Lauren Taylor Dispatcher Oct 1 2017 Las Vegas Active Shooter Incident

Looking for more DTP Content? Check us out: In this gripping episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, host John Scardena speaks with Lauren Taylor, a 911 dispatcher who coordinated the emergency response during the October 1, 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting at the Mandalay Bay. Lauren shares her firsthand account of one of the most devastating active shooter incidents in U.S. history, describing the chaos, fear, and determination that defined those 11 minutes—and the long hours that followed. From the moment the first calls came in, Lauren was responsible for directing teams into a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation. She recalls the overwhelming sound of screams through the radio, the responsibility of protecting responders entering the unknown, and the emotional toll of hearing from people she personally knew on scene. Scardena and Taylor explore what it means to perform under extreme pressure, and how dispatchers—often unseen and unsung—serve as the foundation of every successful emergency operation. The conversation also delves into Lauren’s continued service in public safety, including her recent experience during the Spokane shooting, and how these events shaped her decision to pursue a degree in Emergency Management. Together, they discuss resilience, leadership, and the lessons learned from crisis—how to process trauma, support teams through recovery, and lead with both faith and compassion. This episode offers raw insight into the reality of mass casualty coordination, the mental health challenges faced by dispatchers, and the courage it takes to keep showing up after tragedy. Lauren’s story stands as a powerful reminder that while responders are often called heroes, the voices behind the radio are heroes too. Major Endorsements Impulse Bleeding Control Kits by Professionals for Professionals Doberman Emergency Management Subject matter experts in assessments, planning, and training The Readiness Lab Trailblazing disaster readiness through podcasts, outreach, marketing, and interactive events For Sponsorship Requests 314-400-8848 Ext 2 Email contact@thereadinesslab.com

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Lauren Taylor Dispatcher Oct 1 2017 Las Vegas Active Shooter Incident is an episode from Disaster Tough Podcast by The Readiness Lab.

This episode is 45:32 long.

This episode was published on Oct 28, 2025.

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