Free PSD Telecommunications Technology and 9-1-1 Systems Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the standard, nationally recognized abbreviation a dispatcher should use to open communication with a TDD/TTY user?

Accepted Answer

GA (Go Ahead)

Answer

The standard greeting is the agency's name or abbreviation, followed by '911', and then 'GA', which stands for 'Go Ahead'. This immediately signals to the silent caller that they have reached a TDD/TTY-equipped call taker and invites them to begin typing their message.

Question 2

Which of the following capabilities is a key feature of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) that is not available in traditional E9-1-1 systems?

Accepted Answer

Receiving text messages, images, and video.

Answer

NG9-1-1 is an IP-based system that allows for the transmission of digital data beyond just voice. This enables the public to send text messages, images, and videos to 9-1-1 centers, providing dispatchers with more detailed and accurate information about an emergency.

Question 3

In the context of a 9-1-1 call, what is the difference between ANI and ALI?

Accepted Answer

ANI is the phone number, and ALI is the location information.

Answer

ANI stands for Automatic Number Identification, which is the caller's phone number. ALI stands for Automatic Location Information, which is the address or geographical coordinates associated with that number. The ANI is delivered to the PSAP first, which then uses it to query the ALI database for the location.

Question 4

Upon receiving a 'silent' or 'open-line' 9-1-1 call where no voice is heard, what is the dispatcher's first priority after ensuring the line is open?

Accepted Answer

Initiate a TDD/TTY query to check for a silent communicator.

Answer

A silent call could be from someone who cannot speak or make noise, such as during a home invasion, or from a person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired. The standard procedure is to perform a TDD/TTY query to determine if the caller is attempting to communicate via a text device.

Question 5

What is the function of a 'selective router' in the E9-1-1 network infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

It directs 9-1-1 calls to the correct PSAP based on the caller's location.

Answer

The selective router is a specialized switch in the telephone network that serves as the 'brain' of the 9-1-1 system. It analyzes the caller's phone number (ANI) and uses a database to determine which Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is responsible for that location, then routes the call accordingly.

(PSD) Certified Public Safety Dispatcher Practice Test

(PSD) Certified Public Safety Dispatcher Practice Test

Free PSD Telecommunications Technology and 9-1-1 Systems Questions and Answers