Samantha Hawkins has spent eleven years behind the 911 console. In her new piece for EMS1, she looks back on what she would tell herself when she first answered calls.
In “Before you hang up the headset: A letter to my younger self,” Samantha writes about the fear that comes with every call. She describes the resilience built over thousands of emergencies. She also shares how she found new ways to serve public safety after leaving the console.
If you’ve ever wondered how seasoned dispatchers carry on when calls get tough, this letter offers honest insights. Samantha covers what helped her stay steady on busy shifts and why it’s okay to change roles in public safety without leaving the mission behind.
We hope her reflections speak to anyone guiding new telecommunicators or thinking about their own career path. You can read the full letter on EMS1.