Prevalence of PTSD symptoms in Canadian 911 operators

By answering the 911 telephone line, ascertaining what type of help is needed (police, ambulance, or fire) and how fast they are to respond, the 911 communications operator is the “first” of first responders. If 911 operators were not able to extract vital information from panic stricken people and make split second decisions to send the required help, members of the public would not receive the assistance they need and many could perish. Yet, 911 operators are forgotten when it comes to prevention, education, and treatment for stress-related injuries resulting from their work. This study examines whether 911 operators suffer from post-traumatic stress symptoms than could amount to a diagnosis of PTSD, which of these symptoms are most prevalent, and what other factors such as workplace stressors may contribute to their stress levels. This study is the first one in Canada focusing specifically on post-traumatic stress disorder within the profession of 911 communications operators.