Two county 911 dispatchers recognized for lifesaving effort

LOCK HAVEN, PA – Travis Gilbiser and Derek Hoover, two Clinton County 911 dispatchers, came in for recognition at the Thursday meeting of the Clinton County Commissioners.

Commissioner Angela Harding noted a memo from county Emergency Services Director Andrew Kremser concerning their life-saving work in handling a 911 call regarding a 1-year-old who was reported choking with little to no air exchange.

Harding said, “Oftentimes those heroes behind the phones don’t get enough recognition.”

“This type of 911 call is one of the highest stress incidents a dispatcher will encounter. Furthermore, for the 911 center this type of incident requires teamwork in an effort to quickly begin the emergency medical dispatch process. The greatest possible chance for survival comes from lifesaving medical instructions as well as dispatching emergency medical personnel as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The commissioner said thanks to the instructions and quick efforts from the 911 center, the caller was able to reestablish the child’s airway, saving the infant’s life.

Board chairman Miles Kessinger added, “I don’t think anybody thinks of that very often. Everyone just thinks you dial 911 and someone shows up. You don’t realize what these people go through on a daily basis sitting behind those consoles. They’re the voices you hear and faces you never see.”

The board chairman noted there is a need for additional employees at the 911 center located in Flemington.