Emergency Communications Specialist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become an Emergency Communications Specialist

Best Schools to become a Emergency Communications Specialist in U.S. 2024

Fashion Institute of Technology

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$7,170
Out-of-State Tuition:$21,692
Admission Rate:53%
Graduation Rate:83%
Total Enrollment:8,125

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV

In-State Tuition:$6,840
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,840
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:55%
Total Enrollment:48,668

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$16,407
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,407
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:101,816

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

In-State Tuition:$52,659
Out-of-State Tuition:$52,659
Admission Rate:3%
Graduation Rate:98%
Total Enrollment:30,631

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Scottsdale, AZ

In-State Tuition:$10,978
Out-of-State Tuition:$13,248
Admission Rate:64%
Graduation Rate:52%
Total Enrollment:62,551

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

In-State Tuition:$9,360
Out-of-State Tuition:$26,568
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:62%
Total Enrollment:24,741
Emergency Communications Specialist Job Description:
  • Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers.
  • Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters.
  • May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel.
  • May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed.
  • May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become an Emergency Communications Specialist

Job Duties for Emergency Communications Specialists

  • Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.

  • Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.

  • Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.

Technologies and Skills Used by Emergency Communications Specialists

Data base user interface and query software

  • Microsoft Access
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database

Helpdesk or call center software

  • Computer aided dispatch software
  • Spillman Technologies Spillman Computer-Aided Dispatch

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • Changing what is done based on other people's actions
  • Understanding people's reactions

Current Job Market and Opportunites for an Emergency Communications Specialist

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Emergency Communications Specialist

FAQs About Becoming an Emergency Communications Specialist