Headsets: Telephone vs. Radio

[nicolerene]

I recently purchased platonics headsets for our dispatch center and we are using the switchmate system to connect them to our phone and radio console. Our department does not have the money to replace the radio console, which is old, and we do not have telephone/radio software.
Currently while wearing a headset, if we are on the phone with someone and depress the foot pedal to transmit on the radio, we can no longer hear the reporting party on the phone. Some of the dispatchers feel this is an officer safety hazard because they can no longer hear the reporting party while they are transmitting on the radio. They are afraid they may miss information such as the appearance of a weapon during in progress emergency calls.
Our dispatchers are alone for at least half of their shift each day, so they do not have the luxury of splitting the calltaking and radio dispatching duties between two dispatchers.
Has anyone else experience this problem with headsets? Is this the norm?
Prior to this they were using regular telephone handsets, so I thought this would be an improvement for them. However, I seem to hear more complaints then ever. Any suggestions would be greatly aprpeciated.

[MrJim911]

Without being able to upgrade the console to a, I believe it is a six wire system, that allows you to use them seamlessly for phones and radio I don't see a solution. However, I am guessing that their complaining is the result of using a new piece of technology more then it's really hindering their jobs. I can't imagine doing this job without headsets. A phone handset is crazy ridculous.