What is a necessary skill for PSTs when handling multiple emergency calls?

The necessary skill for Public Safety Telecommunicators (PSTs) when handling multiple emergency calls is multitasking and prioritizing information. In any high-pressure environment, especially when dealing with emergency calls, PSTs often face numerous simultaneous situations that require immediate attention.

Multitasking enables PSTs to manage various aspects of multiple calls—such as gathering vital information, dispatching units, and maintaining communication with callers—while ensuring that each call is addressed appropriately and efficiently. Prioritizing information is equally essential, as it allows PSTs to discern which calls necessitate quicker responses based on the severity of the situation and available resources. This skill ensures that help is dispatched as promptly as possible to those in the most critical need.

Using these skills effectively can significantly improve outcomes during emergencies, where time is often of the essence. In contrast, solely focusing on one call would hinder the PST's ability to respond to multiple emergencies, while taking breaks or deferring important decisions to other agencies could lead to delays that could worsen a situation. Thus, multitasking and prioritizing information are fundamental skills for PSTs to perform their duties effectively in a dynamic, multitasking environment.