Best Practices for Roleplay Dispatch Operations

Great dispatch operations are the backbone of immersive emergency services roleplay. A skilled dispatcher doesn't just relay information - they coordinate responses, manage resources, maintain situational awareness, and keep everyone safe. Whether you're new to dispatch or looking to improve your skills, these best practices will help you run professional operations.

Radio Communication Fundamentals

Be Brief

Say what needs to be said, nothing more. "Unit 42, respond to 123 Main Street, 10-50 with injuries" beats a 30-second explanation.

Be Clear

Use the phonetic alphabet for addresses and names. "Adam-42" not "A-42". Spell out confusing street names.

Be Accurate

Double-check addresses and unit numbers before transmitting. Wrong information wastes time and resources.

Be Professional

Keep personal conversations off the radio. Maintain composure even during high-stress situations.

911 Call Handling Protocol

When a 911 call comes in, you need to gather critical information quickly while keeping the caller calm. Follow this structured approach:

Priority Classifications

Life-Threatening

Response: Immediate, Code 3 (lights/sirens)

Urgent

Routine

Response: When available, Code 1

Unit Management

Effective dispatchers always know the status and location of every unit. This awareness allows for optimal resource allocation and officer safety.

Geographic Awareness

Know your map. Great dispatchers can visualize where calls are coming from, identify the closest available units, and anticipate traffic or terrain issues that might affect response times.

Multi-Agency Coordination

Major incidents require coordination between police, fire, and EMS. As a dispatcher, you're often the hub connecting these agencies.

Training Your Dispatch Team

If you're running a server, invest in training your dispatchers. A well-trained dispatch team dramatically improves the experience for everyone.