The First Line of Response

As a City, we are recognizing Emergency Dispatchers as a part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 10-16). Virginia Beach’s dedicated telecommunicators link residents with the help they need whether that involves dispatching first responders to an accident, or helping to connect citizens with services, and they’re an integral part of what makes our community a great place to live.

“Our employees in the Emergency Communications & Citizen Services Department staff the Call Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” said ECCS Director Jada Lee. “They work overnight and on holidays, no matter the weather – but especially when it is bad – to ensure the safety of the people of Virginia Beach.

They remain ready to assist callers who find themselves in dangerous and difficult situations with both care and compassion and we’re so grateful for their dedicated service.”

Last year alone, Virginia Beach emergency dispatchers fielded more than 460,229 calls for service – and, in addition to sending in first responders, their calm demeanor and steady nerves allowed them to take on challenges like helping deliver babies over the phone or providing CPR instructions for someone in cardiac arrest. They also issued 22 emergency notifications via the City’s reverse 9-1-1 system and VBAlert (text and email).

To help aid dispatchers, residents are encouraged to create a Smart911 Profile and register for VBAlert.

Smart911 allows you to share critical data with emergency responders so they know in advance about special circumstances such as household members living with conditions like developmental disabilities, medical conditions and mental health challenges.

With a registered profile, the City's Call Center can provide vital medical information to first responders – like confirming for firefighters how many people may be in a burning home.

VBAlerts are the City’s official emergency alert notification system. An alert might include things like severe weather watches and warnings, evacuation announcements, rabid animal alerts, boil water advisories or major traffic disruptions.

Learn more about Smart911 and VBAlert at virginiabeach.gov/readyVB.

Has 911 Helped You? Give VB telecommunicators a shout out by sharing your story with the hashtag #ThankYouVB911 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and please consider tagging @CityOfVaBeach. Alternatively, you may also email your story to news@VBgov.com.