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MISSOURI CHAPTER OF NENA

Help WANTED

6/18/2013

1 Comment

 
For many of us turnover is a constant.  Staffing shortages are nothing new.  We always seem to be in training mode.  We struggle with making sure our shifts are covered, sometimes by sitting in the seat ourselves.  We struggle with the attitude of what we do is "just a job" instead of what we know it to be, a career.  We compete with surrounding counties; getting staff trained and then they leave for a job in the next county because it pays more.  We struggle with finding the money for training in our budget.
I always say about hiring new people that it's a "crap shoot".  You never know if they'll like it or be able to handle the shift work and/or responsibilities.  What if we started looking at the hiring process differently?
With almost all other professions, candidates come to a job interview with certifications, qualifications, and even experience.  Why am I as an agency responsible for training personnel that want a job in my field in the Basics?  What if we expected candidates to already have a general knowledge of our profession, the Basics of 9-1-1 and what it takes to be a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator?
In my opinion, that would tell me as an employer that this candidate is interested in this field.  Candidates would come to us ready, willing, and able to learn OUR way , protocols, procedures, building on the Basics that they already know and have been trained on.
I often talk in my training of new hires about "mind set".  Our profession in the Public Safety realm holds a responsibility unto its own.  We have to be good at not only listening, but comprehending and processing separate conversations with each ear.  We understand the value of confidentiality.  A good Telecommunicator is someone who can be ON the minute the phone rings.  A good Telecommunicator settles into the chaos that an emergency causes.  This is "mind set".  Wouldn't it be nice to hire someone that already has that "mind set" or at least is beginning to understand our world?
So if we as a collective said, "I'm only going to look at, interview, those that have at least the Basics".  (Look to MO Revised Statute 650.340 and 11 CSR 30-13.030 and 11 CSR 30-13.040 for the Basics that I'm talking about), wouldn't that begin to change our profession from "just a job" to a career?  I believe it would.  Telecommunicator Candidates would compete against each other, vying for positions, instead of the agencies.  Telecommunicators would have to fork over the dollars it takes to become certified thus giving them buy-in, literally.  I believe, in turn, many of the candidates' attitude would change from " well I'll try this and if it doesn't work out, there's no skin off my nose, I'll just move on" to "I've invested in this, I'm making it work".
Let me know what you think.  I'm sure I've opened a can of worms, and haven't thought of everything.  As I'm beginning to put ads in papers, and look for new But wouldn't it be nice to take the "crap shoot" out of the hiring process and make it a "line drive"?
Make sure you take advantage of the on-line postings that NENA, APCO, EMS1, 9-1-1 Dispatch Magazine On-Line, and 911CARES offers.  The Monster, HotJobs, Indeed, and JobSearch USA also have job lists.



1 Comment

NYFO (NETWORK YOUR FACE OFF)

3/5/2013

0 Comments

 
Are you a natural "networker"? Everyone seems to tell us that we absolutely should be doing this. I suppose that if you are fortunate to have been blessed with the right temperament and skill set, the process of building a network to support your career would come quite easily. However, if you are one of the many individuals who muttered "no" to the above query (myself included), a strategy is needed to take advantage of our limited level of "natural" ability.

There is no denying that the power of a network is a work life fundamental. Gartner, the trend-spotting consulting group, has described the development and importance of "weak links" as applied to our businesses. Even Harvard has recommended that you NYFO (Network Your Face Off). In short - networking matters.

But, if we clearly agree that we should be networking - exactly how might we actually begin to approach that challenge? If we are to venture out onto that "proverbial limb" to connect (let's face facts, this is not easily accomplished and no method is perfect), how do we utilize our time and effort wisely? How do we begin to expand our horizons intelligently? First of all, we should enter with the right frame of mind - calming our nerves - and approaching networking as a huge conference where we control the invited guests. Secondly, to impose order, we could apply the 70-20-10 rule.

Here's how:

·         The First 70%. For this initial segment, choose potential contacts who work within your direct core area or have a similar role. To keep things interesting, choose a few contacts within organizations that are slightly different than yours in terms of customers, size or possibly geographical location. Ask about their work - better yet - inquire about the challenges they are currently facing. You'll undoubtedly gain a new perspective.

·         The Related 20. These individuals are working in areas related to or "adjacent" to your core area. Look for those individuals who would support roles similar to yours, or those that might hold roles with whom you would interface regularly. (For example, in my case, those who work in the research realm, or those that develop or work within HR technology efforts.)

