Karina Putnam- 911 Dispatch "We Handle The First Wave" Artwork

Code 4 Northwest

The Code 4 Northwest podcast provides a pragmatic, positive voice for a community of first responders and their families. When your day job is dealing with what is often one of the worst possible days for those you serve, it is vital that your perspectives be accurate and not overshadowed by your day to day experiences. This podcast exists to help restore the balance between perceptions and perspectives by stepping back to see the bigger picture.Code 4 Northwest is an entirely volunteer-run, free and confidential crisis response and referral network for Washington State active and retired first responders, EMS, corrections, civilian support personnel, and their families.

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Code 4 Northwest

Karina Putnam- 911 Dispatch "We Handle The First Wave"

March 14, 2021

In this episode, we go on the dispatch side of the radio with Karina Putnam. She jokes that 911 dispatch is like a "high wire act with knives and fire and no safety net". This is an insightful interview about how this work and experiencing vicarious trauma changed her as a person--change she didn't expect or notice happening. Seeing a photo of herself where she appeared different, looked tired and angry, made her want to change how she felt.
She volunteers for Code4 NW as a call receiver and is still dispatching while going to school to become a counselor for First Responders. This episode contains some explicit language.

Music in this episode:

Wah Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4602-wah-game-loop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license