What is the dispatcher's primary function during an EVD response?

• A. To drive ambulances as needed.
• B. To coordinate resources and priorities and provide location and route instructions.
• C. To perform on-scene triage.
• D. To manage hospital intake.

Answer: (B)

The dispatcher's main function during an EVD response is to act as the central coordinating hub, managing resources and priorities and providing precise location and route instructions to field units. This means they assess what is needed, allocate and reposition units as the situation evolves, and keep crews informed of the best routes, road conditions, and any hazards. They also maintain continuous communication, relay situation updates from the field to incident command and hospitals, and coordinate with other agencies to ensure a synchronized effort.

Driving ambulances is the crews’ job, not the dispatcher’s. On-scene triage is performed by EMS personnel at the scene, not by the dispatcher. Hospital intake is managed by hospital staff and the incident command structure, with the dispatcher facilitating communication as needed but not controlling hospital admissions.