A 911 Operator (Nine One One Operator) is a professional who is responsible for answering and responding to emergency calls placed to the 911 emergency telephone number. They are the first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance during emergency situations, and are responsible for assessing the caller's needs, providing instructions and information, and dispatching emergency services as necessary. 911 Operators must have excellent communication and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations. 911 Operators are trained to handle a wide range of emergency situations, including medical emergencies, fires, and crimes in progress. They must be able to quickly and accurately gather information from callers, and make decisions about the appropriate course of action. They also must be able to communicate effectively with other emergency service providers, such as police, fire fighters, and paramedics, to ensure that the appropriate resources are deployed to the scene. To become a 911 Operator, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a training program. Many 911 operators also have some college education and/or experience in a related field, such as public safety or emergency management. Some 911 operators may also be required to pass a background check and/or a psychological evaluation.