Weld County dispatcher recognized for lifesaving effort
Published on August 01, 2022
Across a career spanning three decades, Weld County Dispatcher Laura Schumacher has served as an initial first responder to many going through their worst day. She’s provided reassurance to callers and critical information to first responders to facilitate emergency assistance, while rarely getting to know the final outcome of a call.
This past week however, Schumacher got the opportunity to see the positive impact she had during a call last November when the Platteville-Gilcrest Fire Protection District (PGFPD) presented her with an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Star of Life and Lifesaving Commendation. Schumacher was recognized, along with four members of the PGFPD, for her role in helping to facilitate emergency response to a caller who was having difficulty breathing and speaking.
After determining the caller needed an ambulance, Schumacher stayed in constant contact using Text-to-911 and was able to relay critical information to first responders about the caller’s location and condition, along with type of vehicle the person was calling from. When first responders arrived, they discovered a tracheostomy issue and performed lifesaving actions. Matt Concialdi, EMS Division Chief and Public Information Officer for PGFPD, said such an outcome would likely not have been possible without the strong work of Schumacher in extremely difficult circumstances and the ability of first responders to transport the caller quickly and assist in restoring the caller’s airway.
“I’ve been doing this 30 years, and this is my first Lifesaving Award. So, it really is pretty special to have a fire district contact you and recognize you for your outstanding job,” Schumacher said, explaining that the recognition only adds to the gratification she feels every day serving the public. “There’s really not a day that I leave work where I don’t get to feel like, ‘hey, you did something good today.’”
“Our dispatchers have long made our Weld County Regional Communications Center one of the best in the nation, and that is a credit to the work of staff in being the first point of contact for so many going through emergency situations,” said Weld County Commissioner Chair Scott James. “We’re proud of Laura’s positive impact, and we know that this recognition further speaks to the strength of Public Safety Communications as a whole.”
Trademarked in 1977, the EMS Star of Life was designed to recognize six elements that represent the true meaning of the EMS system. Those elements include detection, reporting, response, on-scene care, care in transit and transfer to definitive care. To receive the award, EMS providers must execute these elements in performance of their duties.
Text-to-911 was launched in Weld County in 2017 and is a great tool available for people who need to contact 911 when speaking is not an option or may put them in danger. Learn more about Text-to-911.