1. Can you Hear Me? A Dispatcher’s Silent Plea
2018 APCO Canada Conference
Presented by Pam Steciuk
Designer – com

2. It Wasn’t Supposed to Happen to Me
Photo and permission to use granted by: Daniel Sundhal (DanSun Photo Art)

3. The Dreaded “S” Word What is stress Adrenaline / Cortisol
Short term effects
Long term effects
Silent signals

4. Stress Signals Irritability Anxiety Insomnia Headaches Back pain
Increased blood pressure
Nausea, acid reflux
Diabetes
Weakened immune system

5. Image obtained from healthline.com

6. Stress Signals
For me was chronic back/neck pain, dizzy spells

7. Vicarious Trauma Vicarious Trauma vs Compassion Fatigue What are they?
Signs / Symptoms

8. Compassion Fatigue Symptoms
Exhaustion
Insomnia
Increased illness
Drug / alcohol abuse
Avoiding answering the phone or being on dispatch
Distancing from others
Overly cynical, feelings of resentment

9. Vicarious Trauma Symptoms
Constant and persistent images replaying in mind
Nightmares
Avoiding places and/or people associated with traumatic events
Feeling detached from others
Hyper vigilance; being jumpy, over alert
Difficulty concentrating
Angry outbursts

10. Trigger calls What calls get your heart racing?
Calls involving children, elderly, suicidal people, animals, overdoses, shots fired, pursuits, radio silence
Will be different for everyone

11. More frequent migraines
Storm Warnings
What are your warning signs?
Start to hum
Click my pen
Stop working out
Pig out on junk food
More frequent migraines

12. Survival plan What do I need? Tap on the shoulder
Walk around the hallways
Pre-set code word
5 mins alone to decompress

13. Now What? Fill out more than 1 card
Give to supervisor, trusted co-worker, family member
Know that by giving to someone, you’re trusting them with your wellbeing

14. Tips to Manage Stress Take a time out (yoga, meditation)
Change your perspective on situation
Talk to someone
Eat healthy meals
Reduce intake of caffeine and alcohol
Exercise
Get 7-9 hrs of sleep

15. Don’t be Silent Any More
Admit you feel stressed sometimes
Feel the emotions you do (acknowledge, accept, action)
Ask for (or offer) help
Use resources available to you (ie Behavioural Health, Peer Support, Employee Assistance Program)

16. For Those Working the Thin Gold Line
Dispatcher Tribute