What should a dispatcher do if a caller is unable to speak?

When a caller is unable to speak, using yes/no questions is an effective method for a dispatcher to ascertain the nature of the emergency. This approach allows the dispatcher to gather critical information without requiring the caller to engage in lengthy explanations or dialogue, which may not be possible if they are in a situation where they cannot speak freely or are in distress.

Yes/no questions can help guide the caller to communicate essential details, such as their location or the nature of the emergency, even with limited verbal interaction. This method also shows sensitivity to the caller's situation, as it allows them to respond in the least intrusive way possible under the circumstances.

Ending the call immediately would not provide any assistance and could lead to a dangerous situation going unaddressed. Automatically dispatching units without details would lack necessary context, potentially leading to confusion or misallocation of resources. Requesting the caller to call back later disregards their immediate need for help, which could be critical. Using yes/no questions strikes the right balance between obtaining necessary information and respecting the caller's state.