How to Handle Stress

Thank you to Xybix for this standing and stretching video!

by Abigail Melendez

911 dispatchers have one of the most stressful jobs in America. Police, Fire, and Ambulance dispatchers score a 98.5 out of 100 for stress tolerance of the 0*net stress factor scoring system. 

Because dispatchers are the lifeline between people in dangerous situations and the help they need, they often have to talk people through some grueling and fear-stricken moments. Despite the panic ringing though the lines, dispatchers know they have to remain calm even in the most dire situations. 

When many people think of first responders, police officers, fire fighters and EMTs come to mind. Although they may not be first on the scene, 911 dispatchers are actually the first responders to the emergency, listening to and helping people through difficult and often life threatening situations. Dealing with frightened callers and emergency situations can make the life of a 911 dispatcher extremely stressful. With a high turnover rate due to burnout from stress and dealing with tragedy, it is important to remember that there are ways to handle that stress so that you can keep working as a first responder and saving the lives of others. 

At the end of each day, it is important to remember that you are a 9-1-1 dispatcher, a job that comes with a lot of responsibility, but also a lot of rewards. You, as a first responder, play an important role in hundreds of emergency situations per week, making a difference in an enormous amount of lives. In order to continue playing this important role, it is important that you take time each day, whether it is before, during or after your shift, to deal with the stress that the job will inevitably cause. 

http://www.kovacorp.com/3-tips-dealing-stress-911-dispatching/ 

http://www.kovacorp.com/17-things-need-know-emergency-dispatchers/