How should a dispatcher prioritize incidents when multiple calls come in at once?

How should a dispatcher prioritize incidents when multiple calls come in at once?

• A. Use first-come, first-served for all calls.
• B. Assign units based on order of arrival and nearest unit.
• C. Use established priority hierarchy, triage by severity, time-sensitivity, equipment/service requirements, and then assign units.
• D. Wait for supervisor approval before acting.

Answer: (C)

Prioritize incidents using a formal priority framework and triage, evaluating severity, time-sensitivity, and equipment or service requirements before deciding which units to dispatch. This approach ensures the most dangerous or time-critical situations receive attention first, while other calls are handled according to policy-defined priorities. After categorizing, assign the nearest available unit that has the necessary capabilities, balancing speed with the right resources. Relying on first-come, first-served can delay critical responses, and routing purely by proximity or waiting for supervisor approval can slow action on urgent incidents.

Prioritize incidents using a formal priority framework and triage, evaluating severity, time-sensitivity, and equipment or service requirements before deciding which units to dispatch. This approach ensures the most dangerous or time-critical situations receive attention first, while other calls are handled according to policy-defined priorities. After categorizing, assign the nearest available unit that has the necessary capabilities, balancing speed with the right resources. Relying on first-come, first-served can delay critical responses, and routing purely by proximity or waiting for supervisor approval can slow action on urgent incidents.