Training & Education

The Gloucester County Emergency Response Center serves as the Regional Communications Center for the county and parts of Atlantic County. The Communication Center employs approximately 125 Public Safety Telecommunicators. When an individual is hired by the Communication Center they begin an extensive 90-day training period. During that period the trainee is assigned to a Shift Training Officer who works with the individual in the areas of Skill, Knowledge, and Attitude.

90 Day Training Period

During the 90 day period, the trainee is also required to attend the State of New Jersey Basic Communication Officer Program. This program is a 40-hour program and is required for all employees who work in a 911 center. The trainee is required to take a state exam and must achieve a passing grade set by the state. Material covered includes but is not limited to:

• Ethics and ethical standards
• Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Law Enforcement dispatch
• General call handling techniques
• HazMat
• Legal liability issues

Once the trainee completes the 40-hour program then they are required to attend the state-mandated training for Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). EMD is a 32-hour required course and the trainee must achieve a passing grade on the state test. EMD is essential as part of the Emergency Medical Services because it allows medical care to begin at the point of the 911 call until the responders arrive. CPR training is also included.

Once the trainee completes the required academic training they then continue to work with their assigned Shift Training Officer in the dispatch room. They continue to be monitored on their performance both academically and with on-the-job training.

Once certifications have been achieved the state requires in-service training consisting of 8 hours a year for Basic Communications and 8 hours a year for Emergency Medical Dispatch. Training is on-going and continuous even for our experienced personnel.

Public Education Outreach Program

The Training and Education division through the support of the Gloucester County Commissioners in 2002 began an extensive Public Education Outreach Program for school-aged children in Gloucester County. The purpose of the program is to teach children When, Why, and How to dial 911 to report an emergency if there was no adult around.

The program is modeled after the nationally recognized 911 for Kid's curriculum. We also provide educational programs and tours of the 911 center for any civic organizations in the county to help them better understand how the 911 system in Gloucester County operates. We invite anyone who is interested to call the Gloucester County Emergency Response Center at 856-307-7100. Public Education is recognized as a front line defense in understanding the access to Emergency services in Gloucester County.