IAED EFD flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

First question on a fire call

The address of the emergency is obtained before the nature of the problem, so that apparatus can be dispatched while the calltaker continues to gather incident details.

Callback number purpose

Capturing the caller's phone number allows the dispatcher to re-contact the caller if the connection drops, information is incomplete, or updated instructions must be relayed.

Cross street confirmation

Asking for the nearest intersecting street verifies the address in areas where numbering is inconsistent, rural, or where the caller is unsure of the exact street number.

Confirmed fire definition

A report where the caller observes visible flame, smoke showing from the structure, or felt heat, which justifies a full first-alarm response rather than an investigation-only assignment.

Smoke investigation classification

A report of smoke odor or haze without visible flame, dispatched at a lower resource level than a confirmed structure fire but still requiring apparatus to verify the source.

Automatic fire alarm call

An activation reported by an alarm company or occupant with no visible fire; calltakers confirm whether smoke or flame is present and whether the building is being evacuated.

Trapped occupant interrogation

The calltaker asks how many people are inside, where they are located, and whether they can exit, because trapped occupants escalate the alarm and drive rescue priorities.

Structure type and floors

Determining occupancy class and number of floors, including basement, informs apparatus selection, ladder needs, and the size of the initial alarm assignment.

Response mode designation

Each dispatched unit is assigned either emergency (lights and siren) or non-emergency response, based on the call classification and the urgency of the reported conditions.

Pre-arrival evacuation instruction

Calltakers may direct occupants to leave the building, close doors behind them, stay low under smoke, and not re-enter, within the limits of approved protocol.

First-arriving unit report

The initial company on scene transmits a size-up confirming conditions, and the dispatcher uses that report to add alarms or adjust the assignment.

Alarm assignment levels

A first alarm dispatches a defined set of engines, ladder trucks, and a command officer; additional alarms add apparatus in a fixed pattern set by the local run card.

Mutual aid request content

Aid requests specify the apparatus type, quantity, and staging location needed, rather than a general appeal, so assisting departments send the correct resources.

Hazardous materials call screening

The calltaker asks for the product name, UN number if available, container type, quantity, and whether anyone is symptomatic, and dispatches a hazmat response accordingly.

Vehicle fire location detail

Calltakers confirm whether the vehicle is in a roadway, tunnel, garage, or near a structure, since proximity to exposures changes the apparatus assignment and traffic control needs.

High-rise incident reporting

For buildings above the department's high-rise threshold, the calltaker records the floor of the fire, the stairwell used, and the elevator status for the responding companies.

Carbon monoxide alarm response

A CO alarm without medical symptoms is dispatched as a non-fire service call; reports of illness, headache, or unconscious occupants escalate to a medical response.

Call transfer discipline

Before transferring to another agency, the calltaker records the address, callback number, and nature of the problem so the receiving agency does not have to re-interrogate the caller.

Duplicate call handling

Multiple calls for the same incident are consolidated under one incident number, and new information from later callers is relayed to the responding units.

Staging location assignment

The dispatcher designates a staging area for incoming units at larger incidents, keeping apparatus off the immediate scene until assigned by the incident commander.

Emergency traffic on radio

When a unit needs priority airtime for a mayday or urgent safety message, the dispatcher clears the channel and holds all other transmissions until released.

Run card definition

A pre-planned dispatch matrix listing which apparatus and agencies respond to a given address or incident type, used to build the assignment without delay.

Address verification for rural calls

Rural and highway incidents require mile marker, direction of travel, and a landmark, because street numbering may be absent or unfamiliar to the caller.

Building access information

Calltakers ask about gate codes, locked entries, Knox box location, and which side of the building the entrance faces, so arriving companies are not delayed.

Occupancy life hazard

Occupancies such as schools, care facilities, and apartment buildings carry a higher life hazard, which may justify a larger initial assignment than a single-family dwelling.

Calltaker identification on answer

Answering with the agency name and calltaker identifier establishes the recording and accountability trail required for every emergency call received.

Nature of problem question

After the address and callback number, the calltaker asks what the problem is, then follows with structured questions specific to the reported incident type.

Additional alarm request

When the incident commander reports conditions exceeding the initial assignment, the dispatcher transmits the next alarm level and notifies the required supporting agencies.

Call release criteria

A call is released only after address, callback number, nature, and safety-relevant details are recorded and the assignment has been dispatched to the units.

Recording and time stamps

Each call records time of answer, dispatch, and unit arrival, which support response-time analysis and post-incident review of dispatcher performance.

Language and TTY access

Dispatchers use interpreter services and TTY or relay protocols when the caller cannot communicate in the primary language or uses a text-based service.

Apparatus confirmed en route

The dispatcher verifies each assigned unit acknowledged the dispatch, and re-alerts or reassigns any unit that did not confirm, before the call is closed.