International Academies of Emergency Dispatch - IAED

08/21/2026

Having implemented the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) in June 2018, the North Platte Police Department (NPPD) 911 Communications center had their eyes set on ACE from day one, but it took a while to dive deep into what was required.

The quality service [Chief of Police Steve Reeves has] observed since implementing the MPDS has confirmed it has all been worth it. One weekend, while mowing the lawn, Reeves received a notification that a farmer had been trapped in a tractor incident. Logging in from home, he listened in to his team and was so impressed by their informed, effective dispatch.

“We never would have had a response like that prior to ProQA,” Reeves said. “It involved coordinating responses for three different fire departments and a helicopter, and it all went smoothly. We only have one or two of these incidents every harvest, but when you need it, you need it.”

The team can feel the difference too, stating that the shift to protocol was initially uncomfortable and “seemed like a lot” at first, but they became proficient and “persevered to save countless lives.” One employee described the protocol as “safety for all.” They feel calm while facing emotional situations, and the caller seems more focused and reassured with structured calltaking.

Read more about this awesome center and their race to ACE here: https://www.iaedjournal.org/on-the-right-track

08/19/2026

“What do you wish you knew when you started in 911?”

It’s a question every Emergency Dispatcher asks themselves from time to time, and it’s a question Stacey Cann, ENP, CMCP, Director of 9-1-1 Communications for Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (Manitoba, Canada), posed to colleagues at her agency a few years ago. Her aim? To shore up their support system for incoming Emergency Dispatchers.

When she stepped into her role as Director of 9-1-1 Communications two years ago, Cann saw some struggles on the training side and began brainstorming ways she and the center could give support to trainees as soon as possible. She met with a group of leaders within the center and asked them what they wished someone had told them on their first day.

“They all wrote different stories and gave different advice,” Cann recalled. “It’s what people need to hear.”

From the letters received, one from Mike Grosvenor (pictured), Senior Communications Operator, really stood out to Cann.

Get the full story here: https://www.iaedjournal.org/dear-new-emergency-dispatcher

What would you write in a letter to a new Emergency Dispatcher?

08/19/2026

Great work, Megan! And good luck as you begin your next journey.

💙 It’s a boy! 💙

911 Dispatcher Megan recently helped welcome a very special little one into the world!

A family was traveling to Grand Junction when their baby boy decided he just couldn’t wait any longer. Megan calmly walked the family through the delivery and stayed on the line with them after their little boy arrived, making sure everyone was okay until EMS reached the scene.

What makes this story even more special? The call came during the final two hours of Megan’s last shift as a 911 dispatcher. Megan is moving on from dispatch to take care of a little one of her own, and we can’t think of a more meaningful way for her to close this chapter.

Congratulations to the family on their new arrival, and congratulations to Megan as she begins her own exciting new chapter!

08/17/2026

If you’re an ED-Q with questions about the protocols for the IAED’s Q subject matter experts, we have a new forum available on the College of Emergency Dispatch! It has an intuitive design, it’s searchable, and it’s available to all members who are currently certified as ED-Qs. Look out for an email from the Academy with more details.

https://learn.emergencydispatch.org/academy/forum/dashboard

08/14/2026

Do your comm. center have a ghost? Got a story where things got truly weird on a full moon? Ever take a call from the beyond? We'd love to feature you in a special Halloween episode of Dispatch in Depth!

Let us know in the comments or via private message if you're interested 👻🎃👹

08/13/2026

Every centre has someone who stands out.

They stay focused when the pressure rises. They guide callers with confidence, compassion, and care. They support their team, strengthen their centre, and help set the standard for excellence in emergency dispatch.

Australasia NAVIGATOR 2026 is your opportunity to recognise that person.

Nominations are now open for the Australasia Dispatcher of the Year Award, which honours an exceptional emergency dispatcher whose work reflects professionalism, dedication, and meaningful service to their community.

If you know a dispatcher who consistently goes above and beyond, take a moment to share their story. The recipient will be recognised at Australasia NAVIGATOR 2026 in Adelaide, Australia.

The submission deadline is 13 September 2026.

Nominate someone today: https://www.emergencydispatch.org/what-we-do/dispatcher-of-the-year

08/12/2026

Since implementing the IAED's Emergency Communication Nurse System on May 26, 2026, Emergency Health Services Alberta (Canada) reports that they have referred 40% of nearly 6,000 reviewed 911 calls to alternative care options.

“Our paramedics in dispatch provide self-care advice and reassurance to callers while confirming clinical acuity and priority, ensuring patients who do require EMS receive an appropriate response,” Les Fisher, managing director and chief of EHS Alberta, said in the release.

“Safely identifying cases that can be closed without ambulance dispatch helps keep ambulances available for when they are truly needed."

Check out the full story here: http://discoverairdrie.com/articles/dispatch-paramedics-refer-40-per-cent-of-reviewed-911-calls-to-alternative-options

08/11/2026

New podcast episode! Joe Wassel, Founding CEO of Zero Nine Thirty-Seven and Principal Consultant with Deep Water Point & Associates, speaks about his experience as a member of the Department of Defense in the Pentagon when it was stuck on September 11th. He also discusses the important roles that leadership, partnerships, and friendships will play in handling the defining moments of your professional and personal life.

This is the second in a three-part series in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the role that dispatchers played on the day itself and the years that followed.

Listen here or with your regular podcast app: https://www.aedrjournal.org/defining-moments-with-joe-wassel

08/10/2026

Are you missing NAVIGATOR 2026? We know we are!

Our latest Journal feature article is all about those three packed days of learning, networking, recognition, and fun. Learn more about the award recipients, reminisce about the keynote speakers, and get pumped for next year in Dallas!

Check out the full write-up here: https://www.iaedjournal.org/raising-the-stakes

08/07/2026

We love hearing about situations where a child successfully navigates 911 and saves a life!

Recently 9-year-old Zoe Thomas was given a 911 Hero Award by the El Paso-Teller 911 Authority for calling 911 earlier this year when she heard her mom fall outside.

Learn more about the awesome call here:

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- A 9-year-old girl is being deemed a hero after calling 911 when her mom fell unconscious earlier this year. Zoe Thomas was