Woman Personally Thanks 911 Dispatcher For Helping Her During Medical Issue

DENVER (CBS4) - We've all heard frantic calls to 911. The calm voice on the line helps callers survive their crisis. A Denver woman told CBS4 Health Specialist Kathy Walsh she's alive today because of her 911 operator, and she decided to thank the dispatcher in person.

An emotional Lori Powers went to say thanks to Jan Wilcox -- a 911 dispatcher and her hero.

"I really wouldn't have been here without you," Powers told Wilcox.

The former strangers first connected during a crisis. It was April 28 and Powers was in her apartment with her service dog, Kona. With a history of heart problems, she knew she was in trouble.

"Is your breathing normal for you?" Wilcox asked Powers during the 911 call.

"Ah, it's a little quick," Powers responded.

"I'll stay on the line with you as long as I can," Wilcox said.

The call lasted more than 12 minutes.

"Let me know if anything changes or you start to feel worse in any way, okay?" Wilcox said.

"Umm-hmm," Power answered.

After help arrived Powers was hospitalized. It turned out she had a major blockage in her heart.

"To know that you're okay is amazing," Wilcox told Powers.

Powers credits Wilcox for talking her through it.

"I knew something bad was going on and with her calm voice it was like, 'It's going to be alright, it's going to be alright,' " Powers said.

"I do recall that she said she was alone and that's why I stayed on the phone just to make sure that I knew they got to her," Wilcox said.

Wilcox loves what she does at Denver's 911 Communication Center. She proudly explained her job to Powers and she's amazed that the citizen took the time to say thanks. She graciously accepted a bouquet of flowers and new friendship.