911 Dispatcher

[Boidae]

I had posted this in another forum, but I am looking for more advice on the situation.

I did mention that I was starting to feel as though I am being irrational, but there is still that uneasiness that I mentioned along with the reason for that uneasiness.

Here is the post:

I finished up my vocational evaluations and today was my exit meeting to come up with a plan for me getting back to work.

With my hand injury it was determined that there was only a few things that I could do based on my testing scores. I was told that I am very intelligent person (save for math) and that it was refreshing to see me score as high as I did because they don't see my types of scores very often.

Anyway, the suggestions were 911 dispatcher, delivery/courier driver (light things), escort driver (the ones that escort wide load trucks and things) and my suggestion of pharmacy tech (that would be in the future as it requires a year of schooling and I need to get back to work.

They seem to be pushing me towards 911 dispatch because of my emergency medical technician background. They feel that it's a good fit for me and because I work well under pressure in emergency situations (again according to testing and because I was an EMT) it's where they want me to try.

I am uneasy about it. I told my wife and she asked me why I feel uneasy. Short answer is because I don't think I can handle it. What I mean by that is that I don't think I can handle situations where I am telling others how to save someone else's life while they wait for an ambulance when the need arises and I know that it does quite often. I didn't mind having someone's life in my hands as an EMT because it was me physically working with them.
To tell someone else how to do what I already know how to do and have it go wrong would weigh heavily on me. At least if I am the one doing it, there is no middle man so to speak. This is what makes me uneasy about the job.

I am at a loss for what I should do.

Anyone have any advice and does what I stated on why I feel uneasy make any sense?

 

[favoritetoyisjoy]

I had posted this in another forum, but I am looking for more advice on the situation.

I did mention that I was starting to feel as though I am being irrational, but there is still that uneasiness that I mentioned along with the reason for that uneasiness.

Here is the post:

I finished up my vocational evaluations and today was my exit meeting to come up with a plan for me getting back to work.

With my hand injury it was determined that there was only a few things that I could do based on my testing scores. I was told that I am very intelligent person (save for math) and that it was refreshing to see me score as high as I did because they don't see my types of scores very often.

Anyway, the suggestions were 911 dispatcher, delivery/courier driver (light things), escort driver (the ones that escort wide load trucks and things) and my suggestion of pharmacy tech (that would be in the future as it requires a year of schooling and I need to get back to work.

They seem to be pushing me towards 911 dispatch because of my emergency medical technician background. They feel that it's a good fit for me and because I work well under pressure in emergency situations (again according to testing and because I was an EMT) it's where they want me to try.

I am uneasy about it. I told my wife and she asked me why I feel uneasy. Short answer is because I don't think I can handle it. What I mean by that is that I don't think I can handle situations where I am telling others how to save someone else's life while they wait for an ambulance when the need arises and I know that it does quite often. I didn't mind having someone's life in my hands as an EMT because it was me physically working with them.
To tell someone else how to do what I already know how to do and have it go wrong would weigh heavily on me. At least if I am the one doing it, there is no middle man so to speak. This is what makes me uneasy about the job.

I am at a loss for what I should do.

Anyone have any advice and does what I stated on why I feel uneasy make any sense?

You could try it, you don't have to stay with it if it doesn't work for you, God will direct you. God bless.

 

[Boidae]

You could try it, you don't have to stay with it if it doesn't work for you, God will direct you. God bless.

Actually, I would have to stay with it. Vocational rehab doesn't work on trail basis for jobs as far as the employee trying it out, yes, the employer has the ability to try the employee out for probationary periods, but not the other way around.

Just for some background, I used to do just that, try out jobs and quit if I didn't like them, I am not trying to do that anymore.

 

[mkgal1]

Personally......the fact that you are apprehensive is what would make you such a great dispatcher. To me...that means that you would take it seriously.....as if it were someone you love that it in need. That's rare....and needed.

That you have EMT experience, it isn't the trauma that makes you squimish. It sounds like you are just really conscientious. That *does* sound like a good fit to me. There was the possibility for "things going wrong" at scenes of accidents....right? Not every outcome was positive.

Do you think it's that you are concerned with not being the one that's hand's on, and that people may misunderstand your instructions? Do *all* dispatchers even have the ability to give instruction for C.P.R. or other life-saving instruction to do until the ambulance arrives? That seems like that would set you apart.

 

[brinny]

I had posted this in another forum, but I am looking for more advice on the situation.

I did mention that I was starting to feel as though I am being irrational, but there is still that uneasiness that I mentioned along with the reason for that uneasiness.

Here is the post:

I finished up my vocational evaluations and today was my exit meeting to come up with a plan for me getting back to work.

With my hand injury it was determined that there was only a few things that I could do based on my testing scores. I was told that I am very intelligent person (save for math) and that it was refreshing to see me score as high as I did because they don't see my types of scores very often.

Anyway, the suggestions were 911 dispatcher, delivery/courier driver (light things), escort driver (the ones that escort wide load trucks and things) and my suggestion of pharmacy tech (that would be in the future as it requires a year of schooling and I need to get back to work.

