CED CED Dispatcher Wellness & Stress Management

Question 1

What term describes the emotional and psychological toll on dispatchers who are repeatedly exposed to traumatic events through the calls they handle?

Accepted Answer

Secondary traumatic stress (vicarious trauma)

Answer

Shift fatigue syndrome

Answer

Operational anxiety disorder

Answer

Cognitive dissonance fatigue

Question 2

Which condition is defined by persistent re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms following repeated exposure to traumatic emergency calls?

Accepted Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Acute Stress Response

Answer

Occupational Burnout

Question 3

What is 'compassion fatigue' as it applies to emergency dispatchers?

Accepted Answer

Emotional exhaustion and reduced empathy resulting from the cumulative burden of helping others in crisis

Answer

Physical fatigue caused by long dispatch shifts

Answer

A temporary decrease in call volume handling efficiency

Answer

Fatigue caused by defective dispatch software

Question 4

Which scheduling factor is most strongly associated with elevated stress levels and health risks among emergency dispatchers?

Accepted Answer

Rotating or overnight shift work

Answer

Daytime-only fixed schedules

Answer

Four-day workweeks

Answer

Working fewer than 36 hours per week

Question 5

Which physical symptom cluster is most commonly reported by dispatchers experiencing occupational burnout?

Accepted Answer

Chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and frequent headaches

Answer

Improved reflexes and heightened alertness

Answer

Reduced heart rate and lower blood pressure

Answer

Increased appetite and weight loss

Question 6

What is considered the most effective immediate intervention for a dispatcher experiencing acute stress following a particularly traumatic call?

Accepted Answer

Immediate peer support contact or a brief supervisor debriefing

Answer

Returning to full call-handling duties without a break

Answer

Filing an incident report and waiting for a scheduled counseling session

Answer

Taking an extended leave of absence from the dispatch center