IAED EPD key terms

A structured protocol set used by trained call-takers to interrogate callers, assign a determinant code, and give pre-arrival instructions. It standardizes the questions asked and the response level sent for each incident type.

An alphanumeric label combining an incident type with a response level, such as a number and letter, produced at the end of the interrogation. It tells dispatchers which resources to send and how urgently.

The main problem the caller reports at the start of the call, used to select which interrogation pathway applies. It is often a symptom like chest pain or a mechanism like a fall, not a diagnosis.

The scripted sequence of questions tied to one chief complaint. It moves from safety and consciousness checks to specific symptom questions, and each answer can raise or lower the final response level.

A scripted question whose answer directly changes the determinant code or triggers an instruction. Missing or skipping one can send too few resources or omit a life-saving step.

Scripted directions given to callers before responders arrive, such as CPR, choking relief, or bleeding control. They are read verbatim where required and documented as given.

Coaching an untrained bystander through chest compressions by phone while help is en route. Success depends on recognizing agonal breathing, overcoming hesitation, and keeping the caller on the line.

Irregular, gasping, or snoring-like breaths often present in the first minutes of cardiac arrest. Callers frequently describe it as normal breathing, so it must be treated as ineffective breathing.

Chest compressions without rescue breaths, preferred for untrained bystanders and phone coaching. It removes hesitation about mouth-to-mouth and keeps circulation going until responders arrive.

The phone number confirmed early in the call so responders can reconnect if the line drops. It is verified rather than assumed, since calls are frequently disconnected mid-interrogation.

Automatic Number Identification and Automatic Location Identification, the data delivered with an emergency call showing the calling number and registered address. Wireless calls may show only a cell sector, so verbal confirmation is still needed.

The enhanced 911 feature that provides an estimated latitude and longitude for a mobile caller, usually within a few hundred meters. Accuracy varies, so dispatchers confirm landmarks and cross streets verbally.

Confirming the exact address, building, floor, and access point of an incident rather than trusting automatic data alone. It prevents units from being sent to a billing address or a neighboring jurisdiction.

The practice of triaging medical calls and giving instructions before EMS arrival using a standardized protocol. It sits between the caller and the ambulance crew and shapes the response level sent.

The urgency designation attached to a dispatch, such as lights-and-siren versus routine. It determines speed, crew size, and whether the vehicle may exceed traffic rules.

A response using emergency lights and siren, granting limited exemptions from traffic laws. It carries higher crash risk, so agencies restrict it to time-critical calls.

An agreement in which one agency sends resources to help another during a large or prolonged incident. Requests are usually routed through dispatch and tracked so the receiving agency knows what is arriving.

A prearranged plan that sends the nearest available units from neighboring agencies on the first alarm, without waiting for a request. It shortens response time in areas with thin coverage.

A predefined dispatch plan that sends a set number and type of units to a specific geographic area. The term comes from the old street fire-alarm boxes, but it now describes a resource card.

The initial set of apparatus dispatched to a reported fire, typically engines, a ladder, and a command officer. Its size is set by occupancy type and risk, not by the caller's description alone.

A fire that is confirmed to be burning and requires the full first-alarm assignment plus any upgrades. Dispatch uses the term to trigger additional resources and notify support units.

A request for a larger predetermined set of units beyond the first alarm, usually because the fire is growing or the building is large. It brings additional engines, ladders, and safety officers.

A group of the same type of resource, such as five engines, dispatched and managed as one unit under a single leader. It simplifies ordering and tracking during large incidents.

A mixed group of different resource types, such as engines plus a ladder and a medic unit, working under one leader. It is used when a single resource type cannot handle the assignment.

A standardized management structure that assigns roles such as command, operations, and planning at an incident. It lets multiple agencies work under one set of terms and one chain of command.

An ICS arrangement in which several agencies with jurisdiction share command decisions at one incident. It avoids competing command posts and clarifies who sets objectives.

The predetermined list of units and positions dispatched for a given alarm level and building type. Dispatchers select it from a run card rather than choosing units ad hoc.

A printed or electronic list of which units respond to each address or district for a given alarm type. It is updated when stations open, close, or change apparatus.

The software that records calls, recommends units, tracks their status, and timestamps each step. Dispatchers rely on it for unit recommendations, but protocol judgment still governs the final assignment.

The current availability state of a field unit, such as available, en route, on scene, or out of service. Accurate status keeps the closest-unit recommendation reliable.

Ranking pending calls so that limited units go to the most urgent first. It weighs the nature of the call, elapsed time, and whether a life threat is reported.

The practice of keeping transmissions short, using plain language, and yielding the channel to urgent traffic. It reduces misheard orders and blocked emergency calls.

Speaking in plain everyday words on the radio instead of codes, so that responders from other agencies understand. Most national standards now favor it over ten-codes for interoperability.

A numbered shorthand system for radio messages, such as signals for arrival or a break. Meanings differ between regions, so agencies moving to plain language avoid ambiguity.

Converting a street address into map coordinates so the CAD can locate it and recommend units. Poor geocoding sends responders to the wrong block, so addresses are verified against the map.

Be On the Lookout, an alert broadcast to field units describing a person, vehicle, or property of interest. It includes identifying details and the reason for the alert, and is cancelled when resolved.

A broad alert sent to many units or agencies about a wanted person or vehicle. It is wider in reach than a local BOLO and usually follows a formal request.

The process by which a registered nurse assesses a caller's symptoms by phone and decides how soon and where care is needed. It uses decision-support protocols and documents the disposition reached.

A structured decision tree that guides a nurse through questions and branching advice for a given symptom. It standardizes the disposition so different nurses reach similar conclusions.

The final plan agreed for the patient, such as emergency department referral, same-day clinic, self-care advice, or nurse call-back. It is recorded with the reasoning and advice given.

A finding that signals serious illness and overrides routine triage, such as chest pain with sweating or sudden weakness on one side. It prompts immediate escalation rather than a scheduled visit.

Instructions telling a patient which symptoms should prompt them to call back or seek urgent care. It sets a clear threshold so deterioration is not missed after the call ends.