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BCCD BAKER COUNTY CONSOLIDATED 9-1-1 DISPATCH CENTER Press Release, January 8, 2010 Baker 9-1-1 Dispatchers are trained to help A recent television program (The NBC Today Show) focused upon problems they believe exist in some 9-1-1 dispatch centers around the nation. Specifically the show segment discussed cases in which dispatchers allegedly were unable to give accurate emergency medical advice over the telephone and as a result people died. Over the years lives have been saved with the assistance of Baker 9-1-1 Dispatchers because of their training and the fact that we follow a strict, written, step by step protocol when giving medical advice over the telephone. Let’s discuss training first. All of our dispatchers must meet State of Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training requirements regarding hiring qualifications and training. Each person who answers 9-1-1 lines in our dispatch center has completed Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training and is certified by the state in that specialty. There is an annual training update requirement to maintain that certification. When a call warranting the provision of medical advice over the telephone is received here is the sequence of events which occurs in the dispatch center. the nature of the incident as well as the exact location is determined medical responders are immediately dispatched if the type of incident (possible heart attack, stroke, or injury) warrants giving medical advice over the phone and the calling party is in a position to provide assistance to the patient based on that advice then it is given. Medical advice is given word for word from a specific, step-by-step written protocol. Over the years our EMD trained dispatchers have helped (with verbal advice) deliver babies, give CPR to non breathers, and control bleeding in injury cases. Because we adhere to a specific medically approved protocol there has never been any question raised regarding the quality of service we provide in this area.

IF YOU HAVE A POLICE, FIRE, or MEDICAL EMERGENCY, DIAL 9-1-1