What is the primary role of the Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) team?

The primary role of the Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) team is to provide mission-critical assistance for call-taking and dispatch. This function is vital during emergencies when standard operations may be overwhelmed or incapacitated. TERT teams are specially trained to step in when local public safety telecommunications personnel are unable to handle the volume of calls effectively, ensuring that emergency calls are processed efficiently and accurately. By doing so, they help maintain communication pathways and support the overall emergency response efforts.

The focus of the TERT unit on call-taking and dispatch means they are essential in mobilizing additional resources, deploying emergency services, and providing timely assistance to those in need during critical situations. This role reinforces the importance of maintaining operational capability in public safety communications, which is crucial for effective emergency management.