CritiCall Dispatcher Test Emergency Codes and Terminology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the radio code '10-4' typically mean in dispatch communications?
- Officer needs assistance
- Message received / Acknowledged (Correct answer)
- En route to scene
- Request for backup
Correct answer: Message received / Acknowledged
'10-4' universally means 'message received' or 'acknowledged' in law enforcement and emergency radio communications.
Question 2: In emergency dispatch, 'Code 3' typically indicates which type of response?
- Non-emergency response, normal traffic laws apply
- Scene is secure and no further units needed
- Emergency response with lights and sirens activated (Correct answer)
- Officer requests a welfare check
Correct answer: Emergency response with lights and sirens activated
Code 3 means emergency response with lights and sirens, requiring the unit to respond as quickly and safely as possible.
Question 3: What does the abbreviation 'ETA' stand for in dispatch communications?
- Emergency Tactical Alert
- Estimated Time of Arrival (Correct answer)
- Emergency Transfer Authority
- Event Tracking Alert
Correct answer: Estimated Time of Arrival
ETA stands for 'Estimated Time of Arrival,' used to communicate how long it will take a unit to reach the scene or destination.
Question 4: What does '10-20' mean in the standard 10-code system?
- Officer is in pursuit
- Request for medical assistance
- Location / What is your location? (Correct answer)
- Return to station immediately
Correct answer: Location / What is your location?
'10-20' means 'location' or 'what is your location?' and is one of the most frequently used codes in radio communications.
Question 5: What does the term 'BOLO' stand for in law enforcement dispatch?
- Bureau of Law Officials
- Be On the Lookout (Correct answer)
- Basic Operations Locator
- Broadcast Officer Location Order
Correct answer: Be On the Lookout
BOLO stands for 'Be On the Lookout,' used to alert officers about suspects, vehicles, missing persons, or other items of interest.
Question 6: In EMS communications, what does 'ALS' stand for?
- Automatic Location System
- Alert Level Signal
- Advanced Life Support (Correct answer)
- Ambulance Location Status
Correct answer: Advanced Life Support
ALS stands for 'Advanced Life Support,' encompassing invasive procedures and medication administration performed by paramedics.
Question 7: What does '10-7' typically mean in standard 10-code communications?
- En route to call
- Out of service (Correct answer)
- Arrived at scene
- Request for supervisor
Correct answer: Out of service
'10-7' means 'out of service,' indicating that a unit is unavailable to respond to calls at that time.
What does the radio code '10-4' typically mean in dispatch communications?