TRR photo by Pat Camuso Commissioner Harry Forbes

Pike reviews 911 response

Hears charges of untimely death

By PAT CAMUSO

MILFORD — On Wednesday, May 15, the Pike County Commissioners heard a moving statement from John Detweiler of Dingmans concerning ambulance response times in Pike County and the death of his wife.

In the early morning hours of April 9, Anne Detweiler fell victim to coronary problems at the couple’s Springbrook Road home and died while waiting for an ambulance. According to Detweiler, repeated calls were made to the county’s 911 control center but an EMS team took “one hour and 45 minutes” to arrive. He explained that his wife’s life might have been saved with a more timely response.

Detweiler told the board that a police unit was also requested but a patrol car never arrived.

Commissioner Harry Forbes told TRR that following a complete review of the incident, the board would respond to Detweiler’s concerns privately in writing as a matter of policy and respect for grieving family members. “This is an emotional tragedy,” said Forbes. “We all have compassion for Mr. Detweiler’s loss and concerns and will respond by letter—not at a public meeting.” Detweiler has indicated that he plans to make the board’s response public despite the planned private communication.

According to County Solicitor Jan Lokuta, the board will meet with “Comm Center” personnel to review 911 tapes of April 9. He explained that the commissioners would take the time needed to “address all issues raised.”

Detweiler is demanding full public disclosure of the board’s findings as well as a full review of policies and procedures of the county’s emergency dispatches. Detweiler also questioned the need for advanced life support teams (ALS). One such team is now being organized by Pike County Advanced Life Support Inc. but is not in operation.

Short of an official response by the board, TRR has learned that Comm Center personnel on duty during the time of the incident are questioning the hour-and-45-minute time line presented by Detweiler. County officials would not comment.