Review of the Telecommunicator Deployment Process

The TERT deployment process depends on effective and direct communication between multiple local, state, and federal agencies. When a disaster strikes and a PSAP determines outside assistance is necessary, the PSAP will identify the specific needs and make a formal request through established local and state channels. These needs will be coordinated between various states and at a federal level. Telecommunicators in the assisting state will be identified and teams will be created to deploy and assist the requesting PSAP in the disaster area. During each TERT deployment, a team leader will be designated. The team leader is responsible for all team members, as well as all documentation requirements related to deployment. The telecommunicators within the team must follow the directives of the team leader and recognize the team leader as the first person in their chain-of-command. The establishment of a team leader facilitates efficient and effective communication and management in the disaster area.