Trainee Receives Call, Saves His Own Son

As a dispatcher, you rarely have the opportunity to save the life of your own son. Thurston County (Wash.) dispatcher Chris Scott had that opportunity, and succeeded. On Feb. 4th his 6 month-old son choked on some plastic packaging, and his wife Janna dialed 911, hoping to hear Chris’ voice. Indeed, Chris did coincidentally answer the call. Still in training, he used his EMD skills—and perhaps his military experience to remain calm—to instruct his wife through clearing his son’s airway. The plastic popped out and his son Jacob started breathing again before EMS units arrived. The couple appeared on the CBS-TV “Early Show” this week to recount the story. Read more and listen to the 911 call here. Although Chris says he immediately recognized his wife’s voice, on the tape he sounds to be on “auto pilot” while giving the EMD instructions.