Across the United States, Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) are understaffed. PSAPs are the crucial call centers where operators receive 911 calls and route them to the appropriate emergency service personnel—such as police departments, fire departments, or emergency medical services (EMS). Although staffing is a perennial problem for PSAPs, COVID-19 has further exacerbated the issue and put already overburdened staff under increasing amounts of stress.
At a time when more people are seeking work/life balance and positive mental health, it’s easy to surmise that many PSAP call-takers and dispatchers may be leaving the industry for jobs that are better paid, have nicer schedules, or that don’t require the stressful daily navigation of traumatic events… READ MORE
