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Medical Priority Dispatch System

The Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) is a standardized, protocol-driven framework used by emergency medical dispatchers to triage incoming 911 calls, prioritize responses based on medical acuity, dispatch appropriate resources, and provide scripted pre-arrival instructions to callers for immediate care.^[1]^[2] Developed as an evidence-based tool, it ensures consistent handling of medical emergencies, from cardiac arrests to traumatic injuries, by guiding dispatchers through systematic interrogation while responders are en route.^[1] The MPDS originated in the late 1970s in Salt Lake City, Utah, when Dr. Jeff Clawson, an emergency physician, created initial protocols for the local fire department to address inconsistent dispatching and inefficient resource use.^[3] Implemented in 1978, these early protocols emphasized structured questioning, pre-arrival instructions, and response determinants, marking the first formal emergency medical dispatching system.^[3] By 1983, Utah became the first state to mandate medically approved dispatch protocols and establish certification for emergency medical dispatchers, accelerating national adoption.^[3] The system computerized in 1986 and has since undergone continuous updates, with the current version (v14.0.467 as of September 2025) refined through research and input from medical experts.^[1] Today, it is maintained by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) and serves as the global benchmark, implemented in over 3,500 agencies across 54 countries.^[1]^[2]^[4] At its core, the MPDS features 36 chief complaint protocols covering a wide array of emergencies, such as abdominal pain, breathing problems, and vehicle accidents, which funnel calls into one of 121 deterministic response codes indicating priority levels from emergent to non-emergent.^[2] Dispatchers follow a scripted interrogation process to gather critical details—like patient age, consciousness, and chief complaint—while simultaneously offering instructions for interventions, including CPR for cardiac arrest or tourniquet application for severe bleeding.^[2]^[1] Integrated tools, such as the Stroke Diagnostic Tool and EIDS for infectious disease screening, enhance accuracy, with protocols validated through hundreds of millions of calls since 1979.^[2]^[1] The MPDS significantly improves emergency response efficiency by reducing unnecessary high-acuity dispatches, enabling faster coding of most calls in under one minute, and minimizing liability through standardized procedures.^[2] It empowers dispatchers as the "first first responders," potentially saving lives via pre-arrival care; for instance, its tourniquet protocol can reduce mortality from extremity hemorrhage by up to 60%.^[2]^[3] Widely endorsed by organizations like the National Association of EMS Physicians since 1989, the system optimizes resource allocation and supports integration with mental health and crisis response teams, underscoring its role in modern emergency medical services.^[3]^[2]

Introduction

Definition and Purpose

The Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) is a standardized set of protocols developed and maintained by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) to enable emergency medical dispatchers to systematically triage and prioritize 911 or equivalent emergency calls based on information provided by callers.^[1]^[2] This system, which originated in Salt Lake City in the late 1970s under the guidance of Dr. Jeff Clawson, serves as a universal standard comprising 36 chief complaint-based protocols that guide dispatchers in assessing medical emergencies objectively.^[5]^[1] The primary purpose of the MPDS is to facilitate consistent, evidence-based dispatching decisions that match the severity of the situation with appropriate response resources, such as Advanced Life Support (ALS), Basic Life Support (BLS), or non-transport options like referral to non-emergency services, thereby optimizing ambulance and personnel allocation while minimizing unnecessary deployments.^[2] It also empowers dispatchers to deliver pre-arrival instructions to callers, such as guidance on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or hemorrhage control, potentially stabilizing patients before professional responders arrive.^[2] By standardizing the process across thousands of agencies in over 50 countries, the MPDS reduces variability in call handling and supports efficient resource management in high-volume emergency systems.^[1] A core benefit of the MPDS is its contribution to improved patient outcomes through rapid, accurate remote assessments, as the protocols have been rigorously tested on hundreds of millions of calls worldwide since 1979 and are updated quarterly based on ongoing medical research and user feedback.^[1]^[2] The system's foundational principles emphasize structured, non-leading questioning to elicit key details about the chief complaint—such as symptoms and incident specifics—without attempting medical diagnosis, ensuring dispatcher actions remain within their scope of practice and align with evidence-based guidelines.^[2]^[6]

