Dispatchers Were Key In Plane Crash Rescue

When a small plane pancaked into the Hudson River north of New York City last week, it was three Westchester County dispatchers who provided the first assistance for the victims, and who then coordinated the full emergency response that led to a successful rescue. The pilot and passenger of the plane were pulled from the icy waters by police officers, and both are expected to recover. Officials said the rescue was remarkable given the location, darkness and frigid waters of the river. The pilot had taken off on a sightseeing trip, and then a mechanical problem forced the plane down. The passenger dialed 911 and reached the state’s traffic management center. A dispatcher there immediately transferred the call to the Westchester County Emergency Communications Center, where dispatcher Melissa Seymour picked up the call. “We are still in the plane. The plane is taking on water,” the caller told her. “Is it possible for you to get out?” Seymour asked. When the man said it was possible to leave the plane, Seymour told him, “I need you to get out. Get out of the plane.” The couple put on life jackets and exited the plane, just as it sank. Meanwhile, fellow dispatchers Bobby Marron and Jonathan Dawson began the dispatch of first responders to the incident, including making phone calls to other agencies. The victims spent about 20 minutes bobbing in the water until police officers arrived in boats—officials said both people were nearly lifeless when rescued. Read about the incident here, and listen to the 911 call here.