A donor-funded initiative that began in Sheboygan County several years ago is being recognized for excellence by an international organization.
From 2015-2016, the “When Minutes Matter” campaign raised funds to train 911 dispatchers in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) processes under the leadership of Aurora Health Care’s Emergency Medical Services teams. Acuity Insurance donated the lead gift of $125K, and the campaign raised a total of $650K.
“EMD allows dispatchers to give medical instructions to 911 callers over the phone, which they could not previously do,” explained Dr. Steven Zils, medical director for the program. “It also serves as a tool to prioritize calls, so the correct resources are sent. For example, if you twist an ankle, you won’t need the highest-level response like you would for a stroke or cardiac arrest.”
Because so many people in Sheboygan County live in rural areas, wait times for an ambulance can be longer than the national average.
“For a patient in cardiac arrest, every minute that goes by without CPR decreases their chances of survival by 10%. So, if we can provide instructions and limit their time without CPR to one minute, we can increase their chance of survival to 90%. And it’s only more amplified in rural areas where it takes us longer to reach them.”
With EMD, dispatchers follow a protocol-based process to quickly identify life-threatening conditions and provide detailed directions to callers until help arrives.
“Since the program began, dispatchers have assisted in cardiac arrest survival, traumatic amputations and bleeding and several childbirths – all before paramedics and EMTs are able to arrive on scene,” said Dr. Zils.
Last month, the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office received accreditation from the International Association of Emergency Dispatchers, which is the standard-setting organization for emergency dispatch and response services worldwide and is the leading body of emergency dispatch experts. Sheboygan County is just the third in the state to accomplish that goal.
“It’s not an easy accreditation to get; it’s taken a long time to achieve. When you have an outside agency recognize and validate the great work that’s being done, it carries a lot of weight. It’s a huge accomplishment.”
The “When Minutes Matter” campaign also purchased two EMS vehicles and 30 AEDs that were placed around the community. Thousands of community members are trained each year in CPR. In addition, simulation equipment was purchased for paramedics to use in their own education.
“Even years later, the impact of the fundraising campaign is still being felt every day,” said Dr. Zils. “The EMD program, the vehicles, the CPR training and the simulators have and continue to have a long life span – and all of it is saving lives.”
How you can help
Lifesaving programs like EMD are made possible because of the generous support of donors. You can make a difference by donating to a hospital or program that’s important to you today.