Which of these best describes what a PSAP does?

A Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is a vital facility in the emergency response ecosystem that serves two main functions: processing emergency calls and dispatching emergency services. When someone dials an emergency number, such as 911, the call is routed to a PSAP where trained telecommunicators answer the call, gather necessary information, and assess the nature of the emergency.

Once the details are confirmed, the PSAP not only processes the information but also coordinates with emergency services, such as police, fire departments, and medical responders, to dispatch the appropriate resources to the location of the incident. This dual role ensures that emergency situations are handled efficiently and effectively, making the PSAP a critical entity in managing public safety.

While community education on emergencies is important, and dispatching services alone is a part of the process, the comprehensive nature of both processing calls and dispatching services is what accurately represents the full scope of what a PSAP does.