What are the primary duties of a 911 dispatcher?

The primary duties of a 911 dispatcher revolve around receiving emergency calls, assessing the urgency and nature of the situation, and then dispatching the appropriate emergency services to respond. This role is critical in emergency response systems, as dispatchers serve as the communication link between the public and emergency responders such as police, fire, and medical services.

When a call comes in, the dispatcher needs to quickly gather essential information, including the location of the incident, the type of emergency, and any immediate dangers. This assessment is vital as it informs the dispatcher on which services to deploy and can often affect the outcome of emergency responses. Their ability to remain calm under pressure, manage multiple calls, and relay accurate information is crucial in ensuring an effective and timely response from emergency services.

Other choices such as handling public relations or driving vehicles are not part of the dispatcher’s responsibilities, which are focused on communication and coordination. Similarly, conducting interviews with victims falls outside the scope of a dispatcher’s role, as they primarily work in a communications center rather than in the field. Thus, the dispatcher’s obligation to manage incoming calls and ensure a swift and appropriate response underlines the significance of option B as the correct answer.