What does "situational awareness" refer to for a PST?

Situational awareness for a Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) is crucial as it directly relates to their ability to understand and interpret events happening in real-time. This concept encompasses the PST's comprehension of the dynamics of a situation, including the context and the potential implications of those events on both the public and emergency responders. By maintaining situational awareness, the PST can process incoming information, recognize patterns, and assess the urgency and nature of calls, which enables them to make informed decisions quickly.

This understanding allows the PST to prioritize calls effectively, direct appropriate resources, and communicate vital information to officers and emergency services in the field. Situational awareness is not limited to memorizing protocols or past incidents; it is about being attuned to the present environment in order to react and respond appropriately, ensuring the safety and efficiency of emergency operations.