PSD Emergency Call Handling Protocols 3

Question 1

A caller reports a neighbor's child has been outside alone for hours and appears distressed. Which agency should be dispatched?

Accepted Answer

Law enforcement, and possibly child protective services notification

Answer

A potentially neglected or endangered child is a law enforcement matter, and CPS may need to be notified depending on jurisdiction protocol.

Question 2

What is the purpose of 'call verification' before dispatching a burglar alarm?

Accepted Answer

To reduce false alarm dispatches by contacting the premises or key holder first

Answer

Enhanced call verification (ECV) reduces false alarm dispatches by attempting to reach the subscriber or keyholder before sending units.

Question 3

During a flood event, a caller says water is rising rapidly inside their vehicle. What is the dispatcher's most critical instruction?

Accepted Answer

Instruct them to exit the vehicle immediately if safe and move to higher ground

Answer

Rapid vehicle flooding is immediately life-threatening; the standard protocol is to exit the vehicle before water immobilizes the doors.

Question 4

A caller asks the dispatcher to 'just send someone' without providing details about the emergency. What should the dispatcher do?

Accepted Answer

Attempt to gather minimum location and nature-of-call information while dispatching based on what is known

Answer

Dispatchers should gather at minimum a location and dispatch the most appropriate unit while continuing to obtain details from the caller.

Question 5

When handling a call involving a subject in mental health crisis, which approach is generally recommended first?

Accepted Answer

Dispatch law enforcement and, if available, coordinate a mental health co-responder or CIT officer

Answer

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained officers or co-responder mental health units are preferred to de-escalate mental health crises safely.

(PSD) Certified Public Safety Dispatcher Practice Test