Dispatcher Wellness and Stress Management Flashcards
7 cards from real PSD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Dispatcher Wellness and Stress Management flashcards as text
A dispatcher who feels emotionally numb, no longer cares about call outcomes, and dreads going to work is exhibiting the 'depersonalization' component of:
Answer: Burnout syndrome
Depersonalization—feeling detached from one's work and callers—is one of the three core dimensions of burnout identified by Maslach.
Which sleep hygiene practice is MOST beneficial for dispatchers who work rotating night shifts?
Answer: Using bright light exposure to align the circadian rhythm with the new shift schedule
Strategic bright light exposure helps reset the circadian clock, making it easier to sleep and stay alert on rotating schedules.
Which of the following is a recognized benefit of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) for dispatchers?
Answer: It provides a structured group process to process emotional reactions after a critical event
CISD offers a structured, facilitated group discussion to normalize reactions and promote psychological recovery after a critical incident.
A dispatcher who constantly second-guesses their decisions long after calls are resolved and feels they are 'never good enough' is displaying which stress-related pattern?
Answer: Rumination
Rumination involves repetitively and passively focusing on distress and its causes, and is associated with depression and anxiety in first responders.
Physical fitness is recommended for dispatcher stress management primarily because exercise:
Answer: Metabolizes stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline
Regular aerobic exercise helps the body metabolize excess cortisol and adrenaline accumulated during high-stress work periods.
When a coworker mentions they feel 'fine' after a mass-casualty incident but then begins making errors and missing shifts, a peer support team member should:
Answer: Check in periodically and gently offer resources without pressuring
Delayed stress reactions are common; a non-judgmental check-in preserves trust while keeping the door open for support.
Which of the following workplace factors is MOST protective against dispatcher burnout according to occupational stress research?
Answer: Perceived organizational support and supervisor recognition
Perceived organizational support—feeling valued and recognized—is one of the strongest buffers against burnout in high-stress occupations.