Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Practice Exam

A _____________may be any situation faced by PSTs that causes them to experience unusually strong emotional reactions which have the potential to interfere with their ability to function on duty or later.

1. Critical incident

2. Stressor

3. Compassion fatigue

4. Eustress

The correct answer is: Critical incident

A critical incident refers to any event that has the potential to cause significant emotional distress for Public Safety Telecommunicators (PSTs). These incidents often involve situations that are traumatic, intense, or beyond the normal experiences encountered in the line of duty. Examples can include serious accidents, violent crimes, or any scenario that poses a threat to life or wellbeing. The emotional reactions elicited by such incidents can be profound and may impact a PST's performance, decision-making, and mental health. Recognizing what constitutes a critical incident is crucial for PSTs, as it emphasizes the importance of mental health support and coping mechanisms within the profession, enabling them to maintain their functionality both during and after the incident.