IAED ETC flashcards

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

Protocol question order

Protocol systems ask questions in a fixed sequence so every calltaker collects the same information in the same order, producing consistent triage and dispatch decisions across calls.

Case entry

The first phase of calltaking that collects the incident location, callback number, and chief complaint, which together select the protocol used for the rest of the call.

Chief complaint selection

The calltaker chooses the chief complaint from the protocol list based on the caller's description and confirms it with the caller before proceeding to key questions.

Key questions

Protocol-specific questions asked after case entry whose answers determine the determinant code and therefore the response mode assigned to the call.

Post-dispatch instructions

Instructions read to the caller after the determinant is assigned, telling the caller what to do while the response is en route and before responders arrive.

Unknown answer handling

When the caller cannot answer a key question, the calltaker selects the protocol's unknown option and continues rather than defaulting to the lowest priority.

Address confirmation

The calltaker reads back the full incident location before ending the call; an unconfirmed address is a critical failure in call processing.

Determinant code

The protocol's output that combines the protocol number, a determinant level, and a response mode letter, setting the urgency and response for the call.

Response mode

The protocol-defined response type, such as emergency with lights and siren or routine, assigned according to the determinant code selected for the call.

Determinant level

The urgency level within a protocol, from the most urgent to the least, that determines which response mode the protocol assigns to the call.

Dispatch precision

Correct dispatch requires the right protocol, the right determinant level, and the right response mode; an error in any one produces a wrong dispatch.

Caller tone

The caller's emotional tone does not change the determinant; a calm caller reporting chest pain still receives the chest pain determinant and response.

CAD entry check

The CAD record is checked against the protocol before dispatch so the recorded protocol number, determinant level, and response mode match the call.

Downgrade prohibition

The calltaker does not lower a determinant to reduce response or because units are busy; the protocol's determinant governs the response mode.

Emergency Medical Dispatch

The protocol-based triage and pre-arrival instruction component of calltaking for medical calls, selecting determinants and giving approved instructions before EMS arrives.

DD-CPR

Dispatcher-directed CPR: the calltaker instructs a bystander in chest compressions before EMS arrives, starting when the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Agonal breathing

Gasping, occasional, or slow irregular breaths that are treated as not breathing normally and therefore trigger DD-CPR instructions from the calltaker.

Compression rate

The protocol's compression rate of about 100 to 120 per minute, maintained by having the caller count aloud while the calltaker stays on the line.

Hand placement

The calltaker instructs the caller to place the heel of one hand on the center of the patient's chest and push hard and fast at the protocol's rate.

Pre-arrival script

Approved written instructions read to the caller before responders arrive; the calltaker does not improvise medical advice outside the script.

Staying on the line

The calltaker continues DD-CPR and stays on the line until EMS arrives or the protocol directs otherwise, rather than releasing the call after dispatch.

AED instruction

Defibrillation instructions are given only when the protocol's script calls for them and the scene is safe, following the script's safety check first.

Consciousness check

The EMD key question that determines whether the patient is conscious, which together with breathing and pulse answers selects the determinant and instruction path.

Recertification cycle

The period set by the certifying body within which required continuing dispatch education hours must be completed and documented to maintain certification.

CDE hours

Continuing dispatch education hours earned through approved activities such as protocol training and case review, logged with dates, topics, and hours.

Approved activities

Only activities approved by the certifying body count toward CDE; unapproved courses or training do not apply to the recertification requirement.

CDE log

The record of continuing dispatch education with dates, topics, and hours, submitted with the recertification application to document completed requirements.

Protocol update training

Training on revised protocols is recorded as CDE and completed before the calltaker uses the updated protocol in live call processing.

Case review credit

Quality assurance and case review sessions count as CDE when approved by the certifying body, with the topic and hours recorded in the log.

Recertification application

The certifying body's application and fee, submitted with the CDE documentation before the expiration date, since recertification is not automatic.

Code of conduct

The certifying body's conduct and protocol compliance standards, which form part of recertification eligibility and can be affected by violations.

Expiration deadline

The certification expiration date by which the recertification application and documentation must be submitted to avoid a lapse in certification.