911 Dispatcher Practice Test

What is the first question a dispatcher should ask to confirm a situation?

1. What type of call is it?

2. Where is the location?

3. Who is involved?

4. What is the urgency level?

The correct answer is: Where is the location?

The most effective first question for a dispatcher to ask is about the location of the incident. Knowing where the situation is occurring is crucial for several reasons. First, the location allows the dispatcher to determine the appropriate emergency services needed and to which agencies or units to send. It ensures that the responders can reach the scene as quickly as possible, especially in time-sensitive situations like medical emergencies or crimes in progress. Understanding the location also helps the dispatcher to assess the potential impact of the incident on the surrounding area, including the presence of bystanders or the need for additional resources. Once the location is confirmed, additional details like the type of call, who is involved, and the urgency can be gathered effectively, but the priority must always begin with the location to enable a swift response.