OGDEN -- When Robin Carpenter's phone rings at work, it's usually not good news.
Car accidents, shootings, heart attacks, family fights, attempted suicides, drug overdoses, and even babies being born on the side of the road are just a few of the things she hears about when she picks up the receiver.
Carpenter is an emergency dispatcher for Weber County who has pretty much heard it all.
"The most exciting call I've taken would have to be the baby delivery on I-15," Carpenter said. "When I initially received the call I was a little nervous, but I just focused and kept calm."
The incident Carpenter is referring to happened Sept. 19, when Willard couple Ben and Ashley Marsden were headed to the hospital for the baby's birth but didn't make it in time. Ben pulled over to the side of the freeway and called 911. With the help of Carpenter, he successfully delivered the couple's fourth child, a son they named Hawk Benjamin.
"The father and I worked together to get the baby here safely without any complications," Carpenter said. "He remained calm and did exactly what he was supposed to do. He and his wife did very well considering the circumstances. I was glad to be a part of it. It was a really neat experience that I will always remember."
In an earlier interview with the Standard-Examiner, Ben said without Carpenter's help and professionalism, things may not have turned out as well as they did.
Carpenter, 33, of Roy, graduated from Northridge High School. After seeing an ad in the newspaper seeking dispatchers, Carpenter thought the job sounded intriguing, so she applied and got the job.
"One of the scariest calls I've taken was a mother who called in about her baby choking," she said. "Being a mother myself, I can only imagine how terrifying that must have been."
Thankfully, Carpenter said, the baby was fine; however, not all calls have a happy ending. She said many calls have a tragic outcome, and she always feels compassion and sadness for those involved.
"When I receive a 911 call, I know the person on the other end of the line is depending on me for help," she said. "I have to remain calm in order to help the caller remain as calm as possible. It helps by making it easier to concentrate and get all the information we need quickly."
Carpenter stressed the importance of calling 911 only for a true emergency.
"Listen to the dispatcher and answer all questions as promptly and accurately as possible. If 911 was dialed by mistake, stay on the line to let the dispatcher know. Don't hang up until the dispatcher has spoken with you," she said.
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