·         The Outrageous Outliers (The final 10%). Go a little crazy here. Reach out to those engaged in work that simply interests you. Don't be concerned with their core area as compared to yours - just possess a passion to learn about their area of expertise. (I recently reached out to those in the design world, to learn about workspace components.) Convey your interest early on - ask about articles, posts and books that could help you "cross -pollinate" and apply their expertise to your work life.

Some things to remember:

·         Start slowly, within your own organization or industry. Ask for connection recommendations - and begin branching out from there.

·         At conferences ask for introductions to those who work in your target areas.

·         Utilize the social media channels where you feel most comfortable (and where you seem to have the most success). Be sure to explain the motivation behind your request to connect.

·         Remember, that not everyone will respond. You'll never know why - but don't assume the reason is you.

·         If you connect, plan a 15 minute chat. Explore mutual territory or potential areas of collaboration, and see if you "gel".

COPIED FROM 


0 Comments

NENA NEWS

2/5/2013

1 Comment

 
NENA NEWS

The NENA Development Conference Is Next Week! Register Today!

Technology, data, and PSAP operations topics take center stage at the 2013 NENA Development Conference (Feb 10-13 in Orlando, FL), where the event's unique, output-oriented program offers you the flexibility to focus on the issues that are important to you in a dynamic, cooperative atmosphere. The important, hands-on work done during the event not only yields immediate rewards for the public safety community, but also bolsters NENA's current initiatives and helps define the association's path forward in 2013. This isn't your typical conference where attendees just sit back and listen — it's an event where you can get personally involved and channel your energy and expertise to make a difference in the future of 9-1-1.
Visit the newly updated NDC webpage for additional event details, including an e-brochure, pre-con activities, and more! You can also register online and make your hotel reservations.

Marlee Matlin to Keynote Day 2 of NENA 2013 Conference & Expo!

Attend NENA 2013 in Charlotte, NC, to hear from Academy Award winning actress and accessibility advocate Marlee Matlin on Tuesday, June 18.  Ms. Matlin currently serves as a national celebrity spokesperson for the American Red Cross, encouraging Americans to donate blood. She has worked on behalf of closed captioning and was instrumental in getting Congress to pass federal legislation requiring all televisions manufactured in the United States be equipped with closed captioning technology. She also serves on the boards of a number of charitable organizations including Easter Seals, The Children Affected By Aids Foundation, as well as those charities which primarily benefit children. In 1995, Matlin served as Chairperson for National Volunteer Week and was honored in a White House Rose Garden ceremony by President Clinton.

Learn more about NENA 2013 and make your hotel reservations today.

Webinar - Survive and Thrive as 911 Leaders, Part 1: STRESS! Exposing The X Factor in "Difficult Employee" Situations

Thursday, February  21 | 1PM Eastern

$50 for NENA Members | $85 for non-members

Click here to register!

What percentage of your time and effort as a 9-1-1 leader is spent trying to resolve problems with "difficult employees"? And what role does poorly managed stress play in unacceptable behavior and performance? Maybe too much! That's why disciplinary measures alone are often ineffective. Join 9-1-1 mental health expert Jim Marshall as he reveals a fascinating picture of how stress affects attitude and performance in the PSAP. Getting equipped with his science-based  insights may be your best first step toward improving performance, morale, and boosting retention. There will be plenty of time for real-time Q&A. So mark your calendars, prepare your toughest questions and join Jim on Thursday, February  21 at 1pm EST! 
Can't attend on the 21st? Register today and receive on-demand access to the webinar archive.

Attention Authors: Articles on the Changing 9-1-1 Workplace Wanted for Publication

The NENA Publications Committee is seeking submissions for publication consideration on the evolution of the 9-1-1 workplace/workforce (e.g. generational differences, change management, telecommunicator issues, etc.).

Manuscripts should not exceed 20 double-spaced pages and should follow current American Psychological Association (APA) style. Further instructions for authors can be found by clicking here. 

Manuscripts may be submitted electronically; send the document as an email attachment to NENA Communications Director Chris Nussman for consideration. The submission deadline is March 1, 2013.

Free Webinar - Lessons from the Field: How Data Provided by SMART911 from AT&T Enhances 9-1-1

Thursday, February 14, 2013 | 1:00 PM Eastern

Sponsored by AT&T

Register today, for free!

