Theres a method to the madness: Dispatcher talks about things you should know before calling 911 in an emergency [Video]

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – 911 dispatchers are some of the first people you talk to in an emergency.

“They’re the lifeline, they make a difference between life and death,” Hope Downs, NHC 911 director, said.

Typically you call for help from a first responder, but these telecommunicators can also help you through a serious situation.

Downs says just last year these dispatchers talked 104 people through CPR and helped three people deliver babies. But that’s not all.

“Or even somebody who may be a shooting victim, getting people to safety. Sometimes people are in a state of panic or they’re not thinking clearly. So, [the telecommunicator is] able to bring the calm to the chaos,” Downs said.

And while you may be panicked – to ensure the best possible outcome – dispatcher Brenda McRae says it’s critical to follow their cures and answer their questions.

“It’s not slowing …