Historical Development

The Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) originated in 1977 when Dr. Jeff Clawson, then an emergency medical technician and dispatcher in Salt Lake City, Utah, began developing protocols to standardize emergency medical dispatching amid inconsistent practices across agencies.^[3] These initial efforts addressed the need for uniform call handling to improve response efficiency and patient outcomes.^[7] By 1979, the system was formalized under the name "Priority M.E.D.I.C.," featuring alphabetized chief complaint protocols that incorporated key interrogative questions, pre-arrival instructions for callers, and response priority assignments.^[8] This structure marked an early shift toward scripted, systematic dispatching to reduce variability and enhance safety.^[8] In 1988, the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) was established by Clawson as a nonprofit to oversee standards, training, and research. The Priority Dispatch Corporation (PDC), founded in 1979, manages protocol development and implementation.^[9] The first full-scale implementation occurred in the 1980s, with certification programs for dispatchers launching around the same period to ensure consistent application.^[10] By the 1990s, protocols had expanded to 36 chief complaints, supported by initial research and validation studies, and gained international recognition, including adoption by EMS organizations in Quebec, Canada.^[10]^[11]^[12] Major updates to the MPDS have been continuous, driven by peer-reviewed data and validation research, with over 40 revisions and additions documented since the 1990s.^[13] Post-2000, integrations of evidence-based medicine principles refined interrogations and instructions, incorporating outcomes from systematic studies on dispatch accuracy and caller guidance efficacy.^[14] By 2025, the system marked over 45 years of evolution, including adaptations for digital tools such as computer-aided dispatch software to streamline protocol delivery; as of September 2025, it uses version 14.0.467.^[10]^[1] These milestones underscore the MPDS's progression from a local innovation to a globally validated framework.^[9]

System Components

Protocol Structure

The Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) comprises 36 distinct protocols, each aligned with a specific chief complaint, ranging from abdominal pain (Protocol 1) to unknown problems (Protocol 32) and including specialized protocols like Protocol 36 for emerging disease surveillance. These protocols are organized alphabetically by chief complaint to enable rapid selection and access during emergency calls. This structure ensures standardized handling of diverse medical scenarios, covering medical, trauma, and special situations such as childbirth (Protocol 24).^[1]^[2]^[15] Within each protocol, key components include scripted interrogation questions formatted as yes/no or multiple-choice options to collect factual details without attempting diagnosis, such as "Is the patient not moving or unresponsive?" or "Is breathing normal?" Diagnostic elements are integrated throughout, encompassing factors like patient age (e.g., adult vs. pediatric), incident location (e.g., dangerous body area for trauma), and severity indicators (e.g., labored breathing or severe pain). Post-dispatch coding, using a determinant format like a number-letter-number code (e.g., 6-D-1 for breathing problems with abnormal breathing in a conscious adult), supports quality assurance and outcome tracking.^[16]^[17]^[18] The protocol flow initiates with chief complaint selection based on the caller's initial description, then proceeds through branching logic where responses direct the dispatcher to sub-questions—for instance, affirmative answers to labored breathing in Protocol 6 (breathing problems) escalate to queries on consciousness or airway obstruction—ultimately leading to priority code assignment that informs response levels. This deterministic pathway ensures consistent information gathering while minimizing diagnostic errors.^[1]^[16]^[19] Protocols undergo annual reviews by medical directors and subject matter experts to incorporate evidence-based updates, aligning with standards such as American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiac and respiratory emergencies where applicable; the current version is v14.0.467, released on September 12, 2025. Examples of protocol types include medical protocols like Protocol 6 for breathing problems, trauma protocols such as Protocol 27 for stabbing/gunshot wounds, and special situation protocols like Protocol 24 for pregnancy and imminent delivery. These structural elements contribute to the overall prioritization process by systematically categorizing call severity.^[1]^[20]^[21]

Call Interrogation Process

The call interrogation process in the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) begins with the dispatcher answering the emergency call using a standardized script to confirm the nature of the emergency, such as identifying the caller's location and phone number for accurate dispatch routing.^[18] Once the location is verified, the dispatcher confirms the caller's identity and relationship to the patient if applicable, then prompts the caller with an open-ended question like "Tell me exactly what happened" to elicit a description of the incident.^[22] Based on the caller's response, the dispatcher selects one of the 36 chief complaint protocols, which categorize emergencies such as abdominal pain, breathing problems, or cardiac arrest to guide subsequent questioning.^[1] The interrogation proceeds through structured phases using scripted, non-diagnostic yes/no questions designed to gather factual information without leading the caller or introducing bias, such as "Is the patient awake?" or "Is there heavy bleeding?"^[18]^[23] These questions focus on key elements like consciousness, breathing, and visible signs of distress, avoiding open-ended queries that could delay processing or skew responses.^[18] The protocol structure serves as the foundation for these interrogations, ensuring consistency across calls.^[1] Branching logic drives the progression, where each response directs the dispatcher to the next appropriate question or sub-protocol; for example, negative answers to consciousness and breathing queries in Protocol 9 (cardiac or respiratory arrest) escalate to specialized cardiac arrest handling.^[18] This adaptive flow allows for rapid refinement from general chief complaint assessment to specific details, maintaining a logical sequence based on caller inputs.^[18] The process is optimized for time efficiency, typically completing in 60-90 seconds to minimize delays in dispatch while incorporating safety checks, such as assessing if the caller is in immediate danger and advising evacuation to a safer location if needed.^[18]^[24] Quality controls are integral, requiring mandatory real-time documentation of all responses and caller interactions for subsequent audits to verify adherence to protocols.^[25] Dispatcher training emphasizes a neutral, calm tone to build caller confidence and ensure accurate information gathering without influencing responses.^[25]

