Fire and EMS operations can be complex, fast moving, life threatening and stressful!  Without a good understanding of what is occurring in the field during a rapidly escalating fire/EMS event, PSTs and call takers may miss opportunities to stay ahead of command and may be unprepared for what is coming next. PSTs can use certain terminology and trigger words as cues, both during the emergency call and over the radio, to proactively prepare for and handle fire/EMS incidents. Understanding the “why” behind the “what” is dispatched is critical to a successful fire/EMS dispatch.

Chief Randy Banker identified the importance of a solid training program for an agency and the individual. The core of this program was taken from the training concepts of the fire service. He identified the need for telecommunicators to be “Ready for the Battle” every time they report to work. Chief Banker emphasized the importance of the proactive decision-making process, which is associated with on-going training and situational awareness of the first responders on the street and the dispatchers in the ECC.

Attendees learned the concepts of “Play like you Train,” “Paralysis by Analysis,” and the importance of post incident reviews. The program included cues and triggers associated with fire department and EMS operations. The importance of the cues and triggers will benefit the telecommunicator in proactive decision making which should produce positive outcomes and assist agencies with dealing with rapid developing stressful incidents.