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Crisis Communications 2027

Crisis Communications 2027

April 22 or 23, 2027

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8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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Sourcewell

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This dynamic workshop prepares 911 call-takers and dispatchers to recognize, respond to, and refer callers experiencing suicidal ideation, depression, domestic violence, hostage situations, barricaded suspect events, and other crisis scenarios.

Date: April 22 or 23, 2027

Time:

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Agenda:

The same training is being offered two days. Attendees should only register for one day.

Location:

Sourcewell

Cost:

$25 per participant from organizations inside the Sourcewell service area. 

$125 for all other participants;

Lunch provided

Prerequisites: None

Learning objectives:

  • Learn practical communication strategies.

  • Learn and discuss terms to use or avoid with volatile callers.

  • Learn techniques that support responder safety and successful outcomes.

Description:

This dynamic workshop prepares 911 call-takers and dispatchers to recognize, respond to, and refer callers experiencing suicidal ideation, depression, domestic violence, hostage situations, barricaded suspect events, and other crisis scenarios. Participants will learn practical communication strategies, terms to use or avoid with volatile callers, and techniques that support responder safety and successful outcomes. The course also addresses suicide-by-cop indicators, the dispatcher’s critical role in gathering information, and the unique needs of vulnerable populations, including veterans. Through role-playing and realistic call-taking scenarios, attendees will build confidence using the AEP Crisis Communications Toolbox to transition effectively between caregiver, information gatherer, and tactical response dispatcher.

About the leader:

Ted Bourgeois with American Emergency Preparedness (AEP) will lead this training.

Ted Bourgeois, AEP’s Director of Education, brings over 40 years of emergency response experience, beginning as a U.S. Army medic. His expertise includes dispatching, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, domestic violence intervention, hostage negotiation, and active shooter response. He now develops relevant training programs for today’s emergency response professionals.

Event Registration

Registration deadline: April 15, 2027

Check-in: 7:30 a.m.

Questions: community@sourcewell-mn.gov

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