What does the term "in-progress" refer to in an emergency context?

In the context of emergencies, the term "in-progress" specifically refers to events or situations that are currently taking place at the moment of the call or communication. This could involve ongoing crimes, medical emergencies, or other critical incidents that require immediate attention from emergency responders. The use of "in-progress" indicates urgency and the need for prompt action to mitigate harm and ensure safety.

Understanding this terminology is crucial for telecommunicators as it informs response priorities. Recognizing that an event is ongoing helps dispatchers allocate resources more efficiently and ensure that the appropriate emergency services are deployed quickly to address the situation. Other definitions, such as events that have occurred recently or those that were past events, do not capture the immediacy and necessity for a rapid response associated with situations labeled as "in-progress."