This content was published: May 12, 2008. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC's 911 program highlighted Wednesday on 'Good Day Oregon'
Photos and story by James Hill
PCC has a well-earned reputation for its high level of academic instruction, but many people might be surprised to learn that the college is also at the cutting edge of educating the community’s emergency personnel.
One such program will take its time in the spotlight this Wednesday, May 14, when the Cascade Campus-based Emergency Telecommunicator/911 Program is featured on FOX 12 TV’s “Good Day Oregon” show. The show airs from 5 to 9 a.m., and the program will be highlighted in a series of live segments from Cascade Campus’ Public Services Education Building.
The program trains students to be the critical first link between citizens and authorities in the event of an emergency. 911 operators must be cool under pressure – not only do they dispatch the appropriate emergency response agency (police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, etc.) to the scene of an emergency, they often must be able to deal with distraught, frightened, and even injured citizens, keeping them calm and giving them instructions until help arrives.
911 Telecommunicators don’t occupy the most glamorous post among emergency personnel, but without them, help could simply not reach those who need it.
All PCC students, staff and faculty are encouraged to tune in to the show.
.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »