ADHD at Work: How Dispatchers Can Stay Calm, Focused, and in Control

Why Dispatchers Are Essential in High-Pressure Environments

Dispatchers are the central hub of coordination across industries like transportation, emergency services, utilities, and delivery.

They schedule routes, relay instructions, respond to delays or emergencies, and ensure the right people and resources are in the right place at the right time.

Their job is critical for safety, timeliness, and operational flow. Whether they’re directing trucks, buses, ambulances, or service crews, dispatchers must be organized, alert, and responsive under pressure—often with little room for error.

September 2025, CJ Pringle, ADHD Coach @ Agave Health

How ADHD Shows Up on the Dispatch Floor

Dispatchers operate in high-stakes environments where split-second decisions and constant communication are the norm. While some aspects can energize the ADHD brain, others can lead to mental overload or emotional dysregulation.

Here’s how ADHD may show up:

1. Struggles with Prioritization During High Volume

• When several calls, issues, or drivers need attention at once, ADHDers may struggle to triage quickly or focus on the most critical task.
  

• This can result in jumping between tasks or freezing up under pressure.

2. Forgetting Follow-Up Tasks

• Amid constant radio calls, updates, and system alerts, it’s easy to forget to dispatch a backup, return a call, or log a resolved issue.
  

• ADHD-related working memory challenges increase the likelihood of dropped steps.

  
  

3. Emotional Reactivity to Stressful Situations

• Dispatchers often deal with frustrated drivers, delays, accidents, or emergencies.

  
  

• ADHD can lead to heightened emotional responses, making it harder to stay calm or compartmentalize in the moment.

4. Documentation and Reporting Avoidance

• Keeping up with shift logs, incident records, and dispatch summaries can feel repetitive or tedious.
  

• ADHDers may delay documentation, risking incomplete reports or compliance issues.

5. Difficulty Shifting Between Mental Modes

• Switching between real-time crisis management and routine scheduling can be jarring.

  
  

• ADHD may make it harder to quickly pivot without losing focus or momentum.

How Dispatchers with ADHD Can Stay Sharp and Steady

Dispatching is about communication, responsiveness, and steady thinking—which ADHDers can thrive at when given the right structure and support.

1. Use a Real-Time Tracking Dashboard

• Keep a visual map, digital board, or dispatch software open at all times to track vehicles, incidents, and task status.
  

• Visual systems help ADHDers process and retain information quickly.

2. Maintain a “Next Step” Sticky or Digital Log

• After each call or task, jot down:

  
  

  • What’s done

  • What’s waiting

  • What needs a follow-up

  
  

• Helps reduce forgetfulness and organize priorities under pressure.

3. Set Verbal or Silent Timers for Check-Ins

• Use watch alarms, Pomodoro timers, or scheduling software to prompt:

  
  

  • Scheduled check-ins

  • Breaks (to prevent mental fatigue)

  • Documentation reviews

  
  

4. Standardize Language and Scripts

• Prepare common phrases or templates for:

  
  

  • Route updates

  • Emergency instructions

  • Driver check-ins

  
  

• This saves brainpower, especially when adrenaline is high.

5. Color-Code Urgency

• Use color flags or visual markers for open tasks or calls:

  
  

  • Red = immediate attention

  • Yellow = pending/follow-up

  • Green = low urgency or resolved

  
  

6. Build a Brief Reset Ritual

• After intense calls or peak activity, pause for 1–2 minutes: breathe, hydrate, or stretch.

• Helps regulate emotions and prevent reactive decision-making.

How Agave Health Helps Dispatchers with ADHD Stay Calm and In Control

At Agave Health, we understand that dispatchers with ADHD often thrive under pressure—but that pressure can also lead to overwhelm, fatigue, and missed steps without the right support.

ADHD coaching and therapy help dispatchers create systems that reduce chaos and increase clarity, no matter how fast-paced the shift.

With ADHD-informed support, you can:

• Prioritize quickly and stay focused during high-stakes moments

• Build reliable systems to track tasks and follow up efficiently

• Create sustainable documentation routines

• Learn how to self-regulate during intense calls or emotional moments

• Harness your strengths—fast thinking, sharp instincts, and strong communication

You don’t have to choose between thriving at work and protecting your well-being. With the right tools and support, you can do both.