PSD Call Classification and Prioritization Protocols 2

Question 1

A caller reports a vehicle fire on the highway with no persons trapped. What priority level should this typically receive?

Accepted Answer

Priority 2 — urgent but stable

Answer

A vehicle fire with no persons trapped is urgent due to explosion potential and traffic hazard, but without confirmed life threat it is typically Priority 2.

Question 2

Which factor most significantly elevates a burglary call from Priority 3 to Priority 1?

Accepted Answer

A suspect is still on the premises

Answer

An in-progress burglary with a suspect still on scene poses immediate danger to life, elevating it to the highest priority.

Question 3

When two Priority 1 calls arrive simultaneously, what is the standard dispatch protocol?

Accepted Answer

Dispatch available units to both calls simultaneously

Answer

When two Priority 1 calls are received simultaneously, dispatchers must assign available resources to both without downgrading either.

Question 4

A caller describes chest pain that started 20 minutes ago. The patient is conscious and breathing. How should this call be classified?

Accepted Answer

Priority 1 — potential cardiac emergency

Answer

Chest pain is always treated as a potential cardiac emergency requiring Priority 1 EMS dispatch regardless of the patient's current conscious state.

Question 5

What does 'determinant coding' refer to in call classification?

Accepted Answer

A structured system using alphanumeric codes to categorize call type and severity

Answer

Determinant coding is a standardized alphanumeric system (used in MPDS/FPDS) that categorizes the call type and assigns a response level based on caller-provided information.

(PSD) Certified Public Safety Dispatcher Practice Test

(PSD) Certified Public Safety Dispatcher Practice Test

PSD Call Classification and Prioritization Protocols 2