The Stork Club

February 23, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:    Megan Silverstrim, Cumberland County

                      

Cumberland County Commissioners

Recognize 9-1-1 Dispatchers Efforts

Cumberland County, Pennsylvania– Cumberland County Dispatcher Jon Anschutz was recognized today by the Board of Commissioners during their regular workshop meeting.  In December, Anschutz took a 9-1-1 call from an individual in North Newton Township reporting a woman in labor.  Anschutz provided pre-arrival instructions to the caller which resulted in the delivery of a healthy baby boy prior to the arrival of an ambulance.

It is required of all Cumberland County Dispatchers to achieve and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification.  EMD provides dispatchers with a specialized skill set that allows them provide lifesaving pre-arrival medical instructions and activate the appropriate emergency responses.  Initial EMD certification is achieved through a twenty four hour course.  To maintain their certification dispatchers must sustain CPR certification, pass quality assurance reviews, complete twenty four hours of continuing education and pass a test every two years.

Anschutz was presented with a blue stork pin during his recognition and he has been added to the Stork Club.  The Stork Club identifies those dispatchers that have assisted in the delivery of a baby by providing pre-arrival instructions.  To date 17 Cumberland County dispatchers have joined the ranks of the Stork Club, delivering 19 babies, since its creation nearly 20 years ago.

   

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