When there is an emergency, someone must answer the '911' call, gather information from the caller, and determine which resources should be activated and dispatched to the scene. Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers are in charge of this. These professionals, also known as public safety dispatchers, must be able to interview callers in order to identify the type, seriousness, and location of the situation. 

They must then prioritise the situation and determine which units will be dispatched. When an ambulance is on its way, a dispatcher will frequently remain on the phone, informing the caller what to do and possibly delivering first-aid recommendations. 

The ability to remain calm under pressure is critical, as is the ability to calm distressed callers and persuade them to offer vital information. Stress levels can reach dangerously high levels. However, without dispatchers for police, fire, and ambulance services, public safety services would be unable to respond to emergencies. As a result, this job is vitally necessary.