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

Immediate supervisor check-in and offering a brief break are best practices after traumatic calls to prevent acute stress response.

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

Acute stress triggers the sympathetic nervous system: increased heart rate, shallow breathing, muscle tension, and narrowed (tunnel) focus.

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

Secondary traumatic stress (also called compassion fatigue) results from repeated indirect exposure to others' trauma — a recognized occupational hazard for dispatchers.

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

Irritability, insomnia, and emotional disengagement are classic warning signs of dispatcher burnout and secondary traumatic stress.

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

Diaphragmatic or slow breathing techniques counteract the stress response by activating the parasympathetic ('rest and digest') system.

Criticall Test Practice Test

Criticall Test Practice Test

CritiCall Dispatcher Test Stress Management 2