Sanders County Dispatcher McDonald commended for 'keeping her cool'

The following citation was sent to supervisors and media by Sanders County Deputy Eric Elliot, commending dispatcher Becky McDonald for a job well done.

“On Monday, April 29, 2019, at approximately 0730 hours I heard Dispatcher Becky McDonald tone out the Plains Ambulance for a female in labor...During her transmission she stated that the female also has a history of complications during child birth. Over the next few minutes Dispatcher McDonald remained on the phone with the caller and passed along updated information to the first responders as well as responding to normal radio traffic. At one point prior to the ambulance arriving, Dispatcher McDonald told responding units that the baby was blue and not breathing. Thankfully, in that same transmission, the situation changed, and the baby began to cry and make noise. A short time later the ambulance arrived and transported the mother and baby to the hospital.

“Throughout the duration of this call, Dispatcher McDonald remained calm and gave clear and concise information to those responding. I’m sure it was that same calm and reassuring voice that also made a huge impact for the caller and others involved.”

“All too often,” the citation continued, “our dispatchers are overlooked and not thanked. It is situations like this that make it clear to me how vital their role is in emergency services. I’m sure many days may feel mundane and often times people who call our dispatchers are not nice to them but today Dispatcher McDonald was a true HERO! Today, Dispatcher McDonald helped bring a new life into this world and that is awesome. I am proud to work with her and all of our other dispatchers. Thank you for being willing to answer the call!”