YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Emergency Service Dispatchers and 9-1-1 Awareness Week in B.C.

Apr 15, 2026 | 11:19 AM

As communities across British Columbia continue to grow, so does the importance of having strong, reliable emergency services that people can count on when it matters most. In critical moments, one of the most important connections people make is a call to 9-1-1.

From April 12 to 18, we recognize Emergency Service Dispatchers and 9-1-1 Awareness Week in B.C., a time to highlight the essential role dispatchers and call takers play in keeping people safe in every corner of the province.

Emergency communications professionals are the first point of contact in an emergency. They are responsible for answering calls, asking critical questions, and quickly assessing situations to ensure the right help is sent. Whether someone is experiencing a medical emergency, reporting a fire, or calling for police assistance, dispatchers help guide that response from the very beginning. This work requires a high level of skill, focus, and professionalism. The information they collect is then relayed to first responders, helping them arrive on scene prepared to act quickly and effectively.

Across British Columbia, dispatchers and call takers handle a significant volume of calls each year, supporting people through a wide range of emergency situations. Their work is fast-paced and demanding, and while it often happens behind the scenes, it is essential to the strength of our public safety system.

Our province values the work that dispatchers do, and between 2017 and 2024, we saw a 42% increase in dispatch staff working across BC Emergency Health Services’ three dispatch centres thanks to our hiring efforts.

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YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Emergency Service Dispatchers and 9-1-1 Awareness Week in B.C.

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Additionally, we are committed to supporting emergency services that rely on dispatchers. We’ve provided millions of dollars for the important work that volunteer and local firefighters do through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, worked hard to improve policing in communities, and made significant investments in ambulance services, including adding more permanent paramedics and BC Emergency Health Services dispatchers.

This week is also an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how to use 9-1-1 appropriately and effectively. Providing clear and accurate information can make a real difference in an emergency. Knowing your exact location, including your building number and street name, is critical. For parents and guardians, it’s important to ensure children understand when and how to call 9-1-1.

Staying calm, speaking clearly, and remaining on the line helps call takers do their job. Even as questions are being asked, emergency services have often already been dispatched, while additional information continues to be gathered to support the response. It’s also important to remember that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only, and if a call is made accidentally, callers should stay on the line until they are told it is okay to hang up.

Emergency service dispatchers and call takers are a cornerstone of public safety in British Columbia. Their professionalism and dedication help ensure people get the help they need when they need it most.

British Columbians rely on a strong and responsive emergency system. By recognizing the people behind that system and by doing our part, we can help keep our communities safe connected and supported when it matters most.

by Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood

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YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Emergency Service Dispatchers and 9-1-1 Awareness Week in B.C.

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