Prioritization Process

Chief Complaint Protocols

The selection of chief complaint protocols in the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) begins with the dispatcher's initial interrogation of the caller, typically by asking, "Tell me exactly what happened," to identify the primary medical issue reported. Based on the caller's response, the dispatcher matches the described symptoms or situation to one of the 36 standardized chief complaint protocols, such as directing reports of "chest pain" to Protocol 10: Chest Pain (Free). For ambiguous or unclear complaints, fallback mechanisms are employed, including rephrasing the question with added emphasis (e.g., "This is very important—tell me exactly what happened") to elicit more precise details without leading the caller.^[1]^[26] Each chief complaint protocol contains 10-20 key questions tailored specifically to the reported issue, designed to gather critical information for prioritization while incorporating modifiers such as patient age, pregnancy status, or other contextual factors that may alter the response recommendation. For instance, Protocol 3: Falls assesses elements like the patient's ability to move, the height of the fall, and any visible injuries, with adjustments for elderly patients or those with potential head trauma. These questions follow a structured, scripted format to ensure consistency across calls, focusing on observable symptoms rather than requiring medical expertise from the dispatcher.^[1]^[2] Protocols feature branching logic that escalates or refines the interrogation based on caller responses, allowing navigation to sub-protocols for more severe conditions. In Protocol 6: Breathing Problems, for example, initial questions address "trouble breathing," but affirmative responses to indicators like absent breathing or ineffective respirations branch to a cardiac arrest sub-protocol, prompting immediate CPR instructions. This adaptive structure ensures that evolving details from the call are systematically addressed without deviating from the protocol's guidelines.^[1]^[27] When multiple complaints overlap in a single call, MPDS employs selection rules to designate the primary chief complaint, prioritizing life-threatening issues over minor ones—for example, selecting a breathing or cardiac protocol ahead of a less urgent abdominal pain report. Dispatchers are explicitly prohibited from interpreting or diagnosing conditions, relying instead on the caller's verbatim descriptions to guide protocol choice and avoid subjective judgments.^[27]^[26] The chief complaint protocols have been validated through multiple retrospective studies, demonstrating their reliability in accurately matching caller reports to appropriate protocols. For example, a study of over 5,900 cases in an urban EMS system found 77% accuracy in selecting the Sick Person protocol when confirmed by on-scene responders, with even higher rates for high-acuity matches in life-threatening scenarios. Overall, these validations, drawn from millions of calls since the system's inception, confirm 85-95% accuracy ranges across various complaint types in peer-reviewed analyses, underscoring the protocols' role in consistent and effective dispatch triage.^[1]^[26]^[28]

Response Determinations

The Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) employs a standardized priority coding scale to assign urgency levels based on the outcomes of the call interrogation process, ranging from Echo (highest urgency, indicating immediate life-threatening conditions requiring the fastest response) to Delta, Charlie, Bravo, Alpha (progressively lower acuity), and Omega (lowest priority, often for incomplete calls or hang-ups that do not warrant a response).^[29] These codes incorporate key factors such as patient acuity (severity of symptoms), stability (whether the condition is worsening or stable), and estimated time of arrival (ETA) to the scene, which can be adjusted locally to account for response capabilities.^[30] For instance, an unconscious patient with no normal breathing typically triggers an Echo-level code (e.g., 31-E-1), mandating an immediate advanced life support (ALS) ambulance dispatch.^[19] Response modes in MPDS determine the type and speed of dispatched resources, distinguishing between basic life support (BLS) and ALS units, as well as "hot" (lights-and-sirens, urgent transport) versus "cold" (no lights-and-sirens, non-urgent) approaches. Alpha-level calls generally receive BLS cold responses, Bravo-level calls BLS hot, Charlie-level calls ALS cold, and Delta- or Echo-level calls ALS hot, ensuring higher-acuity cases receive expedited care while conserving resources for lower-priority incidents. For non-emergencies, Omega-level or certain Alpha-level codes may result in no-response options, such as referrals to non-EMS services or self-care advice, avoiding unnecessary ambulance deployment.^[29] Determinant factors in MPDS combine caller responses to protocol-specific questions to generate these codes, emphasizing time-sensitive conditions like strokes in Protocol 28, where symptoms such as sudden weakness or speech difficulty within a three-hour treatment window (denoted by a "J" suffix) elevate priority to Charlie or higher for rapid ALS activation and stroke center notification.^[29] In traumatic injury scenarios under Protocol 30, minor injuries with stable vital signs might yield a Charlie-level code (ALS cold), while entrapment or severe hemorrhage could escalate to Delta (ALS hot), integrating elements like mechanism of injury and ongoing instability.^[30] Quality metrics for MPDS response determinations focus on triage accuracy, with validated systems tracking over-triage (assigning higher resources than needed) and under-triage (missing high-acuity needs) rates to ensure patient safety and efficiency. Studies report under-triage rates as low as 4.6% in criteria-based implementations, though over-triage can reach 78% to prioritize safety in ambiguous cases, with ongoing protocol adjustments aiming to balance these below 10% where possible.^[31] Local geography influences these determinations, as rural areas with longer ETAs may up-prioritize codes (e.g., shifting Charlie to hot responses) compared to urban settings with shorter travel times, optimizing resource allocation without altering core protocols.^[32]

