Title: Explain the three phases of the dispatch function.
Course: Emergency Medical Telecommunications (14055-V) > Section: Introducing Emergency Medical Dispatcher Roles and Responsibilities

Explanation should include the following:

- Phase 1—Call-Receiving Activities: The EMD takes an incoming call and implements the “All Callers Interrogation” sequence. This sequence allows the EMD to determine the location of the patient, the nature of the medical emergency, to whom it occurred, how it occurred, and when it occurred. Based on the information received, the EMD can immediately go to the proper chief complaint located in the EMD Guidecards and continue to the next dispatch phase.
- Phase 2—Dispatch Activities: Questioning continues in this phase, and based on the information gathered during the call-receiving phase, the EMD turns to the proper Guidecard. This Guidecard provides the proper response mode. Response modes are predetermined by local medical authorities for the most effective response to the call type. The EMD prioritizes the incident and dispatches EMS personnel to the scene in the proper response mode.
- Phase 3—Post-Dispatch Activities: Once resources have been dispatched, the EMD prepares the caller or patient for the arrival of responding EMD personnel. The EMD also updates responding personnel with additional information as it is received. This usually involves providing medical instructions as indicated in the EMD Guidecards. It may also involve giving the caller non-medical instructions, such as unlocking doors, restraining pets, turning on outside lights, or other directions to assist responders.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why are the three phases of a dispatch call significant to the various responding agencies or personnel?
- What additional information might you have to provide to the responding agencies?