
Phoenix 911 Dispatchers Face Trauma, PTSD — But Aren't Classified As First Responders
Recent efforts to reclassify 911 operators and dispatchers as first responders federally are stalled. Those who work in the Phoenix alarm room, like Maria Abeyta, may not see trauma like police officers and firefighters, but they hear it.
After her break, Abeyta sits down in her chair in front of seven glowing computer screens, two keyboards and mice. She plugs her headset in and slides it through her hair.
The police radio chatter starts to filter in.
“10-4 shots fired … white male had a gun