Caller Guidance

Pre-Arrival Instructions

Pre-arrival instructions in the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) consist of scripted guidance provided by emergency medical dispatchers to callers, aimed at enabling immediate, basic interventions to stabilize patients until professional responders arrive. These instructions are designed to empower bystanders with simple, evidence-based actions without requiring medical expertise, focusing on high-impact procedures that can prevent further harm or improve outcomes.^[33] Common types of pre-arrival instructions include life-saving measures such as dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DA-CPR) for cardiac arrest, where callers are guided to perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths in a cycle; bleeding control techniques like applying direct pressure or using a tourniquet for severe hemorrhage; and patient positioning, such as placing an unconscious but breathing individual in the recovery position to maintain an open airway. For example, in cases of suspected choking, instructions may involve the Heimlich maneuver, while childbirth protocols provide step-by-step guidance for safe delivery if imminent. These instructions are tailored to the chief complaint identified during the call and are limited to basic first aid to avoid liability and ensure safety.^[34]^[2]^[33] Delivery of these instructions occurs after the initial interrogation and prioritization but often concurrently with or immediately following dispatch of responders, allowing continuous support while units are en route. To ensure consistency and reduce errors, instructions are delivered via predefined scripts, such as directing the caller to place the phone on speaker mode before starting CPR, enabling the dispatcher to provide real-time feedback and monitor compliance. This scripted approach minimizes variability across calls and agencies using the MPDS.^[2]^[34] The MPDS integrates pre-arrival instructions into its 36 chief complaint protocols, with each protocol containing specific, condition-appropriate guidance. For instance, Protocol 4 (chest pain/heart problems) includes instructions for conscious patients to chew and swallow aspirin (typically 162-325 mg) if not allergic and no contraindications are present, as early administration can reduce mortality in acute coronary syndromes. Similarly, Protocol 10 (breathing problems) may direct callers to assist with inhaler use or position the patient for optimal respiration. This protocol-driven integration ensures instructions align directly with the assessed emergency severity and type.^[2]^[35] Effectiveness studies demonstrate significant benefits from these instructions; for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, DA-CPR has been associated with a 30-day survival rate of 10.5% when initiated before emergency medical services arrival, compared to 4.0% without pre-arrival intervention. For severe bleeding, dispatcher-guided tourniquet application can reduce mortality by up to 60% in extremity hemorrhages. These outcomes highlight the role of pre-arrival instructions in bridging the gap to professional care, particularly in time-sensitive emergencies.^[36]^[2] Limitations of pre-arrival instructions emphasize their scope: they avoid advanced medical advice, such as diagnosing conditions or administering medications beyond basics like aspirin, and repeatedly stress not to move the patient unless the scene is unsafe or specific actions (e.g., CPR) require it, to prevent exacerbating injuries like spinal trauma. Dispatchers are trained to assess caller capability and scene safety before proceeding, ensuring instructions remain feasible and low-risk.^[33]^[34]

Safety and Compliance Measures

In the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), dispatcher safeguards prioritize caller and scene safety from the outset of the call. Dispatchers are trained to assess whether the caller is in a safe location to provide assistance, such as inquiring about potential hazards like fire or violence, before proceeding with instructions. If the caller is at risk, protocols require escalation to dispatch responders immediately while keeping the caller on the line if feasible to avoid abandonment. Additionally, dispatchers instruct callers to use hands-free options, such as placing the phone on speaker and setting it down, to enable safe mobility during aid delivery.^[37]^[38] Compliance strategies in MPDS emphasize ensuring caller understanding and engagement to facilitate effective pre-arrival instructions. Dispatchers confirm comprehension by eliciting feedback, such as asking callers to repeat steps back, and provide reassurance by affirming that help is en route and using the caller's name to build trust and reduce panic. In cases of refusal, protocols mandate documentation of the caller's decision, including reasons if provided, to maintain a record for quality assurance and legal purposes. For non-compliant or hysterical callers, dispatchers employ repetitive persistence and active listening techniques to regain control without arguing, falling back to immediate dispatch if instructions cannot be followed.^[39]^[40] Post-instruction monitoring involves dispatchers remaining on the line to offer updates and monitor the situation until responders arrive, or transferring the call to field radio if needed for real-time coordination. Quality improvement programs include regular audits of calls to evaluate adherence to safety protocols and instruction delivery. Training for dispatchers, certified through organizations like the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), requires at least 24 hours of initial education covering de-escalation, protocol use, and stress management, with ongoing recertification to ensure competency.^[25]^[40] Legally and ethically, MPDS protocols are designed as evidence-based, non-diagnostic aids to minimize liability, aligning with recognized standards of care that protect dispatchers when followed correctly. Failure to adhere to these structured processes can expose agencies to negligence claims, underscoring the importance of supervision and compliance verification. By focusing on medically approved reference systems, MPDS reduces risks associated with improvised responses, promoting consistent, defensible practices across implementations.^[41]^[40]

