On June 22, 2022, Public Safety Communications Officer Recruit Lauren Brown received a call from a resident in Albemarle County reporting that a woman in her fifties was not breathing. Lauren, who at the time was only three months into her tenure as a 9-1-1 Public Safety Communications Officer, immediately began giving the caller pre-arrival instructions on how to perform CPR, following International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) protocols. At the same time, Lauren processed the call to be dispatched for an EMS and Fire response. The first unit arrived on scene and took over CPR shortly after the patient regained a heartbeat. The patient was transported to a local medical facility where it was reported that she is expected to make a full recovery.
“Getting hands-on-chest immediately is a critical link in the chain of survival,” said Sonny Saxton, Executive Director of the Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle Emergency Communications Center. “Survival rates more than double when CPR is performed before EMS arrival.”
Lauren was presented the Lifesaver Award and pin in recognition of her exemplary performance in helping to save a life in her community. Congratulations, Lauren, and thank you for your service!