Emergency Communications Professionals of BC

Getting a job in emergency communications was not on my radar when I was studying criminology at university; it was a happenstance opportunity. I chose to stay in emergency services because I immediately loved it. I loved the opportunity to use my skills for a job that fulfilled me. Rather than profiting off of others' misfortune, I felt as if I was helping make that misfortune a little easier. Plus, I really liked pushing to always be at my best because the stakes are high i...f you make a mistake. Being a female in emergency services is unique. For example, during my first year as an RCMP dispatcher, I had just had my second child, and I had to drag a breast pump into the detachment every shift, attempting to use it discreetly and on my breaks. Once I got into uniform in 2018 as a chief with Vancouver Fire, I became aware of a tendency for people -- particularly suppliers and vendors -- to address a male colleague with a question even if I’m the subject-matter expert. But, I have amazing co-workers and senior officers who will always redirect a question to me ensuring the person is clear that I’m the one to whom to direct inquiries. I am very lucky to have joined the fire service in a time where the female firefighters before me paved the way with their tenacity and commitment. They’ve done all of the hard work for me. It is fun being in civilian clothes and having everyone assume my husband is the fire service one in the room not me! I would 100 per cent encourage women into a career in emergency services. I love the team work, camaraderie and being a part of something meaningful -- shoulder-to-shoulder with other humans for the greater good. #celebratingwomen #womensmonth

I had worked in an office previously and was looking for a more meaningful career. I had a neighbour who was employed by E-Comm and thought I would be a great fit. That was 18 years ago and I still love to come to work everyday as the days are ever changing and always interesting. I was lucky enough to start in Fire Dispatch at a time that the women before me had paved the way by earning the respect of the departments we served. Had it not been for their professionalism and e...xpertise, I know my transition as a fire dispatcher may not have been as smooth. As a female in emergency services, I believe you earn your respect by being professional and knowledgeable, as anyone would. I would definitely encourage other women to pursue this career. It is very empowering to come to work every day knowing you serve the public and have a direct hand in helping people in our communities get assistance when they are in need. #celebratingwomen #womensmonth

From strategies to action together we can combat racism. On March 21, ECPBC marks the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Today on Yom HaShoah we take a moment of pause to remember over six million Jewish lives and millions of others lost during the Holocaust. All of our brothers and sisters at CUPE 8911 stand united against hate in any form and we vow to remember the past so it shall never be repeated. #neverforget #neveragain #YomHaShoah #Holocaustmemorial

Meet Akash, a Police Calltaker for 18 different police agencies in BC. Most rewarding thing - For me it’s an honor to be the voice on the line with you, guiding you through what may be some of the hardest and most challenging moments while first responders are on their way, until they arrive. What I want the public to know- When your call comes in to 911, it’s triaged to a 911 operator who will help determine what type of service you need and where you need it to. Your call ...is then patched through to a calltaker like myself who will ask you more situationally specific questions. We recognize that you may be under a great deal of stress when you call into 911. We know we ask you a lot of questions, but they’re not without their reasons. The answers and information that you give us helps us to keep the first responders safe and helps them to best serve you. How the pandemic has affected 911 - Throughout the last year we have faced a new set of challenges related to the pandemic, and the toll it’s had on mental health for all British Columbians. There’s been an increase in specific types of calls as well as in the work that we need to do to keep you safe. My message to dispatchers/calltakers everywhere - Thank you all for coming together as a community to help protect each other and keep each other safe throughout this pandemic. At this time I just want to say thank you to all my fellow 911 operators and Emergency Service Dispatchers for the hard work you do 24/7, 365 days a year. Please take care of yourselves and keep yourselves safe during these trying times. #911awarenessweek #911bc CUPE BC @CUPE SCFP E-Comm 911 @CUPE

On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Canada’s unions stand against anti-Asian racism in all its forms. This type of hate has no place here.

It’s Emergency Service Dispatchers and 9-1-1 Awareness Week. This week we celebrate the important work of the first, first responders the heroes who work behind the scenes to get you the help you need 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. #911awarenessweek #911bc CUPE BC CUPE SCFP E-Comm 911

We don’t care if this is a real holiday or not! Grab your favourite blanket and join our 9-1-1 operators as they catch up on some much needed sleep after daylight savings time. #nationalnappingday #selfcare #alwaysworking

April 4-10, 2021 is Emergency Service Dispatchers and 9-1-1 Awareness Week. BC Place is glowing red and blue tonight in recognition of the important work of Emergency Communications Professionals across BC. Thank you BC Place! #911AwarenessWeek #911BC CUPE BC CUPE SCFP BC Place E-Comm 911