By Laura French
DENVER — A new Colorado law expands access to workers’ compensation for 911 dispatchers who develop PTSD from listening to traumatic incidents.
Previously, compensation was only available for those who witness death or serious injury visually, according to CBS Denver. The new law signed by Gov. Jared Polis this week expands benefits to include those who experience “audible psychological trauma” from hearing events unfold.
“Emergency operators are our first line of support when a horrific event occurs,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, a primary sponsor of the bill, according to CBS Denver. “We need to show up for these brave, resilient people the way they show up for our communities and provide them the compensation they need to heal.”
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