A police department in the USA has released audio in which a 911 emergency operator tells a woman to 'shut up' as she drowned in a flash flood.
The Fort Smith Police Department in Arkansas released the audio file in which 47-year-old Debra Stevens can be heard in conversation with the operator.
Stevens was out delivering papers in the early hours of 24 August when her car was swept away during flash flooding.
By the time that she was reached by first responders an hour later, she had drowned.
The FSPD said they released the audio on Thursday with 'great reluctance' after several requests were made by the media to hear it.
The 22 minute audio clip has caused outrage in the local community, with the 911 operator's attitude and demeanour being described as 'criminal' as well as 'rude and condescending'.
Aric Mitchell, a department spokesperson, told BuzzFeed News the operator in question is named Donna Reneau.
Reneau, who has previously won the 'Fire Dispatcher of the Year' award, received the call at 4.38am.
During the call, it is clear that Stevens is in great distress. She tells Reneau she's scared and doesn't want to die.
At one stage, Reneau says: "Am I not on the phone with you trying to get you some help? Then stop.
"You're not gonna die, I don't know why you're freaking out.
"I know the water level is high... but you freaking out doing nothing but losing your oxygen level up in there, so calm down."
Stevens then can be heard expressing her concerns about her phone dying, Reneau adds: "Do you really care about your brand-new phone? You're over there crying for your life."
She also belittles Stevens concerns that her car will catch fire, saying: "How? You're underwater."
Reneau can also be heard at one stage saying that Stevens' predicament was her own fault.
She said: "Well, this will teach you; next time don't drive in the water."
According to a police timeline, the police arrived to search for the car at 4.50am, 15 minutes after the call began.
However, they struggled to find her.
Throughout this period, Reneau assured Stevens that she was going to be fine and, despite Stevens telling her she couldn't swim, said she would be able to escape the car by wading unless she was 'three feet tall'.
Approximately 19 minutes into the phone call, with Steven screaming her location to the responders, Reneau said: "Ms. Debbie, you're going to have to shut up, OK?"
The call ends after 22 minutes with Stevens screaming. When the police reached her, she had already drowned.
Chief of Police Danny Baker said in a statement: "I am heartbroken for this tragic loss of life and my prayers are with Debra's family and friends.
"All of our first responders who attempted to save Mrs Stevens are distraught over the outcome. For every one of us, saving lives is at the very core of who we are and why we do what we do. When we are unsuccessful, it hurts."
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