Emergency Call Handling & Communication Protocols 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 Emergency Call Handling & Communication Protocols flashcards as text
Which radio communication practice ensures the receiving unit has correctly understood the transmitted message?
Answer: Requesting a read-back or confirmation from the receiving unit
Requesting a read-back confirms accurate reception and reduces errors caused by radio interference or misunderstanding.
When is it appropriate for a dispatcher to terminate a 911 call?
Answer: When the dispatcher has gathered all necessary information and units are en route
A dispatcher should only end a call once all critical information is obtained and appropriate resources have been dispatched.
Which of the following is an example of 'dead air' on a radio channel, and why is it problematic?
Answer: A period of silence after releasing the PTT button — it blocks other transmissions and wastes channel time
Dead air occurs when the PTT is held without speaking, monopolizing the channel and preventing other critical communications.
A caller reports a structure fire but does not know the address. Which piece of information would be MOST valuable to gather next?
Answer: The nearest cross street or a visible landmark
Location is the highest priority for fire dispatch; cross streets or landmarks allow units to respond even without a street address.
The term 'CAD' in public safety dispatching refers to:
Answer: Computer-Aided Dispatch
CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) is the software system used to log, track, and manage emergency incidents and unit assignments.
A suicidal caller states they have taken pills and hangs up. The BEST next step is to:
Answer: Use ANI/ALI to identify the location and dispatch EMS immediately
In a potential overdose situation, ANI/ALI data should be used immediately to dispatch EMS without delay.
When documenting an incident in CAD, dispatcher notes should be:
Answer: Detailed, objective, and use standard abbreviations
CAD documentation must be accurate, objective, and use agency-standard abbreviations to ensure legal defensibility and operational clarity.