PSAPs across the country are leveraging additional data on 9-1-1 callers to improve emergency communications and responses. What can we learn from those at the forefront of integrating additional data into the response process and how can you begin to incorporate rich information on callers into your center? This free webinar explains Smart911from AT&T . . . a simple way to enhance 9-1-1 call taking and response capabilities without adversely impacting the call taking process for your staff.

Smart911 delivers life-saving information in the form of citizen created "Safety Profiles" with incoming 9-1-1 calls. The supplemental emergency information is secure, supplied and updated by citizens, and can reduce call taking time and provide enhanced emergency response.

SMART911 from AT&T works with all 9-1-1 call taking and CAD systems.... even after you migrate to NG911. This free webinar explains and demonstrates:

·    Types of data impacting calls today including medical data, building data, photos of children, etc.

·    How additional data can be easily collected and managed

·    How Smart911 is deployed and supported

Register today, for free!

Can't attend on the 14th? Register now and receive on-demand access to the webinar after the live presentation.

ENP Study Group Now Forming

For 9-1-1 professionals looking to prepare for the Emergency Number Professional (ENP) examination, there is no better way than to participate in a study group. Participants will be better prepared for the ENP exam by increasing their general knowledge on telephone, radio, PSAP infrastructure and human resource issues. Participants will also gain an understanding of the concept and purpose of NG9-1-1 and will be given a sample test.

This study group is conducted by L.R. Kimball communications subject matter experts in the fields of telephony, radio, and PSAP operations, as well as policy analysts. The firm has offered PSAP services for more than 15 years and currently has more than 33 ENPs on staff. The study group is open to 9-1-1 communications managers, IT personnel, GIS personnel, and public communications providers. 

The study group's first hour-long class will be on Monday, February 11 at 4PM Eastern. Classes will continue each Monday until April 1.

Please register by visiting www.lrkimball.com/enp or emailing Sharon Counterman. 

NENA Now Accepting 2013-14 Executive Board Nominations

NENA is pleased to open the nominations process for our 2013-2014 Executive Board election!

This election will be for the following positions:

·    Second Vice President

·    Northeast Regional Director 

·    North Central Regional Director

·    Canadian Regional Director

·    Private Sector Director

All nominees must be current members in good standing and current Emergency Number Professionals (ENPs). Nominees for the position of Regional Director must reside in the region they wish to represent.

Nomination / Election Documents:

·    Nomination Form - PDF

·    Executive Board Statement of Responsibilities - PDF

·    Request for Paper Ballot - PDF

The nomination deadline is March 15, 2013. Contact Bri Robinson with any questions about the nomination process, eligibility requirements, or general election details.

Stanton Award Nominations Now Open

The William E. Stanton Award is NENA's highest honor. It is bestowed upon an individual who has not only excelled in his or her everyday job, but has gone above and beyond to further NENA's goals. Nominations for this prestigious annual award are now open.

Click here for additional information on the award, including criteria, past recipients, and the nomination form. Deadline for nominations is March 29, 2013.

2013 William M. McMurray Annual Conference Scholarship Opportunity

NENA has established a scholarship program to honor the commitment of William "Bill" McMurray, ENP, Past President, to the mission of NENA and 9-1-1 education. The Scholarship will be awarded for the NENA 2013 Conference & Expo. The scholarship includes conference registration fee and four (4) nights of lodging at a conference hotel (to be determined by NENA upon awarding of scholarship). Travel expenses to and from the conference and meals are not included in this award.

Please visit the scholarship webpage for information about the criteria, application procedure and responsibilities. All applications must be returned to headquarters by COB March 15, 2013.

NENA Member Rewards Program: Join & Start Saving Today!

We are excited to announce the launch of a new rewards program - available exclusively to you as a member of NENA! To join, log in to nena.org and click on the Member Rewards link from your member profile menu.

Designed to provide exclusive money-saving offers to our members, the new Member Rewards program gives you immediate access to THOUSANDS of discounts from a wide variety of exciting companies like AMC Theatres, Sprint, Walt Disney World, Red Lobster, 1-800-Flowers, Macy's and many more. There is an annual fee of $19.95* to join.

Join now, browse great deals, and start saving today! PLUS, a small portion of the proceeds will go to support NENA initiatives and help keep your membership dues low. Thank you for your support... and happy savings.

NENA Releases 2013 CMCP Schedule: Coming to TX, MI, NC, CO, AB, & FL!

NENA's Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP) is designed to equip recently hired, newly promoted, and aspiring PSAP and 9-1-1 Authority managers and supervisors with the tools needed to effectively manage their agency through a rigorous 40-hour course of lecture and lab-based education. For more seasoned 9-1-1 professionals, the CMCP may serve to fill in some of the gaps and strengthen core competencies required in emergency communications center management.

