Which of the following best describes the role of an EMD during a medical emergency call?

The role of an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) during a medical emergency call is primarily to triage patients and provide pre-arrival instructions. This involves assessing the severity of the caller's situation and determining the most appropriate response from emergency services. The EMD uses standardized protocols to ask specific questions that help evaluate the patient's condition and the urgency of the response needed.

Additionally, providing pre-arrival instructions is a critical aspect of the EMD’s responsibilities. These instructions might include guidance on performing CPR, controlling bleeding, or helping with other immediate medical interventions while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. This support can be life-saving and is essential for improving patient outcomes.

In contrast, offering a medical diagnosis over the phone is not within the scope of the EMD's role, as they are not licensed medical professionals and should not give specific medical advice. Similarly, investigating the cause of the emergency falls outside the immediate responsibilities of an EMD, as their focus is on response and support rather than investigation. Lastly, determining the financial impact of the situation is irrelevant to the immediate on-scene needs and goes beyond the operational focus of an EMD, whose primary concern is ensuring effective and timely medical assistance.