Two Barrow County dispatchers got trained in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols, and then helped deliver two babies this summer.
According to the Barrow County Government, the EMD system requires advanced training for E-911 staff, but allows 9-1-1 call takers to provide medical instructions while gathering information for first responders before they arrive on scene.
In the early morning hours of June 1, shortly after the new EMD system went live, Shift Supervisor Rachel Gyldholm received a call from a Spanish-speaking resident whose sister was in labor.
Using their translation service, Gyldholm was able to guide the caller through the steps of helping his sister deliver the baby safely at home while medical personnel were en route.
The other situation occurred on July 23 when Communications Officer Desire Selimovic took a call from a husband driving his pregnant wife to the hospital.
He told Selimovic that the baby was coming quickly, and she 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.
“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.”
Selimovic said they are usually the first voice people hear on a bad day.
“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 are reportedly stable and healthy.
E-911 Director Jeremy Pickett praised his staff for their efforts.
“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.”
http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/8/1298569/barrow-county-dispatchers-help-deliver-two-babies-after-emergency-medical-dispatch-goes-live