Which syndrome occurs when a caller feels panicked because they think help is not arriving quickly enough?

The syndrome that describes a caller feeling panicked due to the perception that help is not arriving quickly enough is known as telescoping of time syndrome. This phenomenon occurs when individuals in emergency situations feel as though time is stretching or elongating; they may believe that the response time is longer than it truly is, which can lead to increased anxiety and panic.

This heightened sense of urgency can affect the caller's ability to think clearly and communicate effectively with the dispatcher, potentially complicating the situation further. It is important for Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs) to recognize this syndrome so they can manage the caller's expectations and provide reassurance while maintaining effective communication.

Other syndromes, while related to stress or trauma, do not specifically denote the feeling of panic linked to perceived slow response times. Understanding the nuances of these syndromes helps EMDs provide appropriate support and interventions during critical moments.