9-1-1
2007 Life Saver Citizen Award
Wayne Suliin, Emergency Communications Specialist

When off duty 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Specialist Wayne Suliin and his wife stopped at Rascals Lounge in Proctor little did he know that a few minutes later he would be working to save a life.

Wayne, also a member of the Solway Volunteer Fire Department and trained First Responder, witnessed the bartender collapse to the floor, turning blue. Within a minutes, Wayne assessed the patient and began CPR. He continued CPR until the ambulance arrived and administered four shocks with the Automated External Diffubulator (AED).

The victim started breathing again and was trnasported to St. Luke's Hospital where he underwent surgery and received a pacemaker. He is now healthy and back to doing the things he enjoys, thanks to the swift action of his friend Wayne Suliin.

2007 Emergency Communications Specialist Award
Linda Vukich, Emergency Communications Specialist

Through persistence and dedication Emergency Communications Specialist Linda Vukich was able to assist a distraught victim who had intentionally shot himself in the face. The victim was almost completely unable to speak. She was determined, using calm, patient, repetitive persistent techniques on him for nearly 23 minutes, calling him back each time he hung up on her, until her co-workers were able to get him the help he needed.

The victim had called 9-1-1 from his home phone and he disconnected before the call was answered in the 9-1-1 center. When Linda attempted to call the number back it was busy. She called Qwest to check for conversation. They found none on the open line. A short time later, Linda answered another 9-1-1 call from a cell phone. Though difficult to understand, it appeared to be a male asking for help. Within a couple of minutes, she was able to determine it was the smae person who had called and hung up. She was now able to verify his location and his name from what appeared on her computer screen. The caller was unable to communicate it himself, but she was able to understand his "yes" when she read it back to him.

Linda assured the caller to stay on the line with her and that she was doing everything she could to help him. As the call progressed, he became more cooperative. Eventually she was able to ascertain where the gun was, what type of injuries he had, and was able to talk him out of the house and to have him remain still until help arrived. When help was close, Linda gave the caller instructions to ensure a safe entry for responders.

Finally both law enforcement and medical personnel were on the scene and able to initiate the critical care this victim needed. Linda was able to breathe a sigh of relief until the next 9-1-1 call came in.