![]() ![]() The three digit number 988 has replaced the national number making it easier to remember and use when it’s needed. J988 number now connects directly to national suicide prevention line He joins us to talk about the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch award, his experience over the last decade of this work and what keeps him going. The award for best dispatcher in North America goes to Portland’s own Stephen Zipprich. ![]() Related Stories Portland emergency dispatcher honored as best in North America In the 20-minute call Stephen Zipprich used in his application, t he woman in crisis called 988, and 988 transferred her to 911. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Ĭorrection : This story has been updated to correct an editing error. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call or text 988 to reach the suicide and crisis lifeline. The city of Portland declared July 12, 2023, to be “ Stephen Zipprich Day of Appreciation.” “We’re sitting at desks very close by and so when you’re hearing somebody giving CPR instructions, you might hear that call that they’re doing CPR for a child, and those are really hard,” he says. The heaviness of the traumas can have an impact on call-takers themselves. They’re crying out for help because they’re in this desperate situation.” And we can make that personal connection with the person that’s calling. “I mean, we are human people, you know, we’re not robots. ![]() “Trying to maintain a high level of compassion and empathy for their situation and what they’re going through is a big part of it, and making that connection and letting them know that I’m not there to judge them,” he said. Zipprich was recognized for his skill in adopting and integrating those as well.īut one of the things he said he finds rewarding is being able to bring himself fully to the job while he’s doing it, using his instincts and communication skills to make real connections with people. Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communication has recently implemented new systems to help with call volumes, hold times and quality of service. The 20-minute call was unusually long, but Zipprich needed to stay on with her so that first responders could drive to where she was to help her. And I was able to get her to put the knife away as well,” said Zipprich. And she had been armed with a knife at one point in the call as well. “I spoke with the counselor on that line and then she introduced the caller to me and I got some information from her and she expressed some remorse about having attempted to harm herself. The call was transferred to 911 from 988, the suicide prevention hotline. His call was from a woman who had taken a potentially lethal amount of medication in an attempt to take her own life. Zipprich was nominated for his overall excellence, but part of the contest requires a specific 911 call to be included with the application. “It ranges from basic medical calls somebody experiencing vomiting, and they need an ambulance for that, to somebody’s car just got stolen or their house just got burglarized or their house is on fire,” he said. The range of calls dispatchers field runs the gamut. … I’ve heard it said that if you enjoy what you do, you don’t work a day in your life. “For me, this is meaningful work and it’s something that I enjoy doing and that’s a big deal. “I was looking for a way to feel like I had purpose in what I was doing and something that was more exciting than selling electrical parts,” said Zipprich, who got into the field 10 years ago. ![]()
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