Thread: Dispatcher International Exchange

Hi!

I have a question that I am hoping someone can help out with some answers. I am a Fire Communications Supervisor in Australia and I am trying to investigate if it is even possible for Dispatchers to participate in Overseas Exchange programs. Our Firefighters do it but no one in the Communications field does and as far as I can tell - hasn't tried.

I'm very interested in undertaking an exchange with an overseas dispatcher (not just in the fire service field). Obviously there would be some training in Computer Aided Dispatch software / standard operating procedures etc required by both parties but if I can at least find someone interested, perhaps I can start the ball rolling with my organisation.

The firefighters have a web site specific to exchanges. Wouldn't it be great if there was one for dispatchers as well? Does anyone know if one exists already?

Is anyone interested in doing an exchange? Does anyone know if their organisation would be open to participation?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

I don't know of any specific programs, however I have seen some officers do international exchanges through the Rotary Club (or perhaps the Kiwanis's Club?). You might inquire at your local chapter. Sounds like it could be an interesting project.

I'm not aware of any such programs either. I see this being a problem mostly for the reasons you mentioned: different SOP's, CAD system's, phone systems, radio systems. Quite frankly, by sending one of our staff elsewhere we effectively have reduced our staffing by one person which we cannot do because of the overtime it would create. Not to mention the time I would have to invest in training a new person to operate our systems.

Additionally, most 911 centers require employees to be US citizens.

Hello!

I am so glad that you started this thread as I have been asking myself the same question for awhile. I am unaware of any formal program in place for this, but I don't see why an exchange couldn't take place.

I am a Fire Communicator in Ontario, Canada with 2 years experience dispatching for Fire Services, as well as 3 years experience as an Ambulance dispatcher. I am not sure where exactly you were hoping to do the exchange, but I would be very willing (and excited!) to approach my Chief about such a possibility. It would be great if we could share more information regarding our CAD & radio systems, as well as Department size and call volumes in order to see if something like this between us is realistic.

I hope that you haven't given up on this idea and that I hear from you soon

I know there is a program for officers from Germany as we have had several come to our agency for a 3-4 week period. I would be interested in this type of program, and think that our agency would support it as well. I work for a law enforcement agency in Sacramento, California.