PSD Emergency Call Handling & Communication Protocols 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which radio communication practice ensures the receiving unit has correctly understood the transmitted message?
- Repeating the message three times in a row
- Requesting a read-back or confirmation from the receiving unit (Correct answer)
- Using the phrase 'over and out' at message end
- Broadcasting on all channels simultaneously
Correct 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.
Question 2: When is it appropriate for a dispatcher to terminate a 911 call?
- When the caller becomes emotional or difficult
- When the dispatcher has gathered all necessary information and units are en route (Correct answer)
- After exactly three minutes on the call
- Whenever a supervisor instructs a disconnect
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of 'dead air' on a radio channel, and why is it problematic?
- A dispatcher speaking too softly — units may miss the transmission
- A period of silence after releasing the PTT button — it blocks other transmissions and wastes channel time (Correct answer)
- Using plain language instead of codes — it confuses field officers
- Transmitting during peak traffic hours — it overloads the system
Correct 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.
Question 4: A caller reports a structure fire but does not know the address. Which piece of information would be MOST valuable to gather next?
- How long the fire has been burning
- The nearest cross street or a visible landmark (Correct answer)
- Whether the caller owns the structure
- How many rooms are in the building
Correct 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.
Question 5: The term 'CAD' in public safety dispatching refers to:
- Call Activity Database
- Computer-Aided Dispatch (Correct answer)
- Communications Authority Division
- Critical Alert Directory
Correct answer: Computer-Aided Dispatch
CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) is the software system used to log, track, and manage emergency incidents and unit assignments.
Question 6: A suicidal caller states they have taken pills and hangs up. The BEST next step is to:
- Wait for the caller to call back
- Log the call and notify a supervisor only
- Use ANI/ALI to identify the location and dispatch EMS immediately (Correct answer)
- Attempt to call back the number and wait through several rings
Correct 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.
Question 7: When documenting an incident in CAD, dispatcher notes should be:
- Written in personal shorthand to save time
- Detailed, objective, and use standard abbreviations (Correct answer)
- Limited to the caller's name and callback number
- Entered only after the incident is closed
Correct 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.
PSD Emergency Call Handling & Communication Protocols 3
Which radio communication practice ensures the receiving unit has correctly understood the transmitted message?