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How Peer Support Helps Dispatchers Cope with Emotional Disconnect and Numbness

When life-or-death choices balance on the tip of each phone call, how do emergency dispatchers keep their emotional balance intact despite processing trauma on a daily basis? The key is to understand a crucial but underappreciated element of mental health for dispatchers: peer support as the solution to fighting emotional disconnect and numbness.

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How Peer Support Helps Dispatchers Cope with Emotional Disconnect and Numbness

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  1. MyOmnia HOW PEER SUPPORT HELPS DISPATCHERS COPE WITH EMOTIONAL DISCONNECT AND NUMBNESS • THE PEER SUPPORT, HONESTLY, THAT I’D SAY WAS THE TURNING POINT FOR ME GETTING BETTER…” – U.S. NAVY VETERAN (2000–2001)

  2. THE SILENT STRUGGLE Understanding Emotional Disconnect in Dispatchers • DISPATCHERS ARE THE LIFELINE BETWEEN CRISIS & RESCUE • High exposure to trauma → emotional detachment & blunting • 18–24% show PTSD symptoms (Dr. Michelle Lilly study) • Emotional disconnect can spill into personal lives

  3. THE RIPPLE EFFECT How Emotional Numbness Impacts Work & Life • DECREASED FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION • MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES = PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE • SYMPTOMS: • HYPERVIGILANCE • EMOTIONAL NUMBING • AVOIDANCE BEHAVIORS • SUBSTANCE USE

  4. BREAKING THROUGH WITH PEER SUPPORT Why Peer Support Matters • SHARED EXPERIENCE = DEEPER UNDERSTANDING • PROVIDES VALIDATION & SAFE SPACE • POSITIVE COPING THROUGH HUMOR, STORYTELLING & CONNECTION • BUILDS RESILIENCE WHILE REDUCING EMOTIONAL TOLL

  5. THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS From Isolation to Connection STEPS OF PEER SUPPORT IMPACT: • RECOGNITION – IDENTIFYING DISCONNECTION • ENGAGEMENT – JOINING PEER PROGRAMS • VALIDATION – EMPATHY FROM SHARED EXPERIENCES • RECONNECTION – REGAINING EMOTIONAL BALANCE • RESILIENCE – STRONG COPING STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE

  6. BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNICATION CENTERS Key Elements of Effective Peer Support Programs • FORMAL STRUCTURE – ORGANIZATIONAL ENDORSEMENT REDUCES STIGMA • Training & Certification – ICISF & other programs • Accessibility – available anytime, crisis-ready • Supportive Culture – open dialogue, leadership backing, routine debriefings

  7. BEYOND INDIVIDUAL HEALING Wider Impact of Peer Support • BETTER PERFORMANCE & DECISION-MAKING • Reduced burnout & turnover • Stronger team cohesion & morale • Public safety improvements • Tech-enabled tools (Cordico, wellness apps): • 24/7 anonymous support • Resource access & self-assessments • Mental health tracking

  8. MyOmnia THANK YOU • Together, we can strengthen dispatchers’ resilience. • Supporting mental health = protecting public safety • Peer support is not optional — it’s essential • Thank You! WWW.MYOMNIA.HEALTH

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