The CMCP, unlike many other upper-level emergency communications training programs, utilizes a real-world, hands-on approach that is focused on topics encountered daily by managerial and supervisory level personnel: Business Writing, Financial Management, Human Resources, Legal Issues, and Communications Skills. With a curriculum built by current and former 9-1-1 center managers with decades of combined supervisory and training experience, the program will provide you with knowledge and skills that can immediately and drastically improve your on-the-job effectiveness and enhance your agency's everyday operations. 

Register for upcoming CMCPs:

·    03.11-15 in Lewisville, TX

·    05.19-23 in Lansing, MI

·    06.13-16 in Charlotte, NC

·    09.02-06 in Denver, CO

Registration coming soon for:

·    09.16-20 in Edmonton, AB, Canada

·    12.09-13 in Gainesville, FL

2013 NENA Membership Recruitment & Rewards Program

As an active member, you know the value of NENA membership. Spread the word to peers and coworkers and earn great prizes and continuing education opportunities.
  
How it Works 
Participation has never been easier. Simply log in to the new nena.org, click on the Refer a Friend link from the "My NENA Account" menu on the left-hand side of the screen, and send out your personal referral link to invite friends and colleagues to join online. This exciting new feature even allows you to track your invitations and rewards points along the way! For those recruits who choose to sign up using NENA's printable membership application, make sure they include your name in the "Referred by" line of the application. 
  
The more you recruit, the greater the prize!  
Every eligible member who recruits at least one (1) new member between January 1, 2013, and March 31, 2013, will receive an exclusive NENA member pen. Recruit as many new members as possible to reach new recruiter levels and earn rewards and valuable education opportunities including complimentary course, CMCP, and Annual Conference registration.

Start recruiting today! Visit the Member Recruitment page for full program details. 

2013 Membership Renewal Season Is Here!

By now, you should have received an email from NENA with a link to your 2013 NENA dues invoice. Help NENA go green and save a stamp by choosing to pay online by check or credit card. If this is not an option for you or your agency, the email also contained a link allowing you to print out a copy of your invoice for local processing. 





Instantly renew your membership online in just a few easy steps: 

1) Simply log in to the NENA website.

2) Go to your Manage Profile page.

3) Click on Membership under the "Account History" header to view your renewal options. 

4) Pay online by check or credit card.

5) Print out a receipt for your records.





Thank you for your continued support of NENA. We look forward to sharing many new and exciting member benefits with you in the coming year!

Not Receiving NENA Mail?

Make sure the addresses (email and postal) that we have on file for you are current! Please log in to your online member account to verify or update your information, or send an email to Bri Robinson.



OPS UPDATE

NENA Suicide Prevention Standard Available for Review & Comment

NENA Suicide Prevention Standard, NENA-STA-xxx, January 22, 2013 (DRAFT) has been posted to the NENA website and is available for the 15 Business Day Public Review and Comment starting January 28, 2013, and ending on February 15, 2013, at 5PM ET. The purpose of this document is to detail the importance of PSAP collaboration with local Lifeline network crisis centers in order to help ensure that persons at imminent risk of suicide receive the assistance they need to reduce that risk. This document discusses why PSAPs should assist Lifeline centers and the importance of that assistance in maintaining the safety of individuals at risk of suicide.

In order to provide comments, please complete the NENA Document Comment Tracking Form and email to docreview@nena.org no later than February 15, 2013, at 5pm ET.



GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE

FCC Seeks Comment on State Collection & Distribution of 9-1-1 Fees

COMMENTS DUE: February 13, 2013

REPLY COMMENTS DUE: March 15, 2013

The Federal Communications Commission today releases to the public its fourth annual Report to Congress on State Collection and Distribution of 911 and Enhanced 911 Fees and Charges (911 Fee Report). The Commission submits this report to Congress annually pursuant to requirements imposed by the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008 (NET 911 Act), including the requirement that the Commission report whether 911 fees and charges collected by the states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and Indian territories (states and other reporting entities) are being used for any purpose other than to support 911 and Enhanced 911 (E911) services.

For the first time this year, the Commission formally solicits public comment about the 911 Fee Report, and the information provided to the Commission by states and other reporting entities. This fourth annual 911 Fee Report covers the collection and distribution of 911 and Enhanced 911 fees and charges for the calendar year ending December 31, 2011, and was submitted to Congress on December 28, 2012.

