9/11: A Case Study

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There is no acronym to define what “911” truly means. As for me, 9-1-1 is more than a three-digit phone number, it is the person on the other side of the phone that helps to bridge the gap between you the victim and relaying the information to the first responders. However, 911 operators are the last ones’ to be acknowledged for their work dedication and mental stability; the first ones’ who are called in the time of distress and need for immediate help; and the first to communicate with law enforcement officers the callers request. These men and women act as facilitators to ensure the safety of their officers and provide a feeling of comfort to their victims. However, little thought has been put into who they are and their mental health, yet …show more content…
Emergency workers are required to work under pressure; multi-task, work 24 hours shift work, make immediate decisions while managing difficult emotions. Continuous exposure to potentially traumatic events at rates that likely exceed that of emergency first responders, such as police officers, may increase the risk of trauma related psychopathology. Research has shown that “behind the scenes” has just as much psychological and physiological impact as those who are on the “front lines.” Further studies showed that although dispatchers are not physically present, it is likely exposure to hearing the traumatic event can lead to long term effects, such as negative emotional and physical outcomes (Trachik et al., …show more content…
She indicated one of the biggest stressors is not knowing what happened after help arrives. Often times, police dispatchers are forced to deal with hostile individuals as well as people who are in crisis but have no way of providing personal assistance, which can lead to increase feelings of lack of control (Reddin, Hasselt, Baker, Southgate & Larned, 2010). Additionally, his studies showed police dispatchers also face the possibility of experiencing stress, depression or desensitization of trauma and avoidance. Their thoughts, feelings, activities, or similar situations, as well places that were once pleasurable are avoided because of the fear of reliving the trauma that was heard over the phone. Research has shown because of this, he or she may tend to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma and have anxious feelings that are so intense that their lives are disrupted (Pierce & Lily,