Error Recovery

Welcome to Dispatch Education!! We are Lisa and Bethany. Today we want to talk about something that is very difficult. Error Recovery.

We pray and hope that you never have to deal with a major error on your job. We also know that mistakes happen so what do you do when the error that you just made could deeply impact some else’s life.

First, own your mistake. This is not a time to be proud or argumentative about your actions. Talk to your supervisor immediately to let them know what happened. The quicker that corrective measures can happen the better.

Second ask for help. This could be different types of help. Maybe you are new and need more training, ask for it. Maybe you can’t shake the error, talk to someone about it. Maybe you are overworked (I know most centers are), ask for support.

And sometimes asking for help means asking a professional. Errors can change lives. You may be struggling with guilt, anxiety, depression or many other issues. Please take time to care for your mental help. See a counselor, talk to your doctor, meet with your pastor. It truly is ok to get help when you have made an error.

Finally, take a deep breath. No, that is not just a saying. Dave Larton, an associate editor for 9-1-1Magazine.com, who has 35 years of emergency service experience, teaches “trainees to use combat breathing” (also known as tactical breathing), during a call if they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. This breathing technique is described as “four counts to breathe in, four counts holding that breathe, four counts to breathe out.” Larton believes that this will help them get through the call, at which point, they can take a few moments to recover and keep breathing.

Thank you for joining us today. We will see you next time.