Behind the Headset: 911 Dispatchers, PTSD, and Mental Health

Hosts:

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

Guest:

Larry Fraser, CMCP - 911 Director River County 911, 35 years experience as a First Responder: 911, as a jailer, EMT and Deputy Sheriff, currently serving as 2nd VP for KY APC

In this powerful episode, Ashlee and Jennifer are joined by Larry Fraser, an experienced 911 Director from Kentucky, as he shares his remarkable journey through decades of first responder work. Larry opens up about the deep personal impact of being a dispatcher, recounting critical incidents that shaped his life including the loss of a loved one during a shift, and a tragic accident involving his neighbor. He dives into the often-overlooked emotional toll dispatchers face and candidly discusses his battles with PTSD, the struggle for closure, and the transformative power of seeking mental health support.

Key Discussion Points:

• Dispatchers in the Spotlight: Larry sheds light on the disconnect between dispatchers and other first responders, emphasizing the need for greater recognition of dispatchers’ experiences and trauma.

• Critical Incidents & PTSD: He reflects on the anniversary of a life-changing call, the tragic accident of his fiancée and her child which led to personal trauma that wasn’t acknowledged for decades.

• Seeking Help & Recovery: Larry details his eventual diagnosis of PTSD, the process of seeking mental health support, and the life-changing relief he found through programs like PCIS and EMDR therapy.

• Work Culture, Family, and Healing: The episode explores how dispatchers often carry a caretaker mentality, sometimes at the expense of their own health, and the importance of self-care in restoring personal relationships.

• Advocacy, Training, and Leadership: Larry shares his passion for improving mental health resources, training, and peer support structures for dispatchers, hoping to pave the way for the next generation.

 

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

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