Dispatcher Stress: 50 Lessons on Beating the Burnout

by Adam Timm, Joe Serio Ph.D.

Working in a 9-1-1 communications center can take a toll. Recent studies have proven the link between handling traumatic calls of life-threatening nature and the onset of burnout, compassion fatigue, and even PTSD symptoms. Over the life of a 9-1-1 professional’s career, these symptoms— including emotional numbing, avoidance and isolation, and hypervigilance— can cause effects felt both on and off the job. We may grow disconnected from callers and coworkers, seem distant to family and friends, and perceive the world in a different way. Those who thrive in their 9-1-1 career for the long haul - to retirement and beyond - do something differently. With the tools and perspectives found in this book, every 9-1-1 professional can more easily leave work and work, sleep better and chart a course for less stress and more happiness.

Written by a former 9-1-1 dispatcher with the Los Angeles Police Department, the tools are tried and true. A short and accessible read, this book is found in 9-1-1 centers all across the country, praised for its easy-to-use takeaways and relatable voice. Perfect for reading while at the console. The primary author, Adam Timm, spent over 10 years as a 9-1-1 dispatcher and grappled with years of burnout before finding a way out. He now travels around the country offering training classes and consulting services through his company The Healthy Dispatcher.

136 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2015

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

really great examples for stress reduction. I was even more surprised at the description of dispatchers, I never thought of myself as type A, turns out I am very type A. not only were there examples for stress relief, there is also good information on recognizing when youre stressed. many of us live with high levels of stress without realizing it.

[Kysheem Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a dispatcher/911 operator this is definitely the book for you! It did an amazing job at not only showing the challenges the actual job throws at us, but also the issues we cause for ourselves. Whether that be a negative work environment, for example; complaining it's gonna be a bad day before the day has even started. Or getting frustrated with every tiny thing that occurs. Let's be honest most of us are on a 12hr - shift schedule, so that leaves a lot of room for actual high priority incidents to come through the center. Now by the time it's time to actually handle said incident, you're already pissed off because of the magnitude of idiot callers that have called in or whatever gets your panties in a bunch lol(and yes, I get the frustration but we must move forward with a positive mindset or you'll have a very long and miserable career or an extremely short lived one. That however is your decision to make). On a more positive note, I love how the authors told you issues you may face that can hinder you ability to exceed the best you can but also affect your mental health, as well as explain a lot of ways you can repair that fatigue to continue without missing a beat. This may have been a short read, however lord was it a good one!

[Sherry Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book! Dead on - feel as if it was written for me!!!

[Aljan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST read for anyone in the field.

[Meghan Tomczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overall, just very broad information. But still very helpful!

[Jaclynn]

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