Dispatchers are the first point of contact in emergency situations. They answer 911 calls, gather critical information, and dispatch first responders to the scene. However, despite their crucial role in emergency response, dispatchers are not recognized as first responders.

California Assembly Bill 1945, signed on 9/11/2020, reclassified dispatchers in California as First Responders. This bill went into effect on January 1, 2021. California was the fifth state to reclassify its Dispatchers.

Many states are following this.