WHO AM I

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 has 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 never will 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 say they want my job when

they grow up. Yet, I am at 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.