When a dispatcher "runs the cards," they typically follow a logic known as the : Where : Your exact current location. What : What is happening right now. Who : Who is involved and how many people are injured. When : When did the incident occur. Weapons : Are there any weapons present at the scene? Impact and Accessibility
: They provide clear, step-by-step directions for the caller, ranging from simple tasks like turning on a porch light to high-stakes medical interventions like performing CPR or assisting in childbirth. Cards (911)
, or the Cards 911 Project , is a specialized set of open-source emergency medical dispatch (EMD) protocols designed to guide emergency services dispatchers through emergency calls. Instead of relying on guesswork, dispatchers use these "cards" to ask standardized questions and provide life-saving instructions to callers before help arrives. Core Purpose of the Protocols When a dispatcher "runs the cards," they typically
: Physical injuries resulting from accidents or violence. When : When did the incident occur
: General health-related emergencies.