EMD - Emergency Medical Dispatch Caller Interrogation Techniques Questions and Answers

Question 1

When dealing with a hysterical or uncooperative caller, which technique is most effective for gaining control and obtaining necessary information?

Accepted Answer

Using repetitive persistence with a calm, firm tone.

Answer

Matching the caller's emotional intensity to show empathy.

Answer

Immediately demanding that the caller calm down.

Answer

Transferring the call to a supervisor to handle.

Question 2

An EMD receives a call from a frantic person who screams, "My husband can't breathe! He's turning blue!" before the line goes silent. The system shows the address but no callback number. What is the EMD's most critical first action?

Accepted Answer

Dispatch the highest level of care available based on the initial chief complaint.

Answer

Wait for the caller to call back with more information.

Answer

Dispatch a basic life support (BLS) unit and attempt to call back.

Answer

Notify the supervisor of a disconnected call before taking further action.

Question 3

Which of the following is the best example of an open-ended question in caller interrogation?

Accepted Answer

"Okay, tell me exactly what happened."

Answer

"Is he conscious?"

Answer

"Is the bleeding spurting or oozing?"

Answer

"Did he fall from a height of more than 10 feet?"

Question 4

The primary goal of the initial caller interrogation questions in any EMD protocol is to:

Accepted Answer

Ascertain the incident location, a callback number, the chief complaint, and the patient's status.

Answer

Determine the patient's insurance and billing information.

Answer

Obtain a definitive medical diagnosis of the patient's condition.

Answer

Calm the caller down before proceeding with any other questions.

Question 5

A caller reports a man fell off a ladder. Which of the following questions is a key question designed to differentiate the severity of the trauma?

Accepted Answer

"How far did he fall?"

Answer

"What is the man's name?"

Answer

"Has he fallen before?"

Answer

"Why was he on the ladder?"

Question 6

Which of the following is an inappropriate and non-compliant interrogation technique for an EMD?

Accepted Answer

Judging the severity of the situation based on past personal experiences.

Answer

Following a scripted, medically-approved protocol system.

Answer

Asking clarifying questions when a caller's response is vague.

Answer

Providing pre-arrival instructions to the caller.