by Madison White Franks
LANCASTER—Dispatchers and communication officers Heather Jenkins and Amanda Haynie recently saved two children’s lives thanks to a new emergency communication system.
Last year, former Lancaster chief of emergency services Terrence McGregor received a grant for the sheriff’s communications department to install an emergency medical dispatch (EMD) system. The new system allows dispatchers to give emergency medical advice over the phone, said communications supervisor Ashley O’Bier.
Communication officers completed a six-week online course and the new system was implemented in May.
The system utilizes flip cards so the dispatchers can determine the nature of the emergency and if the caller is in the position to assist the person in need before emergency personnel arrive…