The Report includes information regarding states and other reporting entities that have used any portion of collected 911 fees other than for the support of 911/E911 service, and can be found here.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION NEWS

Get the Emergency Communications News That Really Matters With Public Safety SmartBrief


NENA recently launched a FREE email news service called Public Safety SmartBrief. It provides a weekly summary of news, trends and updates on public safety issues - not just 9-1-1, but police, fire and EMS. Knowledgeable editors handpick key articles from hundreds of publications, summarize them and provide direct links to the original sources.

In other words, we do all the research and you get the latest news in your inbox or on your handheld device, absolutely free.

Sign up now or read a sample issue.

HELP WANTED

Enhanced Career Center Now Available


NENA's new and improved career center now offers more options and search functionality to job seekers and recruiters, including the ability to browse openings by category, subscribe to receive email notifications of new openings, and apply for openings directly online. Recruiters can now view and rate candidates applying for openings, search the resume database of available candidates (members-only feature), and manage postings online. 

Visit the Career Center to learn more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mark Your Calendars! 2013 NENA National Event Dates


NENA Development Conference - Feb. 10-13, 2013 - Caribe Royale - Orlando, FL

9-1-1 Goes to Washington - Mar. 17-20, 2013 - L'Enfant Plaza Hotel - Washington, D.C.

NENA 2013 - June 15-20, 2013 - Charlotte Convention Center - Charlotte, NC

9-1-1 Goes to Washington Agenda Announced

With the ushering in of a new Congress, 2013 offers a significant opportunity for 9-1-1 professionals to shape the nation's emergency communications policy agenda. In order to address the needs of today's 9-1-1 system while laying the regulatory and legislative groundwork for Next Generation systems, public safety professionals must both understand today's 9-1-1 policy landscape and take an active role in educating policymakers and enlisting them as allies. At 9-1-1 Goes to Washington, you will do both.

Join us in Washington, D.C., from March 17-20 for a dynamic, interactive three-day program where you will receive:

·    The inside information you need to help shape the 9-1-1 and emergency communications agenda for the Administration and the 113th Congress.

·    Critical knowledge of current, proposed and needed federal and state 9-1-1, homeland security and emergency communications legislation, regulation, and initiatives.

·    An opportunity to talk directly with Members of Congress, Administration officials, and their staff to make your voice heard on behalf of the entire 9-1-1 community.

 Visit the 9-1-1 GTW webpage for additional information.

Best-Selling Author & Former Commander of the USS Benfold Mike Abrashoff to Keynote NENA 2013

At the age of 36, the Navy selected Abrashoff to become Commander of USS Benfold - at the time, the most junior commanding officer in the Pacific Fleet. The immediate challenges that faced him on this underperforming Naval war ship were staggering: exceptionally low morale, high turnover and unacceptably low performance evaluations. Few thought that this ship could improve. In many ways, Benfold was actually an extreme example of the same problems facing many organizations today.

The solution was to establish a system of management techniques that Abrashoff calls The Leadership Roadmap. At the core of his leadership approach on Benfold was a process of replacing command and control with commitment and cohesion, and by engaging the hearts, minds, and loyalties of workers - with conviction and humility.

By every measure, these principles were able to achieve breakthrough results. Personnel turnover decreased to an unprecedented 1 percent. The rate of military promotions tripled, and the crew slashed operating expenses by 25 percent. Regarded as the finest ship in the Pacific Fleet, Benfold won the prestigious Spokane Trophy for having the highest degree of combat readiness. Most important – this transformation took place with the same crew. What had changed was the ship's culture and Abrashoff's leadership style.

Read more about Mike Abrashoff and mark your calendars to join us at NENA 2013 from June 15-20 in Charlotte, NC, to hear how these leadership principles can improve your agency or office.

NENA 2013 Housing Now Open
Make your hotel reservations now to attend the premier public safety conference of the year! Click here to secure the best rates and availability today, and watch the NENA 2013 website for full event details as they become available.

NENA & URISA Announce New Locating the Future Conference!

Save the Date: Nov. 2-6 at the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, MO! This conference, held in conjunction with URISA, focuses on the importance of addresses and locations in 9-1-1, public safety, emergency management, and other fields. GIS professionals, addressing coordinators, planners, 9-1-1 and emergency response specialists come together for workshops, education, collaboration, and networking. Registration and additional details coming soon!

1 Comment

1st vp and Wireless advisory board member nominations open

1/7/2013

0 Comments

 
Good Morning!

