Jayla Gray-Thomas' Online Portfolio

911 Operator

 

Education/Training Required

 

To pursue the career of a 911 operator you must have a high school diploma or it's equivalent (GED), be at least 18 years of age, and in some cases have a valid drivers license. Most employers offer specific training for new operators. This covers radio equipment, broadcasting, communication skills, and stress management. You must pass a written exam and a typing test. Some agencies require background checks and other prerequisites. Most colleges offer a degree program for all of the training needed. However the most important/required things are a high school diploma/GED and being at least 18 years of age. But being able to stay calm and reassuring is an important quality.

 

Responsibilities/Daily Activities

 

911 operators are usually the first one to be contacted in an emergency. They work at call centers, hospitals, fire stations, or police stations. As a 911 operator you receive calls by telephone, radio system, or computer-aided dispatch system. They gather the information needed to choose the best thing to do. In addition to that, they must keep logs of all calls received and prepare reports when needed. The more experienced of dispatchers might help in the training of new dispatchers.  

 

•911 Operator: Career Information and Requirements. (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2014.

•Steps to Becoming a 911 Dispatcher. (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2014.

•Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2014, January 8). Retrieved September 3, 2014.

•911 Emergency Dispatcher: Required Skills, Duties and Responsibilities. (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2014.

 

I wouldn't want to have this as a career. If I was able to do it I would consider it. However, I'm very indecisive and although I can be empathetic I wouldn't be able to stay calm or calm whoever I was talking to. I think this is a good profession for the right person but that person isn't me.

 

EMT

 

Education/Training Required

 

To become an EMT you must be licensed with the requirements set by your state and EMT level. The levels of training include EMT-Beginner, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic. Each training program varies from 2-6 months and is offered at emergency medical service academies, community colleges, technical schools and universities. The EMT-Beginner is the minimum level training required. But all of the programs are in preparation for National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exam.

 

Responsibilities/Daily Activities

 

The responsibilities of an EMT are dealing with, crisis, trauma, hazardous materials, illness, injuries, and further training to deal with things such mass casualties. But they have 5 important responsibilities. This includes; accessing medical needs of the sick or injured, taking their vitals, taking SAMPLE history

(S – Signs and symptoms

A – Allergies

M – Medications

P – Pertinent past medical history

L – Last oral intake

E – Events leading to injury/illness), properly moving the patients, and maintaining composure in all situations.

 

•EMT Requirements and Qualifications Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2014.

•5 important EMT responsibilities. (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2014.

•Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2014, from http://www.nhgs.tec.va.us/careertechnicalcenter/emt.php

 

I would definitely consider this as a career. The responsibilities of the job seem like something I'd be able to handle. I think with proper training I'd excel. The only thing I'd have difficulty with is the immediate decision making.

 

Crime Scene Investigator

 

Education/Training Required

 

The most renowned education for work when becoming a crime scene investigator is a bachelors degree in forensic science, anthropology, or biology. Although most forensic science students specialize in fingerprint analysis, toxicology, or DNA profiling. As well as learning about evidence retrieval and documentation methods. However, a degree in forensic science isn't required to work as a crime scene investigator. Some people come from educational backgrounds such as criminal justice. (Graduates of these programs may be required to complete additional forensic training) Many schools offer 2 year degree programs in crime scene investigation, but for more flexibility in your career there is the option of a 4 year degree in biology  or chemistry. All in all, crime scene investigators are trained to preserve and collect evidence.

 

Responsibilities/Daily Activities

 

Crime scene investigators collect fibers, hair, weapons, or tissue samples as forensic evidence to determine its importance in criminal investigations. They must secure, examine, and analyze crime scenes. This includes the search, also known as scene recognition. This is the first walk through that a crime scene investigator takes. The next thing is documentation. Documentation includes photographs, diagrams and sketches, and written notes. All of these are usually permanent and constitutes the official record of the investigation. After everything has been documented, the investigator must collect relevant evidence. The last responsibility is legal duties. The crime scene investigator must be able to explain all of the evidence and what it means. They help lawyers and other legal officials in preparation for their criminal proceeding.

 

•Crime Scene Investigator Education Requirements and Career Info. (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2014.

•Ray, L. (n.d.). Duties & Responsibilities for a Crime Scene Investigator. Retrieved September 3, 2014.

 

I would have a career as a crime scene investigator if I lost interest in what I want to do now. I would want to get a degree in forensic sciences and specialize in fingerprint analysis. I think it's cool how even the smallest part of a fingerprint can give you a persons whole identity. It seems like a career you wouldn't get tired of and that intrigues me.

 

Blood Splatter Analyst

 

Education/Training Required

 

A blood splatter analyst is a person who helps break down a crime. People in this career path contribute to many parts of the investigation. In order to do this for a living you must get a degree in forensic science and will most likely have to take courses in  biology, chemistry, math and physics. You may also have to attend medical school to gain skill and become professionally certified.

 

Responsibilities and Daily Activities

 

Blood splatter analysts examine blood stains and patterns found at a crime scene to help figure what happened during the crime. When they are finished with this they are to form reports based on what they found. They are often used as expert witnesses during a trial. Because they are expected to be at the crime scene, their hours are often unpredictable.

 

• Blood Spatter Analyst Job Description. (2010, November 5). Retrieved September 25, 2014, from http://www.kaycircle.com/k-Blood-Spatter-Analyst-Job-Description

• Walker, M. (2011, February 24). Blood Spatter Analyst Education Requirements. Retrieved September 25, 2014, from http://www.kaycircle.com/Blood-Spatter-Analyst-Education-Requirements

I would want this career if I chose not to do the one I am pursuing right now. However this would just be something to fall back on. Because you should have a degree in forensic science to become a crime scene investigator too, I would keep this job as a second choice. I am not willing to work  at unstable hours to test blood. I am just not that interested. However I would do that for things such as fingerprints. All in all, I think this would be a good career if I gained interest in this type of investigation.