What is TERT?
Mutual aid is commonly thought of only in the police, fire, or emergency medical service fields of public safety. While mutual aid for emergency first responders has been widely discussed, 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), also known as Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs), are often overlooked. Many individuals forget that all communications flow through the ECC who the true first- first responders are.
The TERT program is meant to assist agencies that need help. TERT deployments can help agencies that are stretched beyond their capabilities or experiencing an unprecedented event. The TERT program helps provide much needed relief to dispatchers.
TERT can be enacted for instances including:
• Natural disasters such as hurricanes, large wildfires, tornados
• Coverage for line of duty deaths
• Augment staffing due to widespread illness in center
• Staff relief after major events including for CISM
The MA program operates under the authority of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPPS). TERT is a part of the Communications Unit Program (COMU) and is over seen by the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) and in partnership with the Massachusetts State 911 Department.
Funding for deployments and training is reimbursable through the State911 Department.
TERT members are required to have a signed letter from the agency director acknowledging/approving participation in TERT on file with the TERT State Coordinator.
The member’s home agency is responsible and liable for the member.
What are the components of TERT?
Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT)
A TERT Dispatcher is a specially trained individual to provide mutual aid response in the aftermath of disasters and other special circumstance events. A TERT dispatcher is different than an INTD (Incident Tactical Dispatcher). TERT teams typically respond to PSAP/ECC deployments when an agency needs a team due to a disaster or unusual occurrence. A tactical or incident dispatch team is typically a Field deployment. The purpose of TERT is to provide relief to personnel of a communications center that has experienced a significant incident to augment the staffing of that center. TERT members can respond to a PSAPs building, an EOC, Mobile Command Post, or a backup center.
TERT Telecommunicator
A public safety Telecommunicator that can function in both the following capacities:
1. Calltaker: A public safety calltaker trained and/or certified in accordance with the AHJ policies in receiving, assessing, prioritizing, and classifying calls for service (police and/or fire and/or EMS) and operating public safety and/or ECC communications equipment.
2. Radio Dispatcher: A public safety dispatcher trained and/or certified in accordance with the AHJ policies in receiving, prioritizing, and distributing calls for service (police and/or fire and/or EMS) using a public safety radio system while coordinating, tracking and providing support to field units.
TERT Team Leader
A public safety telecommunications supervisor, as described above, who is also knowledgeable in the administrative aspects of a TERT deployment and is capable of managing human resources, work task distribution, liaison, and documentation needs of the TERT. The TERT Team Leader is assigned by the TERT State Coordinator.
TERT State Coordinator
An individual recognized as the single point of contact responsible for managing the TERT program and coordinating TERT deployments.
TERT Liaison
A liaison to the TERT from the Requesting PSAP. The TERT Liaison is the single point of contact between the Requesting PSAP and deployed team. Responsible for assuring the TERT team has appropriate access and support to fulfill assigned duties. This component will be assigned at the time of the request.