Hope everyone had a good holiday!

We will be accepting nominations for MONENA 1st VP and Wireless Advisory Board Member through January 21st.

The nomination form can be found on our website www.monena.org

Please submit the completed nomination form to MONENA Secretary Saralyn Hayes on or before January 21st. 

You may email them to shayes@marc.org or fax them, please include a cover sheet, to 816.421.7758.

Registration is now open for the 2013 MONENA-MOAPCO Combined Conference March 17-20th 2013 held at the beautiful Tan-Tar-A Resort, Lake Ozark MO.  You can access registration via the MONENA website, www.monena.org.  For more information about the conference and registration go to the 2013 MONENA-MOAPCO Combined Conference website www.monena-moapco.org.

I hope you'll join us for a few days of training and networking!

Thanks,

Elizabeth 

0 Comments

MISSOURI MEMBERSHIP update

12/11/2012

1 Comment

 
"Big 4" Wireless Carriers Will Deploy Text-to-9-1-1 Capabilities on their Networks in 2014

The Federal Communications Commission says the nation's four largest wireless carriers have agreed to relay text messages to text-enabled 911 call centers by May 2014.

The four carriers _ AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile _ cover 90 percent of the population. However, only a handful of call centers are able to receive texts today, and it's unclear how many will be able to receive them in 2014.

Brian Fontes, CEO of the National Emergency Number Association, said the agreement and the associated deadline help call centers plan their technology upgrades and training. NENA organizes state and local agencies that operate such centers.

One 911 call center in Iowa started accepting texts in 2009, and trials of 911 texting are going on in Vermont. In other areas, there is no response to texts sent to 911.

Under the agreement announced Thursday, texters will get an answer, whether their call center is able to receive texts or not. If it can't, they'll get an automated response telling them to call instead.  The proposed solution enables true SMS to the 3-digit number 9-1-1 across approximately 80% of mobile devices in the United States.  This is clearly the preferred mode identified in the EAAC (Emergency Access Advisory Committee) and the easiest in terms of citizen adoption and education.
Second, the carriers will implement a “bounce back” message nationwide.  .  It simply means that citizens attempting to contact 9-1-1 via SMS where it is not supported will receive a response message telling them to call 9-1-1.  This is critical and, frankly, overdue.

Third, the commitment was made in advance of the expected FCC considering “steps towards ensuring that text-to-911 is made available as soon as possible by all carriers, and over-the-top providers who offer Internet-based text services” .  The FCC has made clear that they want to foster innovation across not just SMS, but also pictures and video.  It will be interesting to see how a viable solution put forth by the largest industry players is balanced against other very interesting options and the need to continue to innovate new solutions.  The FCC is expected to issue further guidance on December 12th. 

The FCC said texting to 911 could be useful when a phone call could put the caller in danger. Texting could also aid a person with disabilities who is unable to call.

However, the FCC says people should always call 911 during an emergency if they can.



Free NENA Webinar: The 9-1-1 Call Taker's Role in Improving Cardiac Arrest Survivability
Fri, Dec 14 @ 1PM Eastern

Presented in partnership with the Medtronic Foundation

Register today for free!

This webinar focuses on the vital role call takers and emergency dispatchers have with regard to improving survival from cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and around the world. Successful resuscitation requires a team effort in which dispatch has a fundamental and important role. The presentation will review the challenges of resuscitation, the role of dispatch, and provide examples of the good and the bad, demonstrating just how integral dispatch is.

Time is built into the presentation for questions and the webinar will be archived for those who cannot attend the live event.

Presenter:

Dr. Thomas Rea - Professor of Medicine, University of Washington


 



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Make your hotel reservations now to attend the premier public safety conference of the year!  Click here to secure the best rates and availability today, and watch the NENA 2013 website for full event details as they become available.


"The Call" Winter Issue Advertising Deadline - December 13

Bonus distribution at:

  • NENA Development Conference, February 2013
  • 9-1-1 Goes to Washington, March 2013
  • NAED's Navigator Conference, April 2013
Contact Shaun Greyling for more information.

Winter ENP Exam Period

The application for the Fall exam period is now closed, but register before December 17, 2012, to secure your seat in the next ENP examination window: January 19-February 2, 2013. Visit the ENP Web page for more information.

