'I have a long time to live:' 911 dispatcher's CPR instructions help save Sheboygan woman's life

SHEBOYGAN -- A Sheboygan woman is alive today all because her boyfriend made a call for help.

Sharon Zielke can't tell you what happened the morning she collapsed on her kitchen floor.

"The only thing I remember is waking up in the hospital many days later," said Zielke.

However, Zielke is positive her boyfriend Bob -- and the dispatcher who picked up his 911 call -- saved her life.

"I will see my children have children and get married. I have a long time to live. I wouldn't be here if it didn't start from the top, so I thank you so much -- more than words can say," said Zielke.

Sharon Zielke

Sharon Zielke

Rather than just taking information, Sheboygan County is one of only a handful in Wisconsin that trains dispatchers to use a computer program and walks callers through emergency medical care.

"I've been doing it for 30 years. We've come a long way and I'm proud of that," said 911 dispatcher Chris Damkot.

Damkot answered Bob's call for help, and walked him through CPR step-by-step until firefighters arrived.

"You can't describe, until you are in that situation and it's your loved one -- you can't describe having that kind of help," said Bob.

Thanks to their teamwork, Zielke made a full recovery.

"I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart," said Zielke.

Zielke is happy and healthy today thanks to her heroes who were just a phone call away.

Sheboygan County dispatchers

Acuity Insurance and the Aurora Health Foundation gave Sheboygan County $125,000 to invest in this program. It includes training in childbirth and delivering Narcan.