Crisis Management & Decision-Making Skills Flashcards
7 cards from real PSD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Crisis Management & Decision-Making Skills flashcards as text
A dispatcher receives a call about a suicidal subject who is armed. Which agencies should be dispatched?
Answer: Law enforcement and, if available, a crisis intervention team (CIT)
An armed suicidal subject requires law enforcement for safety, while a CIT-trained officer can help de-escalate the mental health crisis.
What is the primary purpose of Incident Command System (ICS) from a dispatcher's perspective?
Answer: To provide a standardized chain of command that facilitates coordination during complex incidents
ICS provides a unified command structure that allows dispatchers to coordinate multiple agencies efficiently during complex emergencies.
A caller reports smoke coming from a neighbor's house but the neighbor appears to be home. What pre-arrival instruction should the dispatcher give?
Answer: Advise the caller to stay back, do not enter the structure, and keep the line open while units respond
Pre-arrival instructions prioritize caller safety by keeping them away from potential danger while units respond.
During a prolonged critical incident, a dispatcher begins showing signs of stress and cognitive fatigue. What is the recommended action?
Answer: Notify a supervisor and request rotation or relief to maintain decision-making quality
Cognitive fatigue degrades decision-making quality; rotating personnel maintains operational effectiveness and dispatcher wellness.
A caller reports a structure fire in an apartment building and mentions that residents are trapped on upper floors. What additional resource should the dispatcher consider beyond standard fire units?
Answer: A ladder or aerial truck company due to the need for upper-floor rescue
Upper-floor rescue requires aerial apparatus that standard engine companies may not have, necessitating proactive dispatch.
A dispatcher receives an open 911 call with no verbal response but can hear what sounds like a struggle. What is the correct procedure?
Answer: Treat it as an emergency, attempt to speak to the caller, and dispatch law enforcement to the ANI/ALI location
Silent or open calls with sounds of distress must be treated as emergencies and dispatched immediately using available location data.
Which critical thinking skill is MOST important when a dispatcher must decide resource deployment with incomplete information?
Answer: Risk assessment based on available evidence, experience, and protocols
Risk-based decision-making using available evidence and established protocols allows effective response despite information gaps.