Stress and the Dispatcher - Surviving the Console is designed from the ground up to help 911 Dispatchers know and cope with the exact nature of job-related stress! It has been presented to hundreds of 911 Dispatchers across the USA to rave reviews.

What's the Training About?

Part 1: Defining Stress and the Dispatcher.  Going beyond just the text book definition of stress, we look at the specific stressors that affect 911 dispatchers.  Outlining specifically both the internal and external sources of stress in the Communications Center.   The Discussion also addresses the importance that experience and knowledge of the job an individual has factors in when coping with the high stress of Emergency Dispatching.  

Part 2: The Power of the Mind and Stress.  Positive and Negative stress and the difference between the two.  Explanation of the Behavioral Reaction Matrix, or, how we typically react to the various stressors in our environment.  Explanation of the Type A and Type B personalities with a focus on the Type A personality and it's effects and correlation with the Type A work environment of the Communications Center. Discussion of the role that expectations and beliefs of ourselves and others that affect our actions, along with a fascinating look into the of the role of the Three-Fold-Behavioral Interlock (the key to human behavior).  

Break for Lunch (1200-1300)

Part 3: Coping with Stress.  Learning to cope with job related stress using effective role-playing to display some of the interpersonal issues that happen to Dispatchers, and then give solutions and tips on how to cope and adjust to them. Discussion on the physiological and psychological effects of stress. Identification of both defensive and active coping methods, with the emphasis on why defensive coping techniques are less effective than active methods.  Explanation and further discussion of active coping methods and how to employ them in the dispatcher's working environment. Key attitudes to watch for and eliminate. Appraise the usefulness of various tools for time management and prioritization. Developing Resiliency Strategies to guard against stress.  Discussion on how to develop positive key attitudes that help us cope with stress. How to get along with co-workers by using effective and positive communication (for our full seminar on this subject see here).  Discussion and instruction on stress reduction techniques including meditation, progressive relaxation, deep breathing and more.

Part 4: Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD).  Exploring the definition of  Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The PTSD matrix, (Exploring how it can and does happen to dispatchers)  Identifying the signs and symptoms of PTSD and where to go for Help.  Discussion of Peer Counseling and why it is so important to have a good Critical Incident Stress Management team available, and it no team exists how to begin the process of implementation.

Part 5: Nutrition and Stress.  Explanation of the importance that nutrition and exercise has on the level of stress experienced by dispatchers.  Dealing with insomnia and shift work.  Exploring the circadian rhythm - the 24-hour clock cycle of the body!  Suggestions for improving nutrition and exercise habits. Great tips on reducing the occurrences of headache, chronic fatigue, and much more!

All parts will be presented with appropriate slides and exercise handouts and a booklet.

Thank you for your interest in our seminar.  Contact us for the date you would like a seminar scheduled.  We ask that a 30-day advanced notice be considered.  We hope to speak with you in the future!

Helping Dispatchers Cope with Stress!