What is the first priority for a Fire Service Telecommunicator when answering a call?

The first priority for a Fire Service Telecommunicator when answering a call is to identify the emergency location. This is essential because knowing the exact location of an emergency allows for a swift and effective response from emergency services. If responders do not know where to go, vital time can be lost, potentially worsening the situation.

Identifying the emergency location also enables the telecommunicator to provide accurate information to dispatchers, ensuring the right units are deployed to the scene promptly. While gathering detailed information about the caller and determining their identity are important for context and assessment of the situation, these steps come after ensuring that help is on the way to the correct location. Advising the caller to call back later would be inappropriate as it delays critical assistance.