News

Quick-thinking dispatcher saves puppy's life

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 9, 2022

A quick-thinking dispatcher is credited with saving a puppy's life when someone called 911 to report that the dog was choking and unable to breathe.

Telecommunicator Brandi Baldwin displayed outstanding compassion and resourcefulness while handling the 911 call while on duty on May 22, Sheriff Lowell Griffin said in announcing that she won the Sheriff's Office Life Saving Award.

Even though 911 protocols do not cover medical assistance for canines, Baldwin quickly searched the internet for instructions on how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a dog. She then relayed step by step instructions to the caller, who was able to successfully clear the puppy’s airway, the sheriff's office said. "Through Brandi’s willingness to go above and beyond, she was instrumental in saving the puppy’s life," the sheriff said.