This evening in dispatch there are three wise dispatchers on duty, Erin, Tyler and Zach.
Here are just a few call scenarios that ventured through in one evening. Along with the scenarios listed there were four other medical calls, fifteen different cars that slid off within the county, three hang up calls and a toddler looking for Santa. Dispatch provided life saving instructions, dispatched multiple personnel and documented every event.
As the phone rings…
Caller: “I found a package, I wouldn’t usually call 9-1-1 for this but I believe that this may be an emergency, this package looks to be important.”
Erin: “Where did you find the package at?
Caller: “I was driving home and it was just here in the middle of the highway, Route 17.”
Erin: “Is it still there?”
Caller: “No, I have it in my car now.”
Erin: “You said it looks important. What makes you say that?”
Caller: “I only stopped because it said ‘Special Delivery’ on the side and it well it kind of sparkled or glimmered. I stopped and before I knew it I had it in my car. I have now pulled over since it began to snow.
Erin verified the caller’s name (Holly), phone number and the exact location where she was and where the package was found. Law enforcement was notified.
As Erin was still talking with Holly the phones continued to ring. There has been an accident on Highway 63. Erin hears her partners answer calls as another rings in and she quickly gets off the phone with Holly advising her that someone will make contact soon.
As the phones ring…
Zach: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
Caller: “There has been an accident on U.S. 63.
Tyler: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
Caller: “I was just hit by another car, I was going into work, and they just came over into my lane.”
Erin: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
Caller: “There is a wreck, the road is blocked, and it looks like there are many cars, the snow is picking up, and it is getting dark. Someone needs to get here quickly.
All three dispatchers were making notes and repeating information out loud so that all could know what the other was doing. While taking fourteen calls total in three minutes time, Ems, law, and fire were all dispatched within forty-five seconds of the original call. This was a three-vehicle accident. Three ambulances were dispatched along with two fire departments. One of Zach’s callers was a passerby that stopped to help. Zach talked him through how to control bleeding on a patient. One of Tyler’s callers was a driver that was trapped. Tyler talked with him, calming him until the fire department was right by his side. One of Erin’s callers was in the traffic behind many but was able to give a good account of the situation as did most of the eleven other callers. The highway was blocked with no traffic north or south. Fire departments quickly got to work to extract trapped individuals. Fire and law enforcement worked together to handle traffic control and route as many as possible around the accident. Ems asked for a helicopter. Dispatch called three different services, however due to weather no one could fly. Working as a well-oiled team dispatch kept track of every department and every phone call that rang in. In addition to replying to responding agencies’ questions and requests, five patients were transported to the hospital, and it took over three hours to carefully clear the highway.
As the phone rings…
Tyler: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?
Caller: “I am terribly sorry to call you, but I need some top-secret help. You see I have been traveling this evening, and I am afraid that I may have lost a package. When I doubled back to pick it up, it was gone.”
Tyler: “Where did you lose it?”
Caller: “I believe it is what you call Route 17. The package, though it is very important, that is not the main reason I am calling, you see umm how do I say this? My vehicle is in a location where I cannot get it back on the correct path to go. There just isn’t enough room.”
Tyler: “Sir, what is your name and what kind of vehicle do you have?”
Caller: “I have many names, but you can call me ‘Nick’ if that is OK. I have a grand sleigh, and I need help maneuvering around a well placed tree that I have somehow landed beside.
Tyler: “A sleigh? Is that correct?”
Nick: “Yes, Tyler, a sleigh that is jolly correct.”
Tyler: “OK, we can get someone to help you, are you off the highway?”
Nick: “Yes, about fifteen yards away.”
Tyler: “We will have help on the way. Wait! How did you know my name?”
As the phone rings…
Zach: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?
Holly: “Hello, I called earlier about a package I had found.”
Zach: “We do have someone on the way to you. I apologize for the delay but there were a few emergencies.”
Holly: “I am not worried about the delay, I am fine; I just don’t think my car will be able to drive through this snow.
Zach: “You stay there and we will have someone help you shortly.”
As Zach was finishing talking to Holly on the phone and Tyler was talking to Nick, Erin had finished up a call and was on the radio to law enforcement, advising them about the highway situation and how they may be possibly related.
As law enforcement arrived at both locations about the same time. They were able to radio back to each other, and it was discovered that the package that was found did indeed belong in Nick’s sleigh. Holly was brought up the road to where Nick was by an officer. Nick’s sleigh was going to be somewhat of a puzzle to get unstuck. The fire department was requested to assist. As this was an unusual sleigh the conservation was also asked to respond to help. It took a great amount of time to get this one figured out but as a team all of the First Responders were able to get Nick back on his way. Nick was so grateful for Holly that he gave her a lift home. As the field responders explained it was like Nick was gone in a flash and they heard the booming words MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
As you sit down with your family and friends this Holiday season, please keep all the First Responders in your thoughts. They and their families sacrifice time scheduled and unscheduled everyday to make sure the citizens are well taken care of.
On behalf of Texas County 9-1-1, the home of the unseen HEROES with a calm voice! We would like to wish you and yours a MERRY CHRISTMAS!