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 had 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 will never 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 voice 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 in this vocation by choice.

Those I help do not call back to say thank you. Still, there is 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 am 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.