HAGERSTOWN, Md. — A Washington County 911 dispatcher got to meet the couple she helped through a life-threatening medical emergency, weeks after guiding them through the frightening moments before first responders arrived.
James and Georgia, who requested not to give their last name, visited the Washington County 911 Center to personally thank Emergency Communications Specialist Davita Flotz, whose calm instructions and reassurance helped them during Georgia’s suspected stroke on June 3.
James called 911 after recognizing that his wife was showing signs of a possible stroke and could not get up. Flotz remained on the line throughout the emergency, gathering information, monitoring Georgia’s condition and relaying updates to responding emergency crews until help arrived.
After Georgia recovered, the couple asked to visit the communications center so they could meet the dispatcher whose voice had helped them through one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“Emergency communications specialists are the “first” first responders,” Division of Emergency Management and Communications Director Alan Matheny said.
“Before (help) arrives, our dispatchers are already making a difference. They provide lifesaving instructions, gather critical information, coordinate resources and offer reassurance during what is often the worst day of someone’s life.”
Matheny said Flotz’s professionalism and compassion reflect the work performed by emergency communications staff every day.
Dispatchers answer thousands of 911 calls each year, serving as the link between callers and emergency responders. While they routinely guide people through medical emergencies, fires and other crises, they rarely learn what happened after the call ends.
For Flotz, meeting James and Georgia offered a rare opportunity to see the outcome of an emergency call and the difference a calm voice can make when every second counts.
