Under the Sun: Collier County folks are in good hands

When I had my first glimpse of my new neighbors, I was pleased to have another young couple in our condo building. I looked forward to an opportunity to meet them as I would not enjoy living in a community where everyone was my age.

In a few days, Harold baked his special biscotti and I shared some with our new neighbors and learned they were Michelle and Al. Michelle was friendly and impressed me as being a very capable young lady.

After we chatted a few minutes, I knew it would be easy to bond with her. Perhaps it was the fact that we both share southern roots.

I had no idea, then, what a demanding position she fills, providing essential services for the residents of Collier County.

I knew Al worked for the sheriff's department because I had seen him coming from work in uniform. It gave me an extra sense of security knowing that they lived in our building.

My husband is an early riser and often he would see Michelle leaving for work before daylight when he was out picking up the newspaper. He learned that Michelle works the 5 a.m.-5 p.m. shift as a communication supervisor for the Collier County Sheriff's Department.

I have called 9-1-1 for emergency medical services and had been very pleased with their response. I wondered how the 9-1-1 service operates. When I shared my interests with Michelle (Owens), she outlined how an incoming 9-1-1 call moves from intake to resolution.

Michelle said her shift has 12-15 men and women who take and dispatch 2,000 calls per shift. The 9-1-1 callers are usually seeking the services of firefighters, emergency medical staff, sheriff and/or a combination of these three.

If for some reason an incoming call is not completed, a deputy is always sent to investigate the call. I find this policy reassuring.

All certified officers of the Collier County Sheriff's Office are trained as first responders; some are also EMT's and paramedics.

I shared with Michelle how helpful the person on the phone had been when Harold collapsed and I had to wait for the ambulance to arrive.

The person who answered my 9-1-1 call reassured me and provided me minute-by-minute instructions as how I could assist my husband.

Michelle explained that all of the staff are trained emergency medical dispatchers, which means they have the skills to provide an anxious caller with vital information on what to do until professional help arrives.

In and out of season, one can hear many different languages in Naples.

Michelle said her department uses a special language line to interpret any language.

When asked what happens when all emergency vehicles are in use, Michelle explained that the county is divided into zones and they send staff and equipment from another zone.

My last question for Michelle was a bit personal as I inquired about the stress that her job must create.

She replied, "It's stressful at times but it is also very rewarding to help people." Now you understand the headline of this week's column!