Implementations and Variations

United States Implementation

The Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) has been adopted by over 4,100 emergency communication centers worldwide as of 2025, with the majority of implementations occurring in the United States where it serves as the foundational standard for emergency medical dispatching.^[42] Thousands of dispatch centers affiliated with the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) utilize MPDS protocols, handling tens of millions of calls annually.^[43] Its integration with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems is widespread, enabling seamless data transfer for resource allocation and response coordination across public safety answering points (PSAPs).^[44] Adoption is mandated or strongly encouraged in several states, including Utah where state regulations require designated EMS dispatch centers to implement an approved selective dispatch system like MPDS, and Florida where EMS standards stipulate priority medical dispatch capabilities for 911 call takers.^[45]^[46] Training for MPDS implementation emphasizes standardized certification through the IAED's Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) program, which requires dispatchers to complete a prerequisite 40-hour Emergency Telecommunicator Course (ETC) for foundational skills, followed by a 24-hour EMD-specific course covering protocol interrogation, prioritization, and pre-arrival instructions.^[47]^[48] Certification also incorporates quality assurance (QA) processes, including case reviews and performance audits to ensure adherence to protocols.^[49] Recertification occurs every two years, mandating 24 hours of Continuing Dispatch Education (CDE) to account for protocol updates and maintain proficiency.^[50] National performance studies in the 2020s indicate that MPDS achieves approximately 90% sensitivity in assigning high-priority responses, effectively identifying life-threatening conditions while minimizing undertriage.^[11] For mass casualty incidents, MPDS includes specialized multiple casualty protocols that enable coordinated "mass dispatch" of resources, tested across millions of simulated and real events to support scalable response.^[1] Challenges in US implementation include variability in agency compliance, with some centers experiencing inconsistencies in protocol adherence due to training gaps or resource limitations, leading to overtriage rates as high as 75% in urban settings.^[51] Additionally, integration with Next Generation 911 (NG911) systems for handling text, video, and multimedia calls remains an ongoing transition as of 2025, requiring updates to MPDS software to accommodate non-voice inputs without compromising prioritization accuracy.^[52] Oversight of MPDS in the US is primarily provided by the IAED, which develops and updates the protocols based on medical research, alongside the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), which establishes complementary standards for PSAP operations and technology integration to ensure nationwide consistency.^[1]

United Kingdom Adaptations

The Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), often implemented as the Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System (AMPDS), was adopted by UK ambulance trusts in the late 1990s and early 2000s to standardize triage for 999 emergency calls, with ongoing use of version 13 or higher integrated with National Health Service (NHS) overlays for resource allocation.^[53]^[54]^[55] This adaptation aligns MPDS protocols with UK-specific emergency operations centers, enabling consistent interrogation and prioritization across services like the East of England Ambulance Service and Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust.^[56] In NHS England, the Clinical Response Model employs a four-tier categorization (Categories 1 to 4) that maps MPDS determinant codes to response levels, where high-acuity codes such as Delta-level breathing difficulties are typically assigned to Category 1 for immediate ambulance dispatch within seven minutes on average.^[55]^[57] This system incorporates telephone triage by clinicians through the Emergency Communication Nurse System, where registered professionals review and adjust priorities for complex cases, enhancing accuracy in resource deployment.^[58] NHS Wales has adapted MPDS through devolved pilots, including the Single Integrated Clinical Assessment and Triage (SICAT) initiative launched in North Wales in November 2018, which emphasizes hear-and-treat options for low-acuity Category 3 and 4 calls via clinician-led telephone advice.^[56] This pilot diverted over 1,300 patients from emergency department visits in its first six months, reducing unnecessary ambulance dispatches by facilitating alternative care pathways.^[56] Additional trials, such as the Operational Delivery Unit pilot in 2020, further integrated MPDS with hear-and-treat to manage system pressures in devolved services.^[56] Key differences in the UK implementation include alignment with national clinical guidelines from the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC), ensuring pre-arrival instructions and dispatch decisions conform to evidence-based UK standards, such as those for maternity or cardiac cases.^[59] Mandatory clinical support is required for high-risk MPDS codes, with clinicians at the Clinical Support Desk providing real-time oversight to mitigate risks and optimize outcomes.^[56]^[58] Evaluations, including National Ambulance Information Group audits, indicate improved efficiency through reduced resource use per call (e.g., 0.026 to 0.115 fewer units per incident) and stable response times post-adaptation, though rural areas face persistent challenges like longer travel distances affecting Category 1 performance.^[55] Full national rollout and refinement continue as of 2025, with ongoing peer reviews addressing data quality and governance to support broader integration.^[55]^[60]

