What action should dispatch initiate when a caller reports confusion and disorientation?

When a caller reports confusion and disorientation, the most appropriate action is to assess for stroke symptoms. This is critical because confusion and disorientation can be symptoms of a stroke or other serious medical conditions. A prompt assessment can help determine the severity of the situation and whether the signs align with stroke indicators, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulties.

Initiating an assessment for stroke symptoms allows dispatch to prioritize the response appropriately and ensures that medical personnