Multidimensional determinants of disaster response in prehospital emergency dispatch centers: content analysis of expert perspectives

An effective dispatch response during disasters emerges from the dynamic interplay among a multi-level command structure, resilient resources, rapid decision-making, and organizational coordination. While the findings are rooted in the Iranian context, many of the identified concepts are transferable to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems in other countries. Enhancing dispatcher training, fortifying communication infrastructures, and reinforcing coordination protocols are crucial interventions for improving the preparedness and resilience of health systems in the face of disasters.