Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Episode 126 is different from the rest. It’s the introduction to Within the Trenches – Imagine Listening, an extension of the podcast featuring stories from the #IAM911 movement. What you are about to hear are true stories. While some have good outcomes, the majority are horrifying. A warning…if you suffer from PTSD or have suicidal tendencies this episode may be a trigger. LISTEN AT YOUR OWN RISK.
This episode also touches on PTSD in 9-1-1 dispatch and a look at the dark humor that comes with the job. A shout out goes to Dave, Tim and Amy of Darkness Radio for having me on their show. Below you will find links to my interview and a shout out to Mike of Sword & Scale for having me on episode #82 of his podcast. As always if you have any questions or want to be a guest on show send an email to wttpodcast@gmail.com.
Within the Trenches Continuing Education Scholarship – Web
Sword and Scale – Facebook | iTunes | Stitcher Radio | Twitter | Web | Episode #82
Darkness Radio – Facebook | Twitter | Web | Interview – Hour 1 | Interview – Hour 2
Episode topics –
- Imagine Listening featuring #IAM911 Stories
- PTSD in 9-1-1 Dispatch
- Dark Humor
-
What can be done when we stand united.
Good morning fellow Jabber Loggers! The past couple days have been excellent for the people of the world and the Internet. For some time now there has been talk about a couple bills that go by SOPA and PIPA. These bills were meant to protect creative property from piracy but in turn would do more harm than good. The bills would ultimately censor the Internet but they were met with rage and revolt from the people. On January 18th, 2012, several sites went dark in protest over SOPA AND PIPA. Even major sites like Google, Wikipedia, Mashable, and WordPress went dark in their own way and even supplied links and forms to send messages to members of Congress to stop the bills. The education was provided and it was up to us, the people, to finally take a stand on something and let the powers that be know that we were not going to stand for this BS. Well…I don’t know whether or not the powers that be thought we would revolt but they got their answer to the bills and they heard us loud and clear.From what I read, there were over 13 million people who responded online in protest of SOPA AND PIPA. When I learned that WordPress was participating, I immediately jumped onboard. Jabber Log went dark and nothing could be seen except for ways on how to speak up and fight back. Now you can see a black stripe at the upper right-hand corner of my blog that reads, “STOP CENSORSHIP”. Throughout the day of the 18th some major players backing this bill pulled out. It was all over social media and other media outlets. It was awesome to see the people stand up and on January 20th it was announced that both SOPA and PIPA were pulled. Some of the powers that be had made mention that they heard the voice of the people and decided to pull the bills. They also mentioned that the issue of piracy needs to be approached in a different way so we have won for now but I’m sure they will be back soon with another draft.
All I can say is that when the people stand united and revolt we can move mountains. We need to continue writing our officials to let them further know that we will not stand for this. Now, if we can get something like this pulled it makes we wonder what else we can do? The 2012 Presidential Election is coming up and right now everyone is fighting for a nomination. What if the candidates chosen to run for office are not that good? What if we want someone else to run? What would happen if when it came down to voting, we all voted undecided? What would happen then? Would they choose for us or would they throw everything out? It would be wild to see what would happen if we stood up in this sense. It was just a thought but let’s score one for the people in the fight against censorship. I applaud all of you for your participation. As for SOPA and PIPA and all other bills that try to censor us, you will continue to bite the dust. Cheers!
-
Podcast Merchandise For Sale!
It is my pleasure to offer merchandise associated with the podcast. Within the Trenches is a free podcast that is based on the experience of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher. The podcast has covered many stories and numerous topics over 111 episodes. There is no sign of stopping and the show will continue, however, it does cost to keep the show online and running. This is why I am offering t-shirts and vinyl decals for purchase. The money made goes to the upkeep of the podcast. As time goes on I will add more to the store including stickers, different t-shirt designs, mugs and more.
I want to thank you all for the support and keep listening because the stories never stop and more and more training and pro 9-1-1 companies want to share what they have to offer to the public safety community. Thank you!
*Below you will find links and images
Designs –
Decals – Dispatch Love | Daughters of Dispatch | Sons of Dispatch
T-shirts – Sons of Dispatch (Split by size) | Daughters of Dispatch (Split by size) | Dispatch Love (Split by size) | Official Podcast Tee (Split by size)
-
HI Ricardo,
I’ve listened to a couple of your podcasts now. Thanks for helping to bring attention to the battle to change our job description. When APCO put out the word, I posted a story and forwarded the links on my social media pages. I first started dispatching in 1981 (ems) after learning to work to the radio to cover in dispatch (I was an EMT) and changed to 911 in 1987. Seen some changes over the years. Had some real nasty calls during my career. I even wrote a book about the profession (“What is your emergency? The history of Public Safety Dispatching in America”).
One of my busiest shifts, I handled simultaneous in-progress evens by myself: a barricaded subject on my main channel and a demonstration on my secondary. I’ve worked shifts where I ran back & forth from the bathroom (had a massive migraine but was by myself), had to deal with the passing away of my mother-in-law (again, by myself), and dealt with more craziness (spent 14 of my years in Berkeley – CA- than I can remember). I now handle LE for a wildlife department. A different type of stress.
Keep up the good work on our behalf.
Diana Sprain
http://www.dianasprain.net/
I heard about you through S&S.; I get it. I do. I have been an Animal Control officer for nearing 20 years. I work in conjunction with Police at accident scenes, death scenes, search warrants/dynamic entry, responding to animal incidents of aggression and vehicle collision. We work alone handling calls that can be dangerous, heated and emotional.
I have taken animals from long term death of Humans, suicides of owner and owner and pet. I have aided and been with animals as they die on our roadways, providing a pet the comfort of Human compassion so they do not die alone and scared. I deal with where Humans have failed their pets and only to be called “Nazi” or “dog killer”. All the while I feel there is not a better person who could do this job.
PTSD, I am not sure as I learn to compartmentalize my work. Maybe. On my days off, I don’t really want to be social outside of my home, I am but I have to push myself to do it. I get questions like you describe about the bad stuff. Too much to list really as the Human and animal tragedy intertwine.
Dark humor? Sure. It’s a coping mechanism. If I didn’t make light of what I see, it would eat me up, I think.
I tell those new to this job that there is no finish line. You will not be able to stand back and look over a job well done. It will be the same thing happening everyday for the duration of your career. Many of things will be stressful and emotional. Regards.