 UPCOMING EVENTSMark Your Calendars! 2012-2013 NENA National Event Dates

NENA Development Conference - Feb. 10-13, 2013 - Caribe Royale - Orlando, FL

9-1-1 Goes to Washington - Mar. 17-20, 2013 - L'Enfant Plaza Hotel - Washington, DC

NENA 2013 - June 15-20, 2013 - Charlotte Convention Center - Charlotte, NC


1 Comment

2012 Missouri State Fair 9-1-1 Booth a Success!

8/29/2012

0 Comments

 
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Thanks to everyone who helped make the 9-1-1 Booth at the State Fair a success!  We met a lot of interesting people, many of whom were unaware of the state of 9-1-1 in Missouri!  





Thank you to everyone who donated their pencils, coloring books, and other 9-1-1 giveaways.  Thanks to MOAPCO and the MO 911 DA for joining with MONENA in supporting the booth.  Thanks to State Farm and Debbie Minnick, and Jack Vantrump for providing the 9-1-1 Simulator.  A BIG thank you to Mike Hall, Marion County 911 and Mary Lu McConnell, Shelby County 911, for setting up and breaking down the booth.  If you weren't able to take part in donating your time to man the booth, you missed out on a great opportunity to network with your peers and educate the public about Missouri 911.

0 Comments

Missouri NENA Page

7/2/2012

0 Comments

 
Do you have a question you need answered?

Or do you just need some opinions from your peers about a specific topic? 

Or do you just need some good conversation with people who might not know you, but know what you've been through or are going through???

If you're a NENA member, you have hundreds in Missouri and thousands throughout the US, of people just like you, involved in managing and coordinating 9-1-1 PSAPs, all of them at your fingertips. 



Go to www.nena.org
Sign into your account.
Go to Groups in the far left column.
Click on Missouri
Go to Forums in the far right column.


Now, have a discussion on the Missouri NENA page on the NENA website!

Let's start talkin'!

If you aren't a member of NENA, you're missing out!


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911 Emergency Assist Program

6/26/2012

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Good Afternoon,

Most of us have received the packet from 911 Emergency Assist. The purpose of this program is notification of victims' families when a loved one has been involved in an accident or emergency.. 

I wanted to express my concerns regarding this Program.

#1.  Does the Telecommuncator have time to access the database?    Subscribers can deposit contact info, medical info, doctor information, home & auto, medications & pharmacist info, and legal/insurance info on the database. 9-1-1 is supposed to access the database in order to get information about the victim/patient for the responders.  Do we want to be privy to this information?  Are we liable for the use/misuse of this info?

#2.  What if families have questions we can't answer?  Once contact is made, do we want to be responsible for answering questions?  

#3.  How much will this increase our call volume?  Apparently, the subscriber will be provided a phone number that they can call for more information.  What number will that be?  Into the Communication Center?

#4.  Right now this program is being utilized for notification about medical and emergencies, what if subscribers expect information as the result of a law enforcement action?

As stated above, I am concerned about not only the legal and liability aspects that this program may cause, but also about the calls we may be inundated with, receiving questions we can not answer.  How much undue stress will this cause on our Telecommunicators?  What about the undue stress on the families when we can't answer the questions about their loved one?  

I have forwarded this information to my 9-1-1 Center's legal council. I would suggest that you do the same if you have one. 

There are too many unanswered questions in my mind, to participate in this program.

More information about this program can be found at www.911EA.net. 

If you've answered any of these questions, please contact me at 6605423911.

Thank you,
Elizabeth


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News from MONENA

6/19/2012

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Good Morning! (I've been working on this all morning, it's almost afternoon!)

Wanted to touch base with you about a couple of things:



#1.  MONENA/MOAPCO/911 DA will be sponsoring a booth for the 2012 Missouri State Fair once again,  we need your help in working the booth!  I believe it's a good way to touch base with the public and the other disciplines that attend the fair.
So please take the time to sign up.  We need at least 20 PSAPs working 1/2 a day.  If we all take turns, it's a small amount of time with a big return, getting good 
solid information out to the ones that call!  Mark your calendars for August 9-19th.

https://sites.google.com/site/missouri911statefair/  



#2.  MOTERT-  Most of you know that MOTERT has a website  www.motert.com  But did you know that we also have a Group Space!  
Created and moderated by Kima Montgomery, MONENA's MOTERT Committee Chair, this site is a great place for MOTERT members to get information about MOTERT, download and print documents, and email 
other members like you that are interested and committed to the success of MOTERT.

Go to:
www.groupspaces.com/motert  to stay connected with MOTERT!



