Dispatchers from the Oakland Fire Department field more than 300 emergency calls a day, despite being understaffed and overworked.
"We are the first, first responders," said 16-year veteran dispatcher and supervisor Bakia Haywood. "We are the ones that pick up the phone. We are the ones that are trying to calm the callers before the firefighters or the police or paramedics get there."
Right now, there are only 12 dispatchers that keep the center operating 24/7. But fire communications manager David Ebarle said there should be 20 people working to answer the calls. In many instances, dispatchers said they'll work an eight-hour shift only to be asked to work another eight hours, while taking calls and staring at a series of screens.new dispatchers who could make up to $100,000 base salary. Dispatching supervisors say candidates must work well under stress, have the ability to multitask, and communicate effectively.
Since the pandemic, the fire dispatch center has seen a 20% spike in calls. In recent weeks, there has been a"They’re truly talented emergency response professionals," said Chief Reginald Freeman. "Not only are they answering multiple calls from the citizens and the residents calling in the actual emergency, but they’re actually dispatching personnel to the scene. At the same time, they’re also calling in mutual aid."between I-580 and Quigley Street last Friday.
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