Editing Dispatcher (section)

== Types of dispatchers ==
===Emergency dispatchers===
[[File:dispatcherdd.jpg|thumb|right|A dispatcher in [[Germany]] at work with an accident involving a [[tram]]]]

An emergency dispatcher, also known as public safety dispatcher, [[9-1-1]] dispatcher, or public safety telecommunicator <ref name=oews> [http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes435031.htm www.bls.gov] ''Occupational Employment and Wages May 2020''. URL accessed on August 19, 2021</ref> receives calls from individuals who require [[emergency service]]s, including [[Police|police services]], [[firefighting]], and [[emergency medical services]]. Once information is obtained from the caller, the dispatcher activates the appropriate services necessary to respond to the nature of the call for help. The dispatcher also obtains and relays pertinent information to the field units to help ensure the adequacy and safety of the response.

Emergency dispatchers may use preapproved protocols to talk a caller or bystander through lifesaving medical procedures such as [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation]], [[childbirth]], and [[first aid]]. They may require certification.

In the [[United States]], about 10% of all dispatchers employed in 2004 were public safety dispatchers.<ref name=ooh>[http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos138.htm www.bls.gov]  ''Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006–07 Edition''. URL accessed on April 6, 2006</ref>

===Transportation and service dispatchers===
A number of other organizations use dispatchers to respond to service calls, coordinate [[transport]]ation schedules, and to organize the [[Delivery (commerce)|delivery]] of materials:
*A '''truck dispatcher''' is employed by a [[trucking company]] to monitor the delivery of freight over long distances and coordinate delivery pickup and drop-off schedules.
*A '''bus dispatcher''' monitors the schedules of their bus fleet and address any problems that arise during their operations.
*A '''tow-truck dispatcher''' responds to calls for emergency roadside assistance.
*A '''gas and water service dispatcher''' monitors their respective [[utilities]] and receive calls for emergency assistance that involve [[Pipeline_transport#For_oil_or_natural_gas|gas lines]] and [[water mains]]. 

In the United States, about 26% of all dispatchers employed in 2004 worked for transportation and [[warehousing]] industries.<ref name=ooh />

===Railroad dispatchers===
{{Main|Train dispatcher}}

A [[train dispatcher]] is employed by a railroad to direct and facilitate the movement of trains over an assigned territory, which is usually part, or all, of a railroad operating division. The dispatcher is also responsible for cost effective movement of trains and other on-track railroad equipment to optimize physical (trains) and human resource (crews) assets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irtcanada.net/site/why/careers/rail_traffic_controller.htm |title=Career Choices – Rail Traffic Controller |publisher=irtcanada.net |access-date=18 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117004606/http://www.irtcanada.net/site/why/careers/rail_traffic_controller.htm |archive-date=17 January 2011 }}</ref>

[[File:PCPOST Crew Dispatcher.png|thumb|300px|A crew dispatcher keeping track of train crew assignments in [[Penn Central]]]]
A crew dispatcher is also employed by the railroad to keep track of train crews and their assignments.  The crew dispatcher is responsible for assigning train crew to trains based upon scheduled rosters, and also making real-time adjustments as necessary based on rail traffic conditions and delays.  The crew dispatcher is normally assisted by a crew caller whose responsibility is to telephone the train and engine crews to advise them of time to report for duty.  The crew dispatcher is also responsible for checking that each train and engine crew are properly qualified for their assignments and have had proper rest according to labour regulations.

===Airline or flight dispatchers===
{{Main|Flight dispatcher}}

A [[flight dispatcher]] assists in planning [[flight path]]s, taking into account wind speed, storms, aircraft performance and loading, and other conditions. Some dispatchers provide a flight following service and advise pilots if conditions or paths change. They usually work in the operations or control center of the airline.