International Adoption

The Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) has achieved widespread international adoption, with the broader Priority Dispatch System implemented across more than 60 countries and over 4,100 emergency centers as of 2025, supporting operations in 29 languages and dialects.^[61] This global reach stems from the efforts of the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), which has trained over 70,000 dispatchers in 50 countries since 1988, establishing MPDS as a standardized protocol for emergency medical triage and response.^[62] By 2025, the system is recognized and utilized in at least 60 countries, reflecting its adaptability to diverse healthcare infrastructures beyond its North American origins.^[42] In Canada, MPDS has seen full integration into provincial emergency medical services (EMS), aligning seamlessly with regional systems to prioritize calls and allocate resources based on clinical urgency. For instance, provinces like Ontario and Quebec employ MPDS in centralized ambulance communications centers, enabling dispatchers to triage 911 calls using standardized protocols that match patient acuity with appropriate response levels.^[63]^[11] Similarly, Australia features state-level variations of MPDS, often under the Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System (AMPDS), with implementations in Victoria for triaging high-demand calls and in Queensland for managing Triple Zero (000) emergencies through protocol-driven prioritization.^[64]^[65] In Europe, countries like Sweden have incorporated modified MPDS elements into their dispatch protocols, adapting the system to integrate with national EMS frameworks such as SOS Alarm's priority grading for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.^[66] Key adaptations of MPDS internationally include extensive language translations and cultural customizations to ensure effective caller interrogation and compliance. With protocols available in 29 versions, adjustments address linguistic nuances—such as using "Court après son souffle" for "difficulty breathing" in French adaptations—and regional terminology, like multiple terms for "trapped" in German and Dutch contexts.^[67] Cultural modifications, facilitated by 14 IAED Cultural Committees, incorporate local norms, such as emphasizing family involvement in decision-making in Asian implementations, while integrating with technology like mobile apps for real-time guidance in European urban centers.^[67] In Japan, translated MPDS protocols support the 119 emergency system in select urban areas, enhancing triage for fire department-based EMS responses.^[68] Developing nations, including pilots in India through non-governmental organizations, adapt MPDS to resource-limited settings by focusing on basic triage via toll-free lines like 108, aligning with emerging national EMS initiatives.^[69] International studies highlight MPDS's positive outcomes, including improved resource utilization and patient care, though challenges persist in low-resource environments. A 2020 systematic review of MPDS efficiency demonstrated enhanced dispatcher performance and better patient outcomes through algorithmic guidance in varied settings.^[70] For example, in Pan-Asian countries, protocol-driven systems like adapted MPDS have led to more efficient out-of-hospital cardiac arrest responses, serving over 80 million people across nine nations.^[71] Barriers include high training costs and infrastructure limitations in developing regions, which IAED addresses through localized accreditation programs.^[67] Looking ahead, MPDS expansion is driven by IAED's international training initiatives and emerging research on AI-assisted enhancements. Collaborations, such as the 2025 partnership between Priority Dispatch and VectorCare, integrate AI for predictive triage within MPDS protocols, potentially reducing call-to-response times in global contexts.^[72] Ongoing studies emphasize AI's role in natural language processing for multilingual calls, promising further scalability in diverse regions.^[73]

