Hays County 911 dispatcher Eden Dunn is being honored for a call that helped save a Kyle man who was unconscious.
KYLE, Texas — A Hays County 911 dispatcher is being hailed a hero for staying calm during a harrowing early‑morning emergency that helped save a man’s life.
At about 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 19, Hays County Emergency Communications Officer Eden Dunn answered a 911 call from a Kyle resident whose 35‑year‑old husband was unconscious and not breathing. Dunn immediately dispatched emergency crews while guiding the panicked caller through CPR instructions over the phone.
Within seven minutes, emergency crews arrived at the home. The patient went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to Ascension Seton Hays Hospital, where he spent 17 days recovering before being released.
On Oct. 9, Ascension Seton Hays Hospital recognized Dunn, along with EMS, fire, and the hospital’s medical and cardiology teams, during a Life‑Saving Reunion ceremony. Dunn and the responding crews received the hospital’s “Life‑Saving Award” as the reunited family expressed their gratitude in person, describing Dunn as “so calm and helpful” during the crisis.
“To meet the family and the person that I actually saved was huge,” Dunn said. “It was kind of a reminder that I have the opportunity because of this job to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Dunn credited her composure to experience and training received on the job.
“Something we’re taught is to not make the caller’s emergency your emergency,” she said. “Just remember you’re a professional – you’re there to help.”
Hays County officials say they are hiring emergency dispatchers and encourage residents interested in public safety to apply.