homework help and a squirrel in the toilet, we’ve heard it all. We’ll share the stories, clear up common misconceptions about when to call 911, and have a few laughs along the way. Because while emergency dispatching is serious business, sometimes… you just have to laugh.

Why Do Dispatchers Ask So Many Questions?

“911, what’s your emergency?” You need help now, but instead of instantly sending it, the dispatcher keeps asking questions. Why? In this episode of The 9-1-1 Collective, we’re breaking down why every question matters, how dispatchers send help while gathering details, and why those extra seconds can make all the difference. Oh, and spoiler: knowing how to ask the right questions isn’t just a dispatcher thing—it’s the way of life too! 🎧 Hit play and find out why every question counts!

Calls That Stay with Us: The Ones We Can’t Forget

Some calls fade with time. Others leave a mark that never really goes away. In this episode, Erika and Yasmen open up about the calls that changed them—one involving two teenagers in a tragic accident, the other offering a different perspective on resilience and connection. These are the moments that shaped them as dispatchers and as people. They also dive into how 911 professionals cope with the weight of these calls—whether through humor, peer support, or mental health resources—and why ongoing conversations about dispatcher wellness are so important. Plus, this week’s Hot Mic Moment raises a big question: Do dispatchers with past personal trauma handle the job differently? Tune in now for an honest, raw look at the calls that stay with us. 🚨