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Keep Your Questions Straight - IAED Journal
Mar 3, 2021 · This CDE will highlight Complaint Chief Selection Rule 1, how Chief Complaint Selection Rules aid in appropriate Chief Complaint selection.Missing: process | Show results with:process
[26]
The accuracy of medical dispatch - a systematic review - PMC
Nov 9, 2018 · The results of the current review show that there is a very low to low overall level of evidence for the accuracy of medical dispatching systems.
[27]
Determinant Codes - IAED Journal
Nov 27, 2017 · Typically, ALPHA, BRAVO, and OMEGA-level codes are associated with calls requiring basic life support (BLS) and CHARLIE, DELTA, and ECHO-level ...Missing: scale | Show results with:scale
[28]
[PDF] Determinant Codes Response - Maine.gov
The Academy maintains a cadre of trained and certified instructors who are qualified to teach the proper use of the Medical Priority. Dispatch System™ (MPDS).Missing: interrogation | Show results with:interrogation
[29]
Prehospital triage accuracy in a criteria based dispatch centre
Oct 27, 2015 · This study measures the accuracy of a Criteria Based Dispatch (CBD) system, by evaluating discrepancies between dispatch priorities and ambulance crews' ...Missing: chief | Show results with:chief
[30]
Urban–sub-urban–rural variation in the supply and demand of ...
Our objective was to comprehensively investigate EMS supply–demand matching, particularly among urban vs. sub-urban vs. rural areas.
[31]
EMS Pre-Arrival Instructions - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
"Pre-arrival instruction" refers to specific instructions or guidance provided by 911 dispatchers or public safety answering point call-takers.
[32]
Pre-Arrival & Dispatch Life Support - IAED
In 1979, the Salt Lake City Fire Department began providing Medical Priority Dispatch System™ (MPDS®) protocol-driven... Find Out More » · Modified ...
[33]
Aspirin administration by emergency medical dispatchers using a ...
We analysed 6 months of data involving chest pain/heart attack symptoms taken using the MPDS chest pain and heart problems/automated internal cardiac ...Missing: 4 | Show results with:4
[34]
Early Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Jun 11, 2015 · The 30-day survival rate was 10.5% when CPR was performed before EMS arrival versus 4.0% when CPR was not performed before EMS arrival (P<0.001) ...
[35]
Proceed With Caution - IAED Journal
Jun 4, 2017 · This protocol makes special note to teach dispatchers to keep first-party callers on the line if they are violent or suicidal.
[36]
[PDF] Situational Awareness in Emergency Medical Dispatch: An ...
• Instruct caller to put the phone on speaker and place it on ... Past, present, and future of emergency dispatch research: A systematic literature review.
[37]
Dispatch Danger Zones - IAED Journal
Mar 23, 2023 · Be mentally prepared for each call. 2. Accept all emergency calls. 3. Remain objective. 4. Answer calls promptly. 5. Assure callers they have ...
[38]
[PDF] Emergency Medical Dispatch - IAED
4.1 An emergency medical dispatcher is a trained public safety telecommunicator with additional training and spe- cific emergency medical knowledge essential ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[39]
Priority Medical Dispatch is the Standard of Care - IAED
Priority Medical Dispatch is the Standard of Care. Dispatch liability has moved to the forefront of EMS litigation. Second only to EMS vehicle accidents, ...Missing: compliance | Show results with:compliance
[40]
87 U.S. Emergency Dispatch Centers Earn “Center of Excellence ...
Apr 18, 2023 · Over 3,500 emergency communication centers worldwide use the medical, fire, police, and emergency nurse triage protocols developed and ...
[41]
Small-Town Flavor - IAED Journal
Oct 11, 2018 · More than 3,600 dispatch centers are part of the IAED and use these protocols, making up a total of 23 languages. It's not hard to see that the ...
[42]
ProQA CAD Interface - Computer-Aided Dispatch
ProQA Software integrates with most Computer Aided Dispatch systems simply and completely. See how ProQA works with your CAD here.
[43]
Utah Admin. Code R911-2-400 - Emergency Medical Service ...
(1) Designated emergency medical service dispatch centers shall have a selective medical dispatch system that meets EMS Committee approval, and uses local ...Missing: mandate Priority
[44]
[PDF] STATE OF FLORIDA
• Provide for emergency medical dispatch training and certification for all 911 call takers and EMS dispatcher;. • Provide for priority medical dispatch;.
[45]
911 Dispatcher Courses and Training | EMD Certification - IAED
Complete IAED's Certification Exam with a score of at least 80%. If 80% is not achieved, retests are available for a fee of $30 USD. Agree to abide by the ...Missing: QA | Show results with:QA
[46]
Emergency Telecommunicator Certification - 911 Dispatcher
To achieve EMD certification, students must have completed a 40-hour basic telecommunicator training program and possess current CPR certification.
[47]
911 Dispatcher Courses and Training | EMD Certification - IAED
Anyone scoring 66% through 78% will be eligible to retest. Retests will be conducted via telephone by an IAED-Certified Retest Instructor and must be passed ...Missing: 40- | Show results with:40-
[48]
Recertification in Emergency Dispatch Protocols | IAED - IAED
Every 2 years, members are required to recertify all applicable disciplines (ETC, EMD, EFD, EPD, ECN, CPS, EMD Mentor, EMD-Q, EFD-Q, EPD-Q, ECN-Q, and CPS-Q).Missing: 40- | Show results with:40-
[49]
Performance measures of the medical priority dispatch system in an ...
