911 Dispatch: a 90-Day Paid Journey into Emergency Services

Hannah had always wanted a career that made a difference in her community. When she heard about GST Michigan Works! 90-day paid youth work program; she knew it was her chance to explore emergency services. 

With the help of GST Michigan Works! Tuscola County Service Center, Hannah was placed at Tuscola County 911 Central Dispatch. It’s a fast-paced, high-pressure environment that handles emergency calls and coordinates responses. On her first day, she was both excited and nervous. The responsibilities of a dispatcher seemed overwhelming, but with her supervisor’s guidance and support from her colleagues, she quickly adjusted.

Her first week was spent shadowing experienced dispatchers and learning the equipment. Hannah was introduced to the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, where she logged calls and tracked emergency units in real-time. She also learned how to use the radio system to relay important information to first responders like police, firefighters, and paramedics.

One of her biggest lessons was how to prioritize calls. Not all emergencies are the same, and assessing each situation’s urgency was a critical skill. Hannah found herself instructing a caller on how to perform CPR, coordinating responses to accidents, and learning to stay calm and act quickly under pressure. Throughout her time at the dispatch center, Hannah developed skills in multitasking, clear communication, and problem-solving. She learned to handle the stress of the job, gaining valuable life skills and confidence along the way.

Looking back, Hannah is grateful for the mentorship and the hands-on experience she received through GST Michigan Works! The program gave her the tools she needed to pursue a future in emergency services. She’s excited to head to college with the skills she gained and feels ready to face any challenge that comes her way.