911 Dispatcher Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

Under structured EMD, why must the call taker follow the scripted protocol questions even when the situation seems obvious?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

To ensure consistent, defensible, complete information and correct response coding. Standardized EMD protocols ensure every caller is asked the same key determinant questions, producing consistent triage, appropriate response levels, and legal defensibility regardless of which call taker answers.

Question 2

A caller reports a person who is unconscious. Which two EMD determinant questions are most essential to ask immediately?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Whether they are breathing and whether they are conscious. Consciousness and breathing status are the core EMD determinants that distinguish a cardiac arrest needing CPR from a less acute condition, driving both response level and pre-arrival instructions.

Question 3

For adult hands-only CPR given over the phone, what compression rate should the call taker coach?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

100 to 120 compressions per minute. Current resuscitation guidelines specify a compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute for adult CPR. Telecommunicators coach this tempo, often using a metronome or counting cadence.

Question 4

When coaching telephone CPR on an adult, to what depth should chest compressions be performed?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

At least 2 inches (5 cm). Guidelines call for adult compressions at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches deep, allowing full chest recoil between compressions for effective circulation.

Question 5

In telecommunicator-assisted CPR for an untrained bystander, what type of CPR is typically coached?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Hands-only (compression-only) CPR. For untrained lay rescuers, hands-only CPR is recommended because it is easier to coach over the phone, avoids interruptions, and is nearly as effective for witnessed adult cardiac arrest.

Question 6

A caller says an adult is choking but can still cough forcefully and speak. What should the call taker advise?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Encourage continued coughing and stay ready to intervene if it worsens. A choking victim who can cough or speak has a partial obstruction and effective air exchange; encouraging coughing is correct. Abdominal thrusts are reserved for a complete obstruction (cannot breathe, speak, or cough).

Question 7

During a telephone-assisted childbirth, after the baby is born and breathing, what is an important early instruction regarding warmth?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Dry the baby and keep it warm against the mother. Newborns lose heat rapidly. Drying the infant and keeping it warm (skin-to-skin with the mother, covered) prevents dangerous hypothermia while awaiting EMS.

Question 8

What is the first-line instruction for controlling severe external bleeding over the phone?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Apply firm direct pressure to the wound. Direct, firm, continuous pressure on the wound is the primary method to control external hemorrhage and is the first instruction before considering a tourniquet for uncontrolled limb bleeding.

Question 9

A hysterical caller is screaming and won't answer questions. What is the most effective technique to regain control?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Use the persistent persuasion / repetitive persistence technique. Repetitive persistence (calmly repeating a short, direct instruction in the same tone) cuts through emotional flooding and refocuses a hysterical caller so essential information can be gathered.

Question 10

What tone of voice should a call taker generally maintain with an upset caller?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Calm, confident, and reassuring. A calm, confident, and reassuring tone helps de-escalate the caller's stress, builds trust, and improves the quality and speed of information exchange.

911 Dispatcher Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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