Barrow County 911 dispatchers help deliver pair of babies

The following was released by the Barrow County government:

Two Barrow County E-911 employees put their training to the test this summer, using the protocols of Barrow County’s Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) system to help two local mothers successfully deliver two babies into the world.

The EMD system allows 911 call takers to provide medical instructions while gathering key information for first responders before they arrive on scene. The program requires advanced training for all E-911 staff and represents a significant enhancement in the level of care available to Barrow County residents during an emergency.

In the early hours of June 1, shortly after the EMD system went live, Shift Supervisor Rachel Gyldholm received a call from a Spanish-speaking resident whose sister was in active labor. Using a translation service available to dispatchers, Gyldholm was able to communicate with the caller and guide him through the steps of helping his sister deliver the baby safely at home while medical personnel were on the way.

“These are the moments when the EMD program proves how valuable it really is,” Gyldholm said. “When seconds matter and help is still minutes away, we are able to provide care and direction that can make all the difference.”

On July 23, Communications Officer Desire Selimovic took a call from a husband driving his pregnant wife to the hospital, being told that the baby was coming – and coming quickly. Selimovic directed the couple to pull into a gas station parking lot, where she guided the husband step by step as he assisted in delivering the baby before first responders arrived.

“As 911 dispatchers, we’re often the first voice people hear on their worst day, during the most stressful moments of life,” Selimovic said. “To be part of something like this — helping bring new life into the world — is an incredible experience and one of the joys of this job.”

Both babies were reported to be stable and healthy following their respective entrances to the world.

E-911 Director Jeremy Pickett praised his staff for their professionalism and dedication.

“I could not be more proud of the men and women of Barrow County E-911,” Pickett said. “They come to work each day prepared to serve their community at the highest level, and these outcomes reflect the skill, compassion, and commitment they bring to the job.”

To see a more detailed look into each story – and observe the EMD system in action – take a look at a video highlighting these two impactful stories.