What is an Emergency Call?

• A. When a unit presses the emergency button and uses the PTT button to transmit emergency information.
• B. When a unit presses the emergency button only.
• C. When a unit transmits a non-emergency update.
• D. When a unit switches radio channels.

Answer: (A)

An Emergency Call happens when a unit signals distress and immediately communicates urgent details over the radio. Pressing the emergency button flags the radio as in distress and alerts dispatch and nearby units, but it’s the push-to-talk transmission that delivers the critical information—location, nature of the emergency, needs, and any injuries. That combination makes the call clearly urgent and actionable for responders. Simply pressing the button without speaking, sending a non-emergency update, or switching channels does not establish the same urgent voice communication and visibility to the response effort.