My name is Alex, and for the past eight years, I've been a 9-1-1 dispatcher.

I worked tirelessly in a dimly lit room filled with glowing screens, buzzing equipment

and low chatter.

Nearly every day I sit at my station wearing a headset that connects me to the voices

of those in need.

Working as a dispatcher has changed me though.

After handling countless emergency calls, you develop a certain level of emotional resilience.

You have to.

There's no room for panic or hesitation when someone's life is on the line.

I've heard the fear in people's voices, the desperation, the terror.

I've listened to the last words, sent help racing to the location, and done everything

in my power to keep them calm until help arrives.

It's a heavy burden to bear, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Still though, it can get to you.

Leave you in a dull mindset at the end of a night.

Night spent drinking to forget some of the more unforgiven circumstances that you enjoy

through the night.

Life at the core centre has become a sort of second home for me.

I form close bonds with my fellow dispatchers, sharing stories, laughter and tears during

our long shifts together.

We've become a tight-knit family, supporting each other through the emotional highs and

lows that come with a job.

...