People who see or experience an event within their work environment may be susceptible to PTSD and this includes not only the first responders in the field but also the first responders in the Comm center. There are many factors that contribute to telecommunicator stress; it is an often fast-paced, yet sedentary job contributing to poor health habits and poor eating habits, as well as long hours and odd shifts that can impact personal time, sleep habits, personal relationships and feelings of being overwhelmed. Public safety telecommunicators are ranked as the 13th most stressful occupation in the U.S.

Michelle Lilly with Northwestern Illinois University, has conducted some important research on trauma exposure from high impact calls in our profession. Her findings indicate that 18-24% of telecommunicators are at risk of experiencing PTSD. Hyper-vigilance  is the most commonly reported symptom, despite a high level of resiliency among tenured employees.

One unique challenge for telecommunicators is the lack of closure after a significant event. They are at an equal or greater risk of developing PTSD as other first responders and it doesn’t really look much different from what field responders deal with. Debriefings are important for anyone who has handled an incident and they must include the telecommunicators involved as well. Follow up after a critical incident should be done beyond the 30 day mark, and sometimes again several months later to a year or more after.

Telecommunicators need to be included in training activities as well in order to complete the true first responder team dynamic. This gives everyone on the team a better understanding of what is happening both in the field and in the comm center, which enhances understanding of roles and responsibilities.

Stress management isn’t just about how we handle one critical incident but how we respond to the cumulative stress. This includes removing the stigma associated with seeking help, proactively dealing with stress symptoms, and recognizing stress in others and helping them seek help. Some of the simple activities that can help us manage stress include exercise such as walking, drinking plenty of water, journaling, engaging in meditative or mindful tasks, and engaging with others. And, said Greco, “Seek help when nothing else relieves your stress.”

Covered by Christine Massengale