Communication is kind of a common complaint, be it for dispatch or for field units. And in all reality its not only about radios, and phones. Its about the lack of ability for management to communicate as well. I always find it odd, that they expect employees to be prompt, and attend certain events, meetings, etc. But often they forget to send out the memos, or forget to click send on that text message that has important information. Yet when it comes to making sure they respond to a social media post, or respond on the radio for calls. Communications should be up there on the list, of areas of improvement for everyone of us. We should be aware of what is going on and respond appropriately.
I found myself in an odd situation recently, I had received an invite to an event, not something I was planning on going to, and then out of nowhere I received a text message saying they needed my RSVP asap. I was in a state of shock, like I was called out. I thought RSVP meant that I had to reserve if I was coming, if not nothing was required. I quickly scrambled and attempted to find the date of the event to make sure that I was already busy as I believed I was. I found an online invite for the event, and determined that yes, indeed it was not a good day. I waited a few hours, and thought over my response, and finally settled on the response that I am sorry I would be unable to attend as I had other arrangements for that day. The response from the invitee was short and simple with "okay". I felt a relief, but then I felt terrible, that I didn't respond appropriately. And then found the invite a few days ago, and sure enough nothing on there said it had to be returned if not attending.
So bring us up to even more recent, there was a recent promotion of an officer, kind of a big deal right? So management expected us all to be there for the official ceremony, but failed to notify us. When questioned about it, they had sent a text out, to which others said No, I never got any invite either. Then management goes back to look, and the message never sent out. So I guess the moral of my story is that if you send something out by text and not in person that you think requires attention, check back on that message to make sure it didn't bounce or didn't fail to send.
I found myself also in another odd situation few days back. I had a request for assistance at an event, there were units there, but they requested additional response. As I am in the process of dispatching the appropriate response, the on scene units which all wanted to be in charge, started barking orders out while I am in the process of toning another responding agency. First, I heard it the first time, but I cannot acknowledge you while I am toning another agency, I can't stop midsentence, mid dispatch and just cater to your cries, because no one knows who is in charge. Let me take care of this, and I will get back with you weakings. So I guess this section of my rant is about scene command, and the need to establish one, and stick with it and stop letting everyone who wants to talk on the radio chime in. You cannot always be number 1, and you won't. Remember you have a patient, the same as I have officers, and others I need to get to you.
I found myself in an odd situation recently, I had received an invite to an event, not something I was planning on going to, and then out of nowhere I received a text message saying they needed my RSVP asap. I was in a state of shock, like I was called out. I thought RSVP meant that I had to reserve if I was coming, if not nothing was required. I quickly scrambled and attempted to find the date of the event to make sure that I was already busy as I believed I was. I found an online invite for the event, and determined that yes, indeed it was not a good day. I waited a few hours, and thought over my response, and finally settled on the response that I am sorry I would be unable to attend as I had other arrangements for that day. The response from the invitee was short and simple with "okay". I felt a relief, but then I felt terrible, that I didn't respond appropriately. And then found the invite a few days ago, and sure enough nothing on there said it had to be returned if not attending.
So bring us up to even more recent, there was a recent promotion of an officer, kind of a big deal right? So management expected us all to be there for the official ceremony, but failed to notify us. When questioned about it, they had sent a text out, to which others said No, I never got any invite either. Then management goes back to look, and the message never sent out. So I guess the moral of my story is that if you send something out by text and not in person that you think requires attention, check back on that message to make sure it didn't bounce or didn't fail to send.
I found myself also in another odd situation few days back. I had a request for assistance at an event, there were units there, but they requested additional response. As I am in the process of dispatching the appropriate response, the on scene units which all wanted to be in charge, started barking orders out while I am in the process of toning another responding agency. First, I heard it the first time, but I cannot acknowledge you while I am toning another agency, I can't stop midsentence, mid dispatch and just cater to your cries, because no one knows who is in charge. Let me take care of this, and I will get back with you weakings. So I guess this section of my rant is about scene command, and the need to establish one, and stick with it and stop letting everyone who wants to talk on the radio chime in. You cannot always be number 1, and you won't. Remember you have a patient, the same as I have officers, and others I need to get to you.