Dispatcher saves lives, brings others into the world
ASHTABULA, Ohio – Every time the phone rings at the Ashtabula County 911 Center, dispatchers have no idea who may be calling or the nature of the emergency.
But Ashtabula County Sheriff Dispatch Supervisor Shannon Mellin tells us the department has assembled a great team.
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“When the pressure is on they step up,” Mellin told the Fox 8 I-Team. “They execute at a very high rate.”
Mellin says she is confident that the highly-trained dispatchers can help you get through any emergency. Including the good ones, and the tough ones.
The Ashtabula County sheriff says he is extremely proud of all the dispatchers and the work they do every day helping those in need.
Dispatcher Shayla Terry, who in the past year helped save a life and also assisted in bringing a life into the world, says she treats every call like she is talking to a family member.
“We want our callers to know that we are there with them,” Terry said. “We want them to know they are not alone.”
She added that the birth of the baby, that happened on Feb. 29, is one of her favorite calls that she had handled.
“As a dispatcher you don’t get very many calls you want to have, but that’s always one I wanted to do,” Terry said.
She said the mother was delivering a few weeks early and was surprised when she started having strong contractions.
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“We helped talk her through the contractions, pushing her through,“ Terry said. “The fire department got there right at the very last contraction and they got to bring that baby earthside.”
Officials say both mom and baby were doing great and were taken to the hospital to be checked.
“I definitely will never forget that call,” Terry said.
This is one of four special reports the Fox 8 I-Team is highlighting this May to show the heroic efforts by local dispatchers and first responders.
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