April Snider-Brown
Savannah
Summary
Dedicated Emergency Communications Officer with a strong focus on effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Proven ability to coordinate multi-agency responses and enhance public safety during critical incidents.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Emergency Communications Officer
Chatham County, Georgia
Savannah, GA
01.2019 - Current
- Managed emergency communication systems to ensure rapid response during critical incidents.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new emergency communication staff, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Coordinated multi-agency communication efforts during emergencies, ensuring accurate information dissemination.
- Oversaw daily operations of emergency dispatch center to maintain service quality and effectiveness.
- Mentored junior officers in best practices for crisis management and effective communication protocols.
- Collaborated with local agencies to streamline processes and enhance community preparedness for emergencies.
- Reduced response times with meticulous attention to detail when entering data into the dispatch system, ensuring accuracy and efficiency throughout the process.
- Provided support during major events or disasters by coordinating additional resources as needed.
- Assisted in saving lives by providing critical pre-arrival instructions to callers during medical emergencies.
- Contributed to public safety by monitoring and disseminating severe weather alerts and emergency notifications in a timely manner.
- Handled multiple emergency calls simultaneously, ensuring timely assistance for all callers in need.
- Participated in ongoing training sessions to stay current on best practices within the field of emergency communications.
- Managed non-emergency calls effectively by directing them to appropriate channels for resolution and assistance.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and collaboration with fellow Emergency Communications Officers.
- Improved communication between first responders and the public by providing accurate information during high-pressure situations.
- Ensured accuracy of information entered into computer-aided dispatch systems for efficient record keeping and resource management.
- Consistently adhered to established protocols while handling sensitive information, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Conducted regular equipment checks and maintenance, ensuring reliable communication during critical moments.
- Supported law enforcement efforts by promptly alerting officers to potential threats or hazards in their vicinity during active incidents.
- Increased situational awareness among first responders by consistently updating them on vital information during ongoing incidents.
- Facilitated smooth shift transitions by thoroughly briefing incoming personnel on any ongoing incidents or relevant updates.
- Demonstrated empathy and compassion while assisting distressed callers, maintaining professionalism under emotional circumstances.
- Collaborated with other agencies, such as police and fire departments, to coordinate a seamless response to various incidents.
- Assisted callers in emergency situations with appropriate information and support.
- Automated document flow by ensuring logbooks and fire, accident, and emergency reports were maintained with 100% accuracy.
- Relayed latest information to first responders via electronic means, telephone calls, and radio responses.
- Applied interpersonal skills in neutralizing hostile and emotionally charged situations.
- Communicated pre-arrival instructions to emergency medical personnel, helping first responders deliver appropriate care and support to individuals.
- Routed calls to police, fire, and ambulance service to meet individual call needs.
- Received public emergency and non-emergency calls and supervised response prioritization in order to effectively dispatch official units such as police, fire, and EMS while tracking data in real-time environments.
- Operated emergency response systems to update and retrieve up-to-date information for first responders.
- Completed appropriate forms and radio announcements for police department needs such as BOLO requests.
- Reduced risks and emergency response issues by observing public safety field units.
Emergency Communications Operator
City Of Savannah
Savannah, GA
08.2004 - 01.2019
- Monitored emergency communications systems to ensure timely response to incidents.
- Coordinated dispatch of emergency services, enhancing operational efficiency and response times.
- Provided critical information to first responders during high-pressure situations, improving decision-making processes.
- Trained new operators on communication protocols and system usage, fostering team competency and confidence.
- Developed and implemented best practices for call handling, increasing accuracy in incident reporting.
- Led initiatives to streamline communication workflows, reducing response time for emergency calls.
- Mentored junior operators on crisis management techniques, promoting professional growth within the team.
- Expedited critical assistance during natural disasters, coordinating with multiple agencies for optimal resource allocation and support.
- Enhanced emergency response times by efficiently handling incoming calls and dispatching appropriate units.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information, upholding ethical standards and legal regulations throughout all aspects of employment.
- Supportive presence for distraught callers, incorporating active listening techniques to gather vital information despite emotional barriers.
