'We're hoping this saves lives:' North Shore dispatchers are now using updated protocols during 911 calls
North Shore dispatchers are now using updated protocols to collect critical information and connect the right response to emergencies while also providing medical instruction as necessary.
The Bayside Communications Center implemented the new protocols Sept. 21, which guide dispatchers through questions to assist in the best response.
Each call will start with the following four questions:
What is the address of the emergency?
What is the phone number you are calling from?
What is your name?
Can you tell me exactly what happened?
While emergency medical service units are en route, the dispatcher will continue to assist with patient care until responders arrive. The Emergency Medical Dispatching protocol provides standardized and medically approved resources to make sure dispatchers are giving consistent and accurate advice for various medical conditions ranging from CPR to labor and delivery.
This updated protocol gives dispatchers a hands-on approach to assist patients, said Bayside Communications Director Liane Scharnott.
"We're not just sitting here and reminding the caller that help is on the way. There wasn't much we could say because it's a liability for you to provide medical information without the training," said Scharnott.
The Bayside Communications Centers has facilitated emergency dispatch services for Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay and the North Shore Fire Department since May 2011.
"Gone are the days of you calling and saying somebody's on the ground we can't do anything. Now we can provide you with so much more information, which we're hoping this saves lives," said Scharnott.
For more information, visit www.baysidewi.gov.
Contact Alex Groth at agroth@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @grothalexandria.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: North Shore dispatchers are using updated protocols during 911 calls