#3.  MONENA's Website:  Most of you know that MONENA has a website (I apologize if I'm using the wrong verbage, as you can tell I'm not that big of a surfer, but I'm learning!)  
Thanks to Eric Davey, MONENA's Media and Outreach Committee Chair, we are "beefing" up (I know how to use those words!) our- YOUR website.  Read the latest blogs of some of your board members.  

Go to
www.monena.org for more information about your chapter!



#4.  Back to MOTERT:
  Kima and I hosted a MOTERT "Organizational" meeting yesterday, June 18th, in Columbia.   18 attendees met face to face and talked about the contents of the MOTERT member's "Go Bag", responsibilities 
of the MOTERT Regional Coordinators, and upcoming MOTERT training.  Although MOTERT deployed 2 taskforces to Joplin last spring, our national organization, NJTI, will not recognize us/MOTERT as deployable unless we jump through some more hoops.  
It's important that MOTERT receive this recognition.  
One of the hoops is that MOTERT needs a database.  Soooooo I need some things from you as a MOTERT member.

I need copies of your training certificates- 
     MOTERT Taskforce Members:  the Basic Awareness, IS-100, IS-700- recommended is the Hazardous Materials Awareness
     MOTERT Team Leader:  the Basic Awareness, IS-100, IS-700, IS-200, TERT Team Leader, IS-800- recommended is Hazardous Materials Awareness, EMD Certification, IS-300, and FEMA COML
I also need a recommendation letter from your agency.  I've attached the template.

Also, if your agency hasn't signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), please have them do so, and get me a copy of it.



#5.  Missouri's Chapter Page on the National NENA website:
For Information about what's going in NENA at the national level go to www.nena.org
Missouri now has it's own page!  Go to Manage Profile, you have to log into your account.  Click on My Groups, and then the Missouri Chapter Link.  This page will be a great place to view the MONENA membership, send 
emails to one or all of our membership, share news about our chapter, events, and meetings on the Blog site, take part in a online discussion through the Forum, and show and share photos and videos on the Photo Gallery site.  
Check back periodically to see what's going on with MONENA!  Let's make this an ACTIVE site!!.



#6.  MONENA Facebook Page:  Mike Hall, MONENA's 1st VP, has created a facebook page for MONENA.  

Go to
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Missouri-NENA/148980658448567 to "friend us, or like us" (I don't know!!)



If you have any questions, call me, email me,

Take care, have a great rest of your week!
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May 29th, 2012

5/29/2012

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You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who will decide where to go. Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go

What defines a Leader?

A leader is someone who has a vision, and the skills to make the vision happen.  Leaders see the big picture.  Leaders know themselves.  They know where they’ve been, where they are, and where they are going.  Leaders have values, skills, and characteristics that set them apart from others.  To be successful in your career you must focus on developing your leadership skills.  Effective leaders

·         Know how to put their best foot forward-First Impressions

·         Are Knowledgeable about what they believe in

·         Are Good Managers of Time

·         Are Good Communicators

·         Identify Stress and Coping Mechanisms to Manage Stress

Take one quality listed below and have a 15-30 minute discussion on it in each of your next 10 staff meetings.  Each definition in the list below contains discussion questions to start the groups’ discussion about leadership qualities.  The more you make such discussions and “mini-training” part of your routine, the more your leaders will focus on and develop these skills.

Integrity

How deep are your convictions on the things you believe in? What do you believe in SO MUCH about your work that you will stand up to anyone about it? How much are you willing to compromise your important beliefs? To what extent do your behavior and the choices you make align with your guiding values and principles?

Vision/strategy

Can you see, do you see where your department, team, and organization are going? How often do you talk about the ways in which what you are doing in your area is related to the overall mission? Do you think and speak inspiringly about what the organization is doing and about the future of the organization?

Adaptability

To what degree can you relinquish rigidity? Control? When is it easy and when difficult for you to embrace change? How do you react when things don’t go as planned?

Teamwork

To what extent do you value working cooperatively as part of a group? How do you promote teamwork among those you lead? In what ways do you work collaboratively with your peers? How do you handle team conflict?


There are many other leadership qualities not listed above.  Leaders can adapt and think on their feet.  They are supportive of their subordinates and accept responsibility for the failures of the team and acknowledge the successes as a team accomplishment.  Effective leaders are self-aware; they build upon their strengths and work on their weaknesses. 

When you have talented and effective leaders in your organization, you're well on your way to success. Develop these leadership skills in yourself and in your team members – and you'll see the performance and productivity of your entire team improve.  

Be the person others choose to follow.





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