The primary role of a TERT team is to provide mission critical assistance for call-taking and dispatcher functions during and after a disaster incident.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Occasionally
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

Telecommunications Emergency Response Team (TERT) is deployed specifically to provide mission-critical support for call-taking and dispatcher operations when disasters occur. Their primary function is to keep 911 call intake and dispatcher workflows running when local resources are stretched, damaged, or overwhelmed, by supplying trained volunteers, temporary staffing, and operational support to PSAPs. This helps ensure the public can report emergencies and responders can be directed efficiently during and after the incident. The emphasis is on maintaining and restoring essential call-taking and dispatch capabilities, not on other non-critical tasks or intermittent help. Therefore, the statement is true.