EMD Resource Allocation and Prioritization 2

Question 1

When two Priority 1 calls arrive simultaneously, what should primarily guide the dispatcher's resource assignment decision?

Accepted Answer

The nature and severity of each emergency based on determinant codes

Answer

The order in which calls were received

Answer

Geographic proximity of available units only

Answer

The caller's ability to communicate clearly

Question 2

What is System Status Management (SSM) in emergency dispatch?

Accepted Answer

A dynamic deployment strategy that pre-positions units based on predicted call volume and location

Answer

A protocol for managing radio frequencies during peak hours

Answer

A method for tracking individual dispatcher performance

Answer

A system for documenting post-incident response times

Question 3

A BLS unit is en route to a low-priority call when a cardiac arrest is reported nearby. What is the dispatcher's best action?

Accepted Answer

Divert the BLS unit to the cardiac arrest and reassign the low-priority call

Answer

Allow the BLS unit to complete its original assignment

Answer

Request mutual aid for the cardiac arrest without redirecting any local units

Answer

Wait until the BLS unit completes its call before reassigning

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a tiered response system in EMD?

Accepted Answer

To match the level of medical resources to the documented severity of the emergency

Answer

To limit the number of units dispatched on every call

Answer

To ensure all calls automatically receive ALS regardless of acuity

Answer

To allow dispatchers to indefinitely delay lower-priority responses

Question 5

Under what condition should a dispatcher request mutual aid from a neighboring jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

When local unit availability is exhausted or call volume exceeds local capacity

Answer

Only after every local unit has returned from its current call

Answer

Whenever a call involves more than two patients

Answer

Only at the direct request of on-scene personnel

Question 6

All available units are committed when a new life-threatening call is received. What is the most appropriate dispatcher action?

Accepted Answer

Activate mutual aid, provide pre-arrival instructions to the caller, and identify the unit with the shortest remaining commitment

Answer

Hold the call silently until a unit becomes available

Answer

Downgrade the call priority to reduce urgency in the queue

Answer

Advise the caller to seek their own transport to the hospital

Question 7

When is it appropriate to upgrade a BLS response to also include an ALS unit before units arrive on scene?

Accepted Answer

When dispatch information reveals ALS-level indicators such as unconsciousness, chest pain, or respiratory failure

Answer

Whenever the caller sounds panicked or distressed

Answer

Only after the BLS crew requests an upgrade from the scene

Answer

When the location is more than five miles from the nearest hospital