WHO AM I ?

I am the voice that calms the mother into breathing life back into her apneic infant son.

I am the invisible hand that holds and comforts the elderly man who woke up this morning to find his wife of 50 years has passed away during the night.

I am the friend who talks the disgruntled teenager out of ending her own life.

I sent help when you had your first automobile accident.

I am the one who tries to obtain the information from callers to ensure that the scene is safe for those I dispatch to emergencies-all the while anticipating the worst and hoping for the best.

I am the psychologist who readily adapts my language and tone of voice to serve the needs of my callers with compassion and understanding.

I am the ears that listen to the needs of all those I serve.

I have heard the screams of faceless people I never will meet nor forget.

I have cried at the atrocities of mankind and rejoiced at the miracles of life.

I was there, though unseen by my comrades in the field during the most trying emergencies.

I have tried to visualize the scene to coincide with the voices I heard.

I usually am not privy to the outcome of a call, and so I wonder...

I am the one who works weekends, strange shifts and holidays.

Children do not say they want my job when they grow up. Yet, I am at this vocation by choice.

Those I help do not call back to say thank you, still there is a comfort in the challenge, integrity, and purpose of my employment.

I am thankful to provide such a meaningful service.

I am a mother, father, sister, brother, son or daughter.

I am where you need me and still here when you don't.

My office is never empty, and the work here is never done. I'm always on call. The training is strenuous, demanding and endless. No two days at work are ever the same.

Who am I?

I am an emergency dispatcher, and I am proud.

by Tracy Cameron