- Demonstrated adaptability when faced with unexpected challenges or rapidly changing situations throughout daily operations.
- Cultivated a positive work environment through open communication channels with supervisors and peers regarding potential areas for improvement within the operation center.
- Preserved order in high-pressure environments by quickly assessing situations and applying appropriate protocols for resolution.
- Improved team cohesiveness through effective collaboration with fellow operators, ensuring seamless operations during shift changes.
- Assisted law enforcement officers in apprehending suspects by relaying pertinent information from callers in realtime.
- Regularly participated in interdepartmental meetings, contributing valuable insights to enhance overall effectiveness of emergency response efforts.
- Reduced caller distress by remaining calm, professional, and empathetic during crisis situations.
- Instrumental in saving lives through rapid assessment of medical emergencies, providing clear instructions to callers while awaiting paramedics'' arrival.
- Strengthened operational readiness by participating in regular training sessions, updating skills as necessary to meet evolving standards.
- Relayed latest information to first responders via electronic means, telephone calls, and radio responses.
- Applied interpersonal skills in neutralizing hostile and emotionally charged situations.
- Communicated pre-arrival instructions to emergency medical personnel, helping first responders deliver appropriate care and support to individuals.
- Routed calls to police, fire, and ambulance service to meet individual call needs.
- Received public emergency and non-emergency calls and supervised response prioritization in order to effectively dispatch official units such as police, fire, and EMS while tracking data in real-time environments.
- Operated emergency response systems to update and retrieve up-to-date information for first responders.
- Completed appropriate forms and radio announcements for police department needs such as BOLO requests.
- Reduced risks and emergency response issues by observing public safety field units.
- I trained new employees as needed to help with the training process.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Savannah State University
Savannah, GA05-2000
Skills
- Public safety awareness
- Data entry proficiency
- Information gathering
- Mental resilience
- Emergency protocols
- Incident command system
- Geographical expertise
- Call prioritization
- Stress tolerance
- Incident documentation
- Emergency management
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Prioritizing situations
- Attention to detail
- Listening skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Dependable and responsible
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Basic life support
- Excellent communication
- Reliability
- Computer skills
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Situational awareness
- Dispatch coordination
- Computer-aided dispatching
- CPR and first aid
- NCIC database
- Relationship building
- Public safety telecommunicator (PST)
- Flexible schedule
- Providing clear directions
- Radio frequencies monitoring
- Information documentation
- Data entry
- Police and fire procedures
- Confidentiality understanding
- First aid knowledge
- Task prioritization
- Map reading skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Computer literacy
- Emergency medical dispatch (EMD)
- Documentation
- Information intake
- Professionalism
- Good judgment
- Documentation and reporting
- Public safety telecommunicator
- Crisis intervention
- Record keeping
- 911 system information databases
- Continuous improvement
- Adaptability
- Written communication
- Emergency support
- Data systems operation
- Criminal justice knowledge
- Emergency response procedures
- Information relay
- Incident management
- Call management
- Telephone etiquette
- Communications training officer (CTO)
- Alarm systems monitoring
- Professional demeanor
- Unit dispatch
- Call records maintenance
- Stress management
- Law enforcement collaboration
- Call routing
- Emergency police dispatcher certification
- I supervise a shift for 12 hours and make sure that everyone is on task and have everything needed throughout the shift I handle calls that the dispatchers are unable to assist the caller with when there is an issue of some kind
Accomplishments
*I was voted Dispatcher of the Year for 2 years
*I was voted Certified Trainer of the Year 3 years in a row
*Various awards for handling officer down calls,mass casualties situations and hurricane strike team member.
Certification
- CTO - Communications Training Officer
- EMD - Emergency Medical Dispatch
- PST - Public Safety Telecommunicator
Dispatcher of the Year twice
I was voted by my co-workers for Dispatcher of the Year for 2 years. My co workers saw my work as a positive experience of working with me. I was truly grateful for that vote of confidence in me.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Emergency Communications Officer
Chatham County, Georgia
01.2019 - Current
Emergency Communications Operator
City Of Savannah
08.2004 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - History
Savannah State University