They seem to be pushing me towards 911 dispatch because of my emergency medical technician background. They feel that it's a good fit for me and because I work well under pressure in emergency situations (again according to testing and because I was an EMT) it's where they want me to try.

I am uneasy about it. I told my wife and she asked me why I feel uneasy. Short answer is because I don't think I can handle it. What I mean by that is that I don't think I can handle situations where I am telling others how to save someone else's life while they wait for an ambulance when the need arises and I know that it does quite often. I didn't mind having someone's life in my hands as an EMT because it was me physically working with them.
To tell someone else how to do what I already know how to do and have it go wrong would weigh heavily on me. At least if I am the one doing it, there is no middle man so to speak. This is what makes me uneasy about the job.

I am at a loss for what I should do.

Anyone have any advice and does what I stated on why I feel uneasy make any sense?

The uneasiness makes perfect sense. Keep in mind there would be extensive training. During the training you would be getting a clear-er picture if it is a good fit. With your background, it sounds like a good fit. Your confidence would kick in. If you are able to do well in emergencies, that would carry over to instructing others to do well as they listen to you. Your calmness and confidence would carry over to them. Skilled dispatchers are sorely needed. Pray about this. I'll pray as well.

You sound like you'd make an excellent dispatcher. My prayer is that you'll go for it, but of course it's God's will that matters.

Praying!

 

[mkgal1]

You sound like you'd make an excellent dispatcher. My prayer is that you'll go for it, but of course it's God's will that matters.

Praying!

Amen to that. I'm praying as well.

 

[Boidae]

There was the possibility for "things going wrong" at scenes of accidents....right? Not every outcome was positive.

Yes, that is true. I guess in my mind though is that I am the one in control of what's going, as you said later in your post, more hands on. I see everything that's happening with the patient and can react to it as it's happening and "fix" the problem. As a dispatcher, I can only react to what I am being told over the phone and instruct the person as to what needs to be done and hope that the person gets it right.

Do *all* dispatchers even have the ability to give instruction for C.P.R. or other life-saving instruction to do until the ambulance arrives?

The requirements of our county 911 dispatch are that everyone that works there must have their CPR certification among other certifications and licenses within 6 months for CPR and a couple others and 1 year for the rest.

 

[Boidae]

You sound like you'd make an excellent dispatcher.

This is what I am told by my wife, my mom and the people I have been working closely with to get me back to work. No one has said otherwise.

It's kinda funny in a way. I can handle pressure and stress under emergency medical conditions because the parameters to work within are laid out for me to follow. However, when it comes to stress within everyday life where pressure builds I am not so great at handling and often the stress and pressure get the best of me.

I guess because there are no set parameters to follow so to speak with those types of things and I really do not know what will happen depending on what I choose. At least in emergency medicine, I know what happens based on the decisions I make.

 

[Cute Tink]

Yes, that is true. I guess in my mind though is that I am the one in control of what's going, as you said later in your post, more hands on. I see everything that's happening with the patient and can react to it as it's happening and "fix" the problem. As a dispatcher, I can only react to what I am being told over the phone and instruct the person as to what needs to be done and hope that the person gets it right.

It's more than that for you. In your case, you can ask the right questions - those questions that would go through your mind if you were at the scene. I think, as do the others, that your history makes you very qualified for the job and I think you would do great at it.

One of the reasons that some people panic is because they have no idea what they can do in a situation. With your experience, you could get them something beneficial and constructive to do that would keep those people calm and focused.

 

[brinny]

This is what I am told by my wife, my mom and the people I have been working closely with to get me back to work. No one has said otherwise.

It's kinda funny in a way. I can handle pressure and stress under emergency medical conditions because the parameters to work within are laid out for me to follow. However, when it comes to stress within everyday life where pressure builds I am not so great at handling and often the stress and pressure get the best of me.

I guess because there are no set parameters to follow so to speak with those types of things and I really do not know what will happen depending on what I choose. At least in emergency medicine, I know what happens based on the decisions I make.

It sounds like God plants you in that line of work and you just blossom. You have a gift to work so skillfully in those kinds of emergencies.

God is faithful. The other pressures away from the job, He will work on with you. Pray real hard about this. Not everyone knows what they are gifted at. it's a gift in itself to know this.

For the most part, calming down the person on the other end of the line is the biggie....if you are able to do that you are going to be exceptional. They will be your hands and eyes. Keep them calm, trusting you, and both of you will be a coordinated team. You will be teaching them some of your skills, what to look for, keeping them focused and alert to any changes, etc.

Keep praying. I will too.

 

[mkgal1]

Yes, that is true. I guess in my mind though is that I am the one in control of what's going, as you said later in your post, more hands on. I see everything that's happening with the patient and can react to it as it's happening and "fix" the problem. As a dispatcher, I can only react to what I am being told over the phone and instruct the person as to what needs to be done and hope that the person gets it right.



