By Samantha Smith – Armor Up West Virginia
Being a 911 dispatcher is not a job for just anyone. Multitasking is an absolute must. Every time the phone rings you never know what will be on the other line. Dispatchers are all too often over looked and not considered a first responder. Who do you think sends the first responders? They don’t magically know where to go. 911 dispatchers are the FIRST ones to offer help or assistance, figuring out where you are when you have no idea and being the calm reassuring voice during your storm.
After working there and dealing with a multitude calls, anxiety started to creep in. The not knowing of what you will hear on the other end of the line, a parents screams as their child is still in a burning house, a parent finding their only child with a self-inflicted gunshot wound or giving instructions to an elderly female whose husband has just hung himself.
I found myself waiting a split second to answer a phone. “I’ll be faster next time or stalling “finishing up the last call” any excuse to delay answering… that ringing line. Shifts kept feeling longer, never ending, a constant headache or tightness / tension in my shoulders, my attitude at home was becoming bitter.
“I’m fine” or “it was just a long shift” easing becoming my normal. I did not want to admit the job was taking a toll. My marriage was suffering. I was great at my job. I loved my job. The rewarding moments were amazing. The team work on a shift of everyone working together, it’s completely indescribable. I could see other coworkers struggling, but this was normal or was it?
It’s easy to see in hindsight that I was starting to spiral downward. I never admitted the job was taking a toll. All the things I heard were just part of being a seasoned dispatcher. It’s important to learn the signs and symptoms of PTSD and know when you need to step back and ask for help. Understanding it’s ok for trauma to affect you, if you are willing to fight for you. Who saves our unsung heroes? When do you start fighting for yourself?
If you, someone you love, or someone you know needs help, contact:
Safe Call Now: 24 Hour Hotline: 206-459-3020
For more information on the First Responder Wellness Program: Click here
Or call Shannon Clairemont at: 661-466-6352 or Vanessa Stapleton at 304-651-3008
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Sean Riley is the Founder and President of Safe Call Now, a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. Safe Call Now was started in 2009 after legislation was passed guaranteeing confidentiality nationwide for all who call the Safe Call Now crisis line that is staffed by current and former first responders.
Sean played baseball for San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. He started his law enforcement career as a San Diego County Deputy Sheriff in 1987 and later relocated to Washington State in 1990. Sean spent over 16 years with the Kirkland Police Department. His many accomplishments include being a member of the International Homicide Investigator's Association, Homicide and Sexual Assault Detective, Interview and Interrogation Specialist, D.A.R.E. Officer, Gang Officer and Certified Training Officer. Riley is also credited with solving one of the first ever elder abuse homicide cases in the nation.
Sean's prominent career in law enforcement ended in 2005 when he could no longer hide his "secret" behind the badge. Sean threw away his almost 20-year stellar police career due to alcohol and drug addiction and was headed towards suicide to become just another unknown statistic. In addition to attending college for substance abuse counseling, Sean worked as a supervisor at a local treatment center where he witnessed many public safety employees coming in and out of treatment. Riley decided to do something about it. From his own experience, he knew that first responders wanted to come forward to help, but due to the stigma attached, they would not. Admitting to a substance abuse or mental health problem is perceived as a sign of weakness and could result in the termination from a noble career. By creating a safe and confidential place to reach out for help, first responders are now coming forward in droves from around the nation to better their lives, better their families and better their careers.
Recognized as a dynamic national keynote speaker, Sean travels throughout the country to share his inspirational story. Coupled with cutting edge, interactive training, Riley hits those once thought of as "taboo" or "controversial" topics head-on.
"Safe Call Now provides education, healthy alternatives, resources and a complete continuum of care to save lives and put families back together. Through a collaborative effort, Safe Call Now has discovered when you provide an opportunity for an individual to get their life and their family back, you get one great employee back out serving the public."
- Sean Riley, Founder/President
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