VIDEO: 911 dispatchers in Jefferson County have a new tool to deal with the unique challenges of the job. A peer support team is now in place to help when a telecommunicator handles a tragic or critical stress incident. The team is made up of trained telecommunicators who understand the nature of the job. Participation in the program is voluntary.
“We are the first, first responders. We got to make sure that our people are healthy,” Jefferson County 911 Chief John Whitehead said. Telecommunicators are the first line of contact for those in crisis. The constant exposure to calls involving domestic violence, homicides and other serious cases can take an emotional toll on dispatchers.
“Child deaths are the worst. Everyone can relate that to someone. Instances that deal with people in the public that you know,” Mike Prater said. Prater is the coordinator for the 911 Peer Support Team. The stakes are high considering the volume and seriousness of calls fielded by Jefferson County 911 Dispatch. It provides emergency communication services for nine agencies, 16 fire protection districts, and five ambulance districts.
