Learning Tools Warehouse Tutorial

Identifying Vicarious and Secondary Trauma

In this course, dispatchers within a 911 Call Center will gain essential knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate vicarious and secondary trauma. As first responders, dispatchers frequently interact with traumatic incidents, which can impact their mental and emotional well-being. This course delves into the unique challenges faced by dispatchers, emphasizing early detection, coping strategies, and self-care. Participants will learn to differentiate between primary and secondary trauma and be able to recognize signs of vicarious trauma. Through interactive learning activities and personal stories, participants will learn a variety of low-impact debriefing techniques and short-term coping strategies to cultivate resilience, seek support, and foster a culture of compassion and self-care within the 911 and PSAP environment.