San Francisco Implements Wellness Room for Dispatchers
In a significant move to support its emergency responders, the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management has inaugurated a new wellness room for dispatchers. This initiative coincides aptly with National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time dedicated to acknowledging the critical role of dispatchers in emergency services.
Cathy Osorio, a dispatcher with two decades of experience, emphasized the importance of being mentally prepared. She stated, ‘Every second counts, so we have to make sure that we’re ready to send the information in a split second.’ The pressures of handling back-to-back emergency calls can be overwhelming, according to Osorio, who explained the toll this takes on mental health.
The newly established wellness room, designed to provide a calming environment, features massage chairs, couches, and even a selection of books. Osorio highlighted its importance by saying, ‘We come down here, we stretch, relax. We have some water noises in the background.’ This space was previously a multipurpose area, now transformed based on feedback from staff.
Janet Atchan Follings, the assistant deputy director, discussed the initiative’s objectives. She said, ‘We did a survey prior to constructing the room, and so we based some of the things that we have on the feedback that we received.’ The addition of plants aims to create a relaxing ambiance, allowing employees to escape the demands of their roles during breaks.
Atchan Follings further observed, ‘The midnight employees like to come down here and take a little nap or get a little break.’ This wellness space comes at a vital time as there are currently 124 fully trained dispatchers and 27 trainees at the department.
In reflecting on the need for mental health resources for first responders, Osorio remarked, ‘We want to get the help out there for you, but sometimes we need help, too.’ Recognized as the city and county’s dispatcher of the year, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to saving lives in San Francisco.
This initiative signifies a broader commitment to mental health among emergency service personnel, underscoring the necessity for support systems that enhance their well-being.
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