The requirements of our county 911 dispatch are that everyone that works there must have their CPR certification among other certifications and licenses within 6 months for CPR and a couple others and 1 year for the rest.

Okay.....so those that haven't been EMTs (like you have) are just basically carrying a cert for 6 mos-1 year. They may never have seen an actual person in respiratory distress, though.....correct? You have experience to fall back on.....to imagine what things may look like on the other end of that phone.

 

[BigDaddy4]

This is what I am told by my wife, my mom and the people I have been working closely with to get me back to work. No one has said otherwise.

It's kinda funny in a way. I can handle pressure and stress under emergency medical conditions because the parameters to work within are laid out for me to follow. However, when it comes to stress within everyday life where pressure builds I am not so great at handling and often the stress and pressure get the best of me.

I guess because there are no set parameters to follow so to speak with those types of things and I really do not know what will happen depending on what I choose. At least in emergency medicine, I know what happens based on the decisions I make.

I'm thinking it may be a mental thing. Psychologically, you want to be in on the action, "hands on" as you say, but physically you aren't able to perform the EMT work. That takes some adjustment, and maybe that's where you are having difficulty embracing this new path?? Just a thought...

Happens to a lot of people who love their work but for whatever reason, are physically unable to perform it at some point. Athletes go through that quite a bit.

 

[Boidae]

Okay.....so those that haven't been EMTs (like you have) are just basically carrying a cert for 6 mos-1 year. They may never have seen an actual person in respiratory distress, though.....correct? You have experience to fall back on.....to imagine what things may look like on the other end of that phone.

Yes, this is true.

 

[brinny]

Originally Posted by mkgal1
Okay.....so those that haven't been EMTs (like you have) are just basically carrying a cert for 6 mos-1 year. They may never have seen an actual person in respiratory distress, though.....correct? You have experience to fall back on.....to imagine what things may look like on the other end of that phone.

Yes, this is true.

excellent point.

 

[brinny]

Originally Posted by Boidae
Yes, that is true. I guess in my mind though is that I am the one in control of what's going, as you said later in your post, more hands on. I see everything that's happening with the patient and can react to it as it's happening and "fix" the problem. As a dispatcher, I can only react to what I am being told over the phone and instruct the person as to what needs to be done and hope that the person gets it right.

It's more than that for you. In your case, you can ask the right questions - those questions that would go through your mind if you were at the scene. I think, as do the others, that your history makes you very qualified for the job and I think you would do great at it.

One of the reasons that some people panic is because they have no idea what they can do in a situation. With your experience, you could get them something beneficial and constructive to do that would keep those people calm and focused.

Excellent point.

 

[BigDaddy4]

Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will be a better dispatcher than the person who questioned the social worker for 7 minutes before dispatching the Sherriff's deputies while a father (Josh Powell) brutally killed his 2 sons and himself. Tragic case in our area.

Sorry, hope that doesn't discourage you, but your dilema reminded me about the importance of good, competant dispatchers.

 

[mkgal1]

Well.....as Brinny had said....it's God's will that matters most, but IMO.....it seems to me He has been equipping you for a while for this. I will pray about this with you, and am excited to hear how it plays out. I think this is an excellent use of many of your gifts and past experience. Would you be working at a center near your home and/or wife's place of employment?

 

[mkgal1]

Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will be a better dispatcher than the person who questioned the social worker for 7 minutes before dispatching the Sherriff's deputies while a father (Josh Powell) brutally killed his 2 sons and himself. Tragic case in our area.

Sorry, hope that doesn't discourage you, but your dilema reminded me about the importance of good, competant dispatchers.

That was actually on my mind as well .......I agree.....it shows how important competant & consciencious dispatchers are needed, and why I feel Boidae's sense of seriousness is of ultra benefit. If one is only used to emergencies from the perspective of a room with phones.....never really *seeing* what trauma "looks" like.....how much there is......one can get a careless attitude of "(sigh).....ANOTHER call......what do YOU want?" We need more dispatchers of the opposite kind....and I'm thinking Boidae would be one of the opposite kind.

 

[Boidae]

Would you be working at a center near your home and/or wife's place of employment?

It's just over 12 1/2 miles from our apartment and just under 8 miles from where my wife works.

I think once I find a job and it looks as though it will be stable, my wife will stop working. Working is taking more and more of a toll on her because of her MS.

Oh, and as an update. She did go for a steroid treatment to correct her vision and it took a few days, but the issue started to go away. It's not completely gone and some things exacerbate it, but she is doing better.

 

[BigDaddy4]

That was actually on my mind as well .......I agree.....it shows how important competant & consciencious dispatchers are needed, and why I feel Boidae's sense of seriousness is of ultra benefit. If one is only used to emergencies from the perspective of a room with phones.....never really *seeing* what trauma "looks" like.....how much there is......one can get a careless attitude of "(sigh).....ANOTHER call......what do YOU want?" We need more dispatchers of the opposite kind....and I'm thinking Boidae would be one of the opposite kind.

Agreed.