WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Jan. 4, 2016 — 9-1-1 operators are always ready to assist people in frightening situations. Many times the calls involve medical situations that require immediate help until the ambulance arrives and these operators must do far more than answer the phone.
The West Liberty University Highlands Center is hosting recertification training for Brook and Ohio county emergency dispatchers from January 4 through 15.
“This is a mandated recertification that is required statewide. Ohio County has 14 full-time and three part time operators on staff that are taking part in the training,” explained Theresa Russell, director of the Ohio County 911 Center. She’s been in that position for 27 years.
“The class teaches dispatchers how to provide medical info till the ambulance arrives. For example in the case of a choking victim, immediate help is needed. Dispatchers learn to work the medical flip cards that assist in how to walk people through emergency medical treatment until the ambulance gets there,” she said.
“All our operators have CPR certification and work 12-hour shifts. They are devoted to assisting the public in moments of need. We are pleased to offer them this training at the Highlands Center. It’s a great location and offers our operators a chance to gather together and learn from each other,” said Russell.
“I also want to thank the West Liberty University Campus Police which sponsored our class at the Highland Campus and thank them for their generosity,” Russell added. WLU police is led by Captain Thomas Hostutler, who has been with the University since 1978.
Jerry Kulpa is the training coordinator for the Highlands recertification. Also an Ohio County 9-1-1 dispatcher, he has worked at the Wheeling-Ohio County 9-1-1 Communications Center for nearly 23 years.
Located in the City-County Building on 15th Street, Wheeling, Wheeling-Ohio County 9-1-1 Communication Center’s mission is to assist in the safety and quality of life of the citizens residing and traveling throughout Ohio County by providing effective and efficient telecommunication response to calls from citizens, and dispatching the appropriate public safety responders.
WLU’s Highlands Center provides a number of educational opportunities from undergraduate to graduate level courses and from continuing education to a full schedule of summer term courses.