Mental health journey in dispatch: Anna and Kasey from 911 Delta on training, trauma, and resilience
E11evate
In this community, we face challenges together, prioritizing resilience in our professional and personal lives. It's a space for first responders to learn, share experiences, and find strategies for managing pressures.
Kyle Goodknight

Mental health journey in dispatch: Anna and Kasey from 911 Delta on training, trauma, and resilience

S2 E10 • May 23, 2024 • 64 mins

Kyle is joined by Anna and Kasey from the 911 Delta Podcast to explore the distinct pressures on dispatchers. They share personal stories of traumatic calls, stress management techniques, and the critical need for mental health training. The episode also goes into the recruitment and retention crisis in the industry, the effects of PTSD on families, and the importance of community support.

Key Points

  • Vicarious trauma can be as impactful as direct trauma, especially for dispatchers who often experience critical events indirectly through calls without being able to physically intervene.
  • Understanding and addressing one's Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score is crucial for first responders, as it can significantly impact their mental health and how they cope with on-the-job trauma.
  • Normalizing mental health discussions within the first responder community is essential to provide better support, encourage individuals to seek help before a crisis, and improve overall well-being.
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