Thanks for the suggestion.

>Do they ever get to learn the outcome of medical calls touch them or does that end up being private info?

In certain situations. My son may have to testify in a trial, so he's able to follow that case. Another time, he got a Life Saver Award because he gave CPR instructions that resuscitated the individual in time for them to get to the hospital and live through their ordeal.

One of my loved ones is a 911 dispatcher in Chesterfield, which is also 20% understaffed.

Did you know that emergency communications officers are sometimes classed as "clerical" employees? These folks handle a level of trauma that can lead to anxiety, depression, PTSD, you name it. But because of how the job is classed, they don't have certain benefits or staffing options, and it's harder to hire and retain talent.

The criteria for being hired are significant. Once hired, the attrition rate for training is high. Many classes only place a few in the center because so many drop out.

It's a good job for the right people: those with a service heart who want to help their neighbor, with a good training program, decent starting salary and benefits, and (in Chesterfield at least) a supportive work culture. But the OT is draining, and the schedule is difficult.

There's a bill called 911 SAVES Act at the federal level that would fix some of this. Another Virginia state bill is in review that would address some things.

Ultimately, if you want someone to answer when you're in crisis and call 911, please consider voting and advocating for infrastructure that supports the role.