IAED EFD key terms

The protocol used to triage incoming fire and rescue calls, assigning a determinant code from the caller's answers so the right apparatus and urgency are dispatched immediately.

The structured process of answering a 911 line, confirming the address, identifying the problem, and applying scripted questions before any unit is sent.

The opening phase of a call in which the calltaker verifies the location, callback number, and name, then obtains a brief description of what is happening.

The main reason for the call as stated by the caller, used to select which fire protocol pathway the calltaker will follow.

Scripted, protocol-specific questions asked after the chief complaint is identified; the answers determine the response level and safety instructions given.

An alphanumeric response level, such as a number paired with a letter, produced by protocol answers that tells dispatchers which apparatus and urgency to send.

A numbered branch of the fire protocol, such as structure fire, vehicle fire, or alarm activation, chosen from the chief complaint to guide questioning.

The urgency tier assigned to a call, ranging from emergency to non-emergency, that sets how quickly and how heavily units respond.

The selection of specific units, such as engines, ladders, rescue squads, or tankers, matched to the protocol determinant and local response plan.

Scripted directions given to callers before units arrive, such as evacuating a building, closing doors, or staying low under smoke.

Safety guidance given after units are dispatched, such as clearing the driveway, securing pets, or meeting responders at the entrance.

The disciplined questioning of a caller to gather facts, clarify hazards, and confirm details without leading or assuming answers.

Assessment of whether the person reporting an incident is in danger and needs to move, shelter, or take protective action while responders are en route.

Automatic Location Identification and Automatic Number Identification, the data delivered with a 911 call showing the caller's address and phone number for verification.

The telephone number recorded during case entry so responders or dispatchers can recontact the caller if the line drops or more information is needed.

Confirming the exact location of the emergency, including street, number, apartment, cross streets, and community, before units are dispatched.

Wireless 911 location data giving a latitude and longitude estimate, often accurate to a range of meters, used when the caller cannot state an address.

A fire involving a building or enclosed structure, which typically triggers a full first-alarm assignment because of rescue and exposure risk.

A fire that is actively burning and requires firefighting operations, as opposed to an alarm sounding with no confirmed fire.

A call reporting that a fire alarm or detector has sounded, which must be triaged to determine whether there is any sign of actual fire.

A response to a report of smoke with no confirmed fire, requiring questions about color, odor, source, and whether flames are visible.

A call involving a spill, leak, or release of a dangerous substance, requiring isolation distances and specialized response based on the material and quantity.

A rescue requiring specialized skills or equipment, such as trench, confined-space, high-angle, water, or structural collapse operations.

A response to a crash or entrapment where occupants may need to be freed from a vehicle, requiring questions about injuries and hazards.

The predetermined set of units sent on a first, second, or greater alarm, defined by local run cards and building occupancy.

The local document listing which apparatus responds to each address or district and in what order, used to translate a determinant into units.

A prearranged agreement in which a neighboring agency responds automatically to certain calls or areas without a separate request.

Assistance requested from another agency when local resources are insufficient, typically arranged by dispatchers during an incident.

A response using lights and siren at emergency speed, authorized for calls where life or property is at immediate risk.

A nearby building or property threatened by an active fire, which influences how many units and which apparatus are dispatched.

The perimeter set around a hazardous materials release to keep people away, often based on the substance, container, and wind conditions.

Direction given to callers to leave a building or area by the safest route, including whether to use stairs and avoid elevators.

A defined geographic boundary in the dispatch system that routes a call to the correct agency or jurisdiction based on the caller's location.

Handing a call to another agency or jurisdiction when it falls outside the calltaker's responsibility, with a warm handoff of key details.

A 911 call disconnected before the calltaker obtains information, which must be called back and may require a welfare check response.

A connected 911 call with no audible speech, which may indicate a person unable to speak and requires careful questioning and location confirmation.

The letter appended to a determinant number that signals the specific response level or urgency within that protocol pathway.

The timestamp when units are alerted, used to measure performance and to confirm that the call was dispatched promptly after triage.