What is the first step an EMD should take upon receiving an emergency call?

The first step an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) should take upon receiving an emergency call is to establish the caller's location and confirm the nature of the emergency. This foundational step is crucial for several reasons.

Knowing the caller's location is essential for directing emergency services to the right place quickly. This ensures that help can reach the scene promptly, which is particularly vital in time-sensitive situations such as cardiac arrests or severe trauma cases.

Furthermore, confirming the nature of the emergency allows the dispatcher to assess the level of urgency and the type of response required. Different emergencies, such as medical, trauma, or fire incidents, may necessitate different resources and approaches. Understanding these factors at the outset enables the EMD to prioritize and dispatch the appropriate services efficiently.

Once the location and nature of the emergency are established, the EMD can then proceed with gathering more details, providing pre-arrival instructions, or dispatching responders, but starting with these two key pieces of information is essential for an effective response.