Canadian OnStar emergency advisor Bryan Anta, has been named 2014 North American Dispatcher of the Year.
During an emergency, where a woman couldn’t speak because she was in the middle of an asthma attack on the side of the road, Anta, who works at the OnStar Call Centre in Oshawa, Ont. said “honk once for ‘yes’ and twice for ‘no’.”
It was crucial emergency instructions like this that resulted in Anta receiving the 2014 Dispatcher of the Year award by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED).
The Dispatcher of the Year is awarded annually to a dispatcher who has made the most significant contributions to further the values and mission of the IAED through personal action.
“We’re honoured to have a Canadian win this prestigious award, considering the other 9-1-1 and emergency medical dispatchers experience and expertise in dealing with a wide range of emergencies on a daily basis,” said Kevin W. Williams, President and Managing Director, General Motors of Canada.
“This is a testament to the rigorous emergency training our advisors go through and their ability to provide medical instructions before first responders arrive.”
Anta received the award this morning at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Navigator Conference, with the woman he assisted, NaToshya Reed, present in the audience.
“I still can’t believe it, I’m very honoured,” said Anta. “I’ve always had a passion for helping people and I’ve always wanted to do that with my life. Working at OnStar gives me the opportunity to do that at the highest level.”
To see a video about Anta and his award, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX1ZN8KuY2Y
