CritiCall Dispatcher Test Stress Management 2

Question 1

A dispatcher just handled a traumatic call involving a child fatality. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action by the supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Offer a brief break and check in on the dispatcher's emotional state

Answer

Assign the dispatcher to the next call immediately to prevent dwelling on the incident

Answer

Require the dispatcher to complete a full incident report before any break

Answer

Transfer the dispatcher to administrative duties without discussion

Question 2

What physiological signs indicate a dispatcher may be experiencing acute stress during a call?

Accepted Answer

Rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, muscle tension, and narrowed attention

Answer

Increased typing speed and sharper focus

Answer

Drowsiness and reduced response time

Answer

Improved memory recall and faster decision-making

Question 3

What is 'secondary traumatic stress' as it relates to 911 dispatchers?

Accepted Answer

Psychological harm resulting from indirect exposure to trauma through callers' experiences

Answer

Stress caused by a second traumatic call in the same shift

Answer

Stress caused by on-the-job injury

Answer

Fatigue from working double shifts

Question 4

A dispatcher notices they are becoming increasingly irritable, losing sleep, and finding it hard to engage with calls. These symptoms most likely indicate:

Accepted Answer

Burnout or secondary traumatic stress requiring intervention

Answer

A normal adjustment period for new dispatchers

Answer

A need for more shift hours to build routine

Answer

Physical illness unrelated to work

Question 5

Which breathing technique is commonly recommended for dispatchers to manage acute stress during a call?

Accepted Answer

4-7-8 or diaphragmatic breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system

Answer

Hyperventilation to increase alertness

Answer

Holding breath for 30 seconds between calls

Answer

Shallow, rapid breathing to maintain energy

Question 6

What does a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) session provide for dispatch personnel?

Accepted Answer

A structured group process for processing trauma, sharing reactions, and receiving support after critical incidents

Answer

A formal disciplinary review of how calls were handled

Answer

A technical review of CAD data accuracy

Answer

A scheduling session to reassign personnel after incidents