Dev Log 1

The research topic I chose to delve into was investigating the working climate of first responders in the healthcare sector. Historically, the healthcare sector has been notorious overworked, with long hours and little support. Considering the state of the healthcare system during the pandemic, I decided looking into how first responders were coping overall. A large part of the motivation for this research was by having old friends who are working as responders in the community, as well as knowing the general importance that paramedics, fire fighters, and 911 dispatchers in a given community.

Overall, the research itself was enlightening, with plenty of academic research having been done investigating the risk of fatigue, trauma, and more within the jobs of first responders. One particular interesting study delved into recording the lived experiences of first responders, and the hurdles they face in their profession, as well as the power imbalances that exist within their working environment. One of the most common problems to note was the lack of support and funding into certain parts of the first responder jobs, and a chronic understaffing within these rolls. The difficult decisions that 911 dispatchers must make when there are critical emergencies occurring, but they simply do not have enough paramedics to help everyone is a difficult one, and one that takes a large toll on the workers themselves.

I would like to create a game that delves into the plight that 911 dispatchers face, and their relationship with the communities they serve, as well as the chronic issues that are occurring in the industry.