HARRISBURG – PA House lawmakers unanimously approved legislation that would officially classify 911 telecommunicators as emergency responders. Bill sponsor, Allegheny County Rep. Jessica Benham said despite being the first to respond to an emergency, dispatchers are not classified as first responders. House Bill 453 would finally change that, ensuring they receive the recognition, benefits, and other critical protections they deserve. They provide lifesaving information, but often carry home with them the scars and trauma of the job. Identifying dispatchers as first responders would help them access more resources like wellness and stress management programs. The measure now heads to the PA Senate for consideration.
REP. JESSICA BENHAM