| Calhoun 911 announced that a new emergency medical dispatch system will be in operation this fall in the county, according to 911/OES Director Kathy Wood.
The Emergency Dispatch System (EMD) calls for a trained dispatcher to stay on the line with callers experiencing medical emergencies, obtaining medical history and giving medical directions.
"This can mean a matter of life and death in some circumstances," said Wood.
Currently a 911 dispatcher is only required to take the call and dispatch responders to the scene.
So far, Calhoun 911 has hired three part-time Emergency Medical Dispatchers, who are being sent to training.
Wood said the system, which is being required by the State of West Virginia, is expected to be in operation by September 1.
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