Call Classification and Prioritization 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 Call Classification and Prioritization Protocols flashcards as text
A caller reports a vehicle fire on the highway with no persons trapped. What priority level should this typically receive?
Answer: Priority 2 — urgent but stable
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.
Which factor most significantly elevates a burglary call from Priority 3 to Priority 1?
Answer: A suspect is still on the premises
An in-progress burglary with a suspect still on scene poses immediate danger to life, elevating it to the highest priority.
When two Priority 1 calls arrive simultaneously, what is the standard dispatch protocol?
Answer: Dispatch available units to both calls simultaneously
When two Priority 1 calls are received simultaneously, dispatchers must assign available resources to both without downgrading either.
A caller describes chest pain that started 20 minutes ago. The patient is conscious and breathing. How should this call be classified?
Answer: Priority 1 — potential cardiac emergency
Chest pain is always treated as a potential cardiac emergency requiring Priority 1 EMS dispatch regardless of the patient's current conscious state.
What does 'determinant coding' refer to in call classification?
Answer: A structured system using alphanumeric codes to categorize call type and severity
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.
A caller reports a neighbor's dog barking continuously for two hours. Which call classification is most appropriate?
Answer: Priority 3 or lower — non-emergency complaint
A noise complaint about a barking dog is a non-emergency nuisance call that warrants a low-priority or routine response.
Which protocol guides EMS dispatchers in providing pre-arrival medical instructions to callers?
Answer: ProQA / Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS)
The Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), implemented via ProQA software, provides structured questioning and pre-arrival instructions for EMS dispatchers.