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
The 'fight-or-flight' response in dispatchers is activated by the:
Answer: Sympathetic nervous system
The sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline and cortisol to prepare the body for perceived threats.
A dispatcher who has worked in a PSAP for 15 years and reports feeling a deep sense of meaning from helping people, despite the stress, is demonstrating:
Answer: Post-traumatic growth and resilience
Post-traumatic growth describes positive psychological changes that emerge from the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances.
Which dietary pattern is MOST associated with worsening anxiety and mood instability in shift workers?
Answer: High consumption of processed foods, sugar, and caffeine
Diets high in sugar and caffeine cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, increasing cortisol and worsening mood instability.
In the context of dispatcher wellness, 'responder identity' refers to:
Answer: The strong self-concept built around being a first responder, which can hinder help-seeking
Responder identity—the belief that first responders are strong and don't need help—is a cultural barrier that prevents dispatchers from seeking mental health support.
Which of the following is a recognized early warning sign of PTSD in dispatchers following a critical incident?
Answer: Hyperarousal, avoidance of reminders, and re-experiencing the event
Hyperarousal, avoidance, and intrusive re-experiencing are the three primary symptom clusters of PTSD according to DSM-5 criteria.
A dispatcher shift supervisor noticing that three team members are showing signs of stress after a mass-casualty event should FIRST:
Answer: Activate the peer support program or CISM team and reduce non-essential workload
Activating CISM/peer support early reduces the risk of acute stress developing into chronic PTSD or burnout.
Which of the following best defines 'compassion satisfaction' in the context of dispatcher wellness?
Answer: The positive feeling derived from being able to help others effectively
Compassion satisfaction is the pleasure a worker derives from doing their work well and knowing they made a difference in others' lives.