APCO Surviving Stress in the Communications Center, hosted by the Des Moines Police Department.
4- 1 day classes offered- April 16th (52163), 17th (52225),18th (52226) and 19th (52228), 2019 in Des Moines, IA.
Cost: $199, $20 discount for APCO members
Contact Info: Lt. Scott Dreyer, 515-323-8362 or sldreyer@dmgov.org (email for flyer)
Course Description- The field of emergency communications is by its very nature, stressful. From the frantic all of a parent who just found their baby not breathing, to a motorist injured in an accident on a strange roadway, dispatchers are the life link to thousands of people each day. These dedicated people must be the calm, reassuring voice that ensures that help is on the way. All too often however, intense emotions and other damaging stress reactions are caused by visual images brought on by events never seen and the vicarious traumatization that comes with helping others. These stress reactions can and often do, take a toll on even the most seasoned telecommunicator.