May 21, 2025 · The studied prioritization system effectively identifies non-urgent dispatches but exhibits a high overtriage rate, which strains EMS resources.Missing: post- | Show results with:post-
[50]
Facilitating Implementation of Next Generation 911 Services (NG911)
Jun 4, 2025 · These new capabilities include multimedia NG911 calls that allow the transmission of texts, photos, videos, and data, which persons with ...
[51]
[PDF] Emergency priority dispatch systems—a new era in the provision of ...
Abstract. Objectives—To evaluate the safety and reliability of two priority dispatch systems operated by ambulance services in the. UK.
[52]
Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System | EEAST
This is the system that is used nationally to triage 999 calls for an ambulance response. Protocol 17 (used for falls) should have prompted the Call Handler to ...
[53]
[PDF] Ambulance Response Programme Review | NHS England
The Ambulance Response Programme (ARP) was established in 2015 as an integral part of the Review. The ARP aimed to increase operational efficiency whilst ...
[54]
[PDF] Welsh Ambulance Service Trust - Healthcare Inspectorate Wales
The MPDS is used internationally to triage calls, including half of the. UK ambulance Trusts. The responses provided by the caller allow the system to generate ...
[55]
[PDF] National framework for healthcare professional ambulance responses
These levels are mapped to the current ambulance clinical categories and ambulance trusts are expected to respond to these requests in the same way as other 999 ...
[56]
Emergency Communication Nurse System Outcomes of Advanced ...
Feb 13, 2024 · Emergency Communication Nurse System Outcomes of Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch Codes in a UK ambulance service: A descriptive analysis.
[57]
Maternity pre-arrival instructions by 999 call handlers - hssib
Feb 17, 2022 · 2 There are currently two triage CDSS approved in England for 999 assessments: NHS Pathways and the Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System ( ...
[58]
[PDF] 2025-0221-Response-from-NHS-England.pdf
The systems are used to prioritise 999 calls received into the Ambulance Services' Emergency Operations Centres. (EOCs). South Western Ambulance Service NHS ...
[59]
Localized Approach - IAED Journal
Feb 15, 2024 · Available in 29 languages or dialects, the PDS has spread to 2,025 centers across 59 countries. With this growth, the International Academies of ...Missing: adoption | Show results with:adoption
[60]
International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) | Home - IAED
IAED offers comprehensive, standardized emergency calltaking protocols based on decades of evidence, and the Emergency Priority Dispatch System is the ...Medical Priority Dispatch... · Fire Priority Dispatch System · IAED Policies · Protocols
[61]
68 U.S. Emergency Dispatch Centers Earn “Center of Excellence ...
Apr 15, 2025 · ... IAED. The Priority Dispatch SystemTM is recognized and used in 60 countries as the highest standard of care and practice for emergency dispatch.
[62]
Medical Priority Dispatch System | City of Hamilton
Oct 1, 2025 · It is used by thousands of agencies worldwide to ensure consistent, safe and medically authorized instructions for every 911 medical call.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[63]
4 Revising EMS dispatch procedures to manage growing demand in ...
Aim The Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch (AMPDS) system is used to triage emergency medical calls in Victoria, Australia. However, the level of response ...
[64]
Our response | Queensland Ambulance Service
The prioritisation of Triple Zero (000) calls is managed through the Medical Dispatch Priority System (MPDS) at one of our operations centres with priority ...<|separator|>
[65]
Reliability of a Swedish pre-hospital dispatch system in prioritizing ...
The aim of this study was to analyse the sensitivity and specificity of the priority grading made by the dispatch center in comparison with the METTS-A priority ...
[66]
Comparison of the Medical Priority Dispatch System to an Out-of ...
Aug 6, 2025 · Sixteen of the 32 protocols performed no better than chance alone at identifying high-acuity patients. The Medical Priority Dispatch System ...
[67]
Emergency Operations Centre - RCEMLearning India
There are currently two approved triage systems in use to prioritise calls.5. Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System (AMPDS), which is an international ...
[68]
(PDF) The efficiency of Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) in ...
Aug 7, 2025 · The medical priority dispatch system (MPDS) has been developed to improve the dispatcher's performance. It follows algorithms and questions which aid in ...
[69]
Emergency medical dispatch services across Pan-Asian countries
Jan 7, 2020 · Dispatch services in Asia and their role in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. EMS systems in Asia are heterogenous, and remain at different phases ...Missing: adoption | Show results with:adoption
[70]
Priority Dispatch and VectorCare Forge Strategic AI-Powered ...
Mar 5, 2025 · Priority Dispatch and VectorCare have partnered to integrate ProQA protocols within VectorCare's AI-driven patient-logistics platform.Missing: research | Show results with:research<|control11|><|separator|>
[71]
Fusing taxonomy and artificial intelligence agents for emergency ...
Oct 24, 2025 · National standards such as the Emergency Medical Dispatch Priority Reference System (EMDPRS) [1, 2] have been developed to promote consistency ...