Honoring Dispatchers and Call-Takers in a Life-Saving Event

In the early part of January 2025, dispatchers and call-takers were recognized alongside Clark County Fire District #10 in Amboy for their roles in a life-saving rescue.

The call came from a wife reporting that her husband was down and not breathing. Volunteers from the fire district arrived first and used an AED provided by Zoll to perform manual CPR.

North Country EMS (NCEMS) arrived shortly after with a LUCAS Device, which provides consistent chest compressions during transport. Together, they stabilized the patient and requested Life Flight once circulation was restored.

The response faced multiple challenges. The operations dispatcher resolved system issues to ensure the landing zone (LZ) was successfully communicated. Heavy fog and bad weather canceled the first helicopter, requiring a second bird from the north. Over the course of the response, the LZ was changed four times to find safe conditions, with a third fire agency assisting. Despite these challenges, the team’s persistence ensured the patient was transported and survived.

To recognize their roles, Zoll presented commemorative challenge coins to the dispatchers, call-takers, firefighters, and EMS teams involved.

This event also carried a personal connection for the patient. Just days earlier, his son survived a hunting accident on Mount St. Helens that tragically claimed another family member’s life. This successful rescue provided a moment of relief and hope for the family during a difficult time.

We’re proud of dispatchers and call-takers for their vital roles in this complex rescue and grateful to Zoll and Fire District #10 for honoring their hard work.