~Dispatcher Are Invisible~

My sacrifice is small compared to some, it seems
but each day I sacrifice a part of me
Some days it is returned when I leave
on others they take it away from me
Each day I park my emotions at the door
and enter a realm few want to explore
Let me take you into my world so you can see
what a day in the life of a 911 dispatcher can be
I need five hands to answer phones
for typing and the radio's alone
One to grab coffee while it's still warm
as all tasks, simutaneously, must be preformed
My skin has to be tough to withstand
when barbs from growling officers land
or jabs from complaining citizens
often make me re-assess, where I am
A dispatcher needs five sets of ears
for telephones, radios, and alarms to hear
for intercoms and officers who need to know
all information my screens can show
Along with the ears you need a brain
capable of remembering everything
all local and ten codes; the elements of crimes
phonetic alphabets and what to say each time
What questions to ask for every call
hundreds of voices, with emergencies one and all
You must make a decision in a minute or less
and send appropriate units to meet the test,
while talking on the radio to other emergencies
as you try to handle everyone's needs
You need an abundance of patience to be
able to handle all the emotions you see
Your heart must never break
when answering some of the calls you take
from a mother who's child just passed away
or a rape victium, who is afraid to stay
There is the suicidal person you don't want to loose
and frighten children you need to soothe
The little old lonely lady who just wants some time
to hear a caring vioce, at the end of the line
As a dispatcher I am invisible, you see
except in emergencies....when you really need me

(c) by Carole Mathys    December 10, 2004