(KNZA)--Doniphan County officials are considering an upgrade to the county’s 911 dispatch system that could help save lives.

Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington and 911 Dispatch Supervisor Terri Hunn presented a proposal to county commissioners this week to implement Emergency Medical Dispatch, or E-M-D. The program would allow specially trained dispatchers to provide medically approved, life-saving instructions to callers while emergency crews are on the way.

Instead of waiting for first responders to arrive, callers could begin receiving critical care immediately over the phone.

Under the proposal, Hunn would complete specialized E-M-D training and then train the county’s other dispatchers. She told commissioners that all instructions would be read word-for-word from approved medical scripts.

County Attorney Charles Baskins raised concerns about liability and asked whether the county’s insurance carrier has been consulted.

Commissioners took no action on the proposal and plan to continue discussions after speaking with the county’s insurance provider.