It’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week! This week, we celebrate the unsung heroes, the “first first responders” — 911 operators and fire dispatchers. We’ve gathered some gift ideas for anyone who wants to thank a dispatcher for their hard work, dedication, and coolness under pressure.
Bonus: As part of the ID.me First Responder community, dispatchers can snag these deals, too!
When Is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week?
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is observed annually during the second full week of April. In 2023, the celebration takes place from April 9th to April 15th. It’s an opportunity to show our gratitude and support for the essential professionals who work around the clock to ensure the safety and security of our communities.
Dispatcher Appreciation Gift Ideas
1. Tumbler
A Stanley Tumbler is the perfect gift to help a dispatcher enjoy their favorite beverages during long and often stressful shifts. Who wouldn’t love being reminded of the appreciation and support from their friends, family, or colleagues every time they take a sip?
The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ Tumbler (40 oz)
20% Off for First Responders! Click “Verify with ID.me” at checkout
2. Lunch Bag
Public Safety Telecommunicators are a hard-working bunch! Encourage them to not only take a well-deserved break but to also pack some (hopefully) healthy things to eat when they do. We love YETI’s Daytrip Lunch Bag Cooler for its sturdy design and foldable style that compacts and stores easily.
YETI Daytrip® Lunch Bag
20% Off for First Responders! Click “View Bag” at checkout to verify with ID.me
3. Gift Basket
The tried-and-true gift basket is always a fantastic way to show your appreciation. FromYouFlowers.com has a broad array of gifts that can be delivered to your favorite dispatcher’s door, such as traditional fruit baskets, candy baskets, and chocolate-covered cookies. Their gift delivery services are accessible through local florist partners, so you can often get same-day delivery.
FromYouFlowers.com Gift Baskets
20% Off for First Responders! Click “View Bag” at checkout to verify with ID.me
4. Aromatherapy
When you have a high-stress job, creating a calm environment is essential. The use of aromatherapy can help lower the perception of stress, increase feelings of contentment, and reduce the levels of cortisol, which is commonly known as the “stress hormone.” We recommend aromatherapy diffusers from Brooklyn Candle Studio. Their Reed Diffusers come with a wooden stopper and 8 rattan reeds, which should last for around 4 to 5 months. They’re also DPG-Free, VOC-compliant, and phthalate-free.
Brooklyn Candle Studio
Get the Brooklyn Reed Diffuser. First Responders save 10%! Click “Verify with ID.me” at checkout
5. Weighted Blanket – Casper
911 operators and fire dispatchers work in high-pressure environments. Gifts that help relieve stress during their downtime are a perfect way to show you understand and care about their well-being. We recommend a weighted blanket!
Weighted blankets, filled with either plastic pellets or glass beads, are substantial blankets employed for therapeutic reasons. With a weight range between five and 30 pounds, these blankets are specifically designed to create a soothing sensation when draped over the body.
Casper
Get the Casper Weighted Blanket
Related: 5 Ways for First Responders to Sleep Better
A Few FAQs About Public Safety Telecommunicators
If you’re not a first responder yourself, you may wonder what 911 dispatchers do and what qualifications they need to do the hard work of connecting our communities with response teams. Here are some answers.
What Do 911 Dispatchers Do?
Being a public safety telecommunicator can be both rewarding and challenging. Dispatchers are often the first point of contact for people in distress, and it takes a special person to stay calm and rational under that kind of pressure.
Here are a few things dispatchers manage on the job.
- Receive emergency calls from the public, often through a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system
- Assess the situation and determine the appropriate level of response, such as dispatching police, fire, or medical personnel
- Communicate with emergency responders through radio, phone, or computer systems to provide critical information about the situation and any updates.
- Provide instructions or guidance to callers to help them manage the situation until responders arrive
- Record and document all relevant information related to the emergency call and the response, including details about the incident and any injuries or damage
- Monitor the progress of emergency responders and update them on any changes or new information related to the situation
What Qualities Do 911 Operators and Fire Dispatchers Need?
Public safety telecommunicators need the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure. They also have to be excellent multitaskers with the ability to manage multiple calls and situations simultaneously. Dispatchers often work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment and may be required to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, so stamina and dedication to public service are essential job skills, too.
Thank You, “First First Responders!”
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is a great opportunity to recognize and appreciate the incredible work of our “first first responders.” Let’s show them our gratitude and support with a thoughtful gift, a simple thank you, or just by acknowledging the critical role they play in our communities.
