Fort Collins Police Highlights Dispatcher's Life-Saving Role in Emergency Childbirth
Fort Collins Police shared an audio clip September 29 showcasing a 911 dispatcher's crucial assistance to a father delivering his newborn daughter, emphasizing the vital role emergency communication professionals play beyond traditional emergency response. You can listen to the clip on the Fort Collins Police Facebook page.
The edited recording captures moments from the call as the dispatcher provided calm, step-by-step guidance through the delivery process, maintaining composure and professionalism during one of the most intense and emotional experiences a family can face. The dispatcher remained on the line throughout the emergency, walking the father through critical steps until the baby's safe arrival.
"In this heartwarming audio clip, a 911 dispatcher becomes a calm, steady guide through one of life's most intense and emotional moments," Fort Collins Police stated in releasing the recording highlights.
The incident demonstrates the comprehensive training emergency dispatchers receive in Larimer and Weld Counties, where communication professionals must complete Emergency Medical Dispatch certification through organizations like the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch. This specialized training includes protocols for providing childbirth instructions and other medical emergencies, along with mandatory CPR certification.
Colorado does not mandate statewide minimum training standards for 911 dispatchers, leaving requirements to individual agencies or municipalities. However, Northern Colorado dispatch centers typically require EMD certification within a set timeframe after hiring, with ongoing education to maintain protocol proficiency.
Emergency childbirth calls represent a small percentage of medical dispatches handled by regional communication centers, but dispatchers train extensively for these rare, critical situations. When calls involve potential childbirth emergencies, dispatchers follow standardized protocols that guide them through assessment questions, step-by-step delivery instructions, immediate newborn care, and complication management until emergency medical services arrive.
In Larimer County, the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority coordinates 911 communications for all emergency services, including Fort Collins operations. The authority operates under oversight from local boards composed of user agency representatives and maintains quality standards through call review processes and performance evaluations.
Dispatchers receive regular training updates and supervisory review of call handling to ensure protocol compliance and identify additional training needs. Performance standards include call answer times, processing efficiency, protocol adherence, and successful emergency outcomes.
The Fort Collins Police Department used the childbirth call as an opportunity to recognize all emergency dispatchers serving the region. "A heartfelt thank you to all dispatchers for the incredible work you do in supporting emergency responders, strengthening community relations, and ensuring public safety," the department stated.
The recognition comes as emergency response coordination continues across Northern Colorado, with agencies working to educate residents about proper emergency service usage while maintaining readiness for all types of critical situations.
Regional dispatch centers maintain 24-hour operations staffed by certified professionals who serve as the first point of contact during emergencies, coordinating responses between police, fire, and medical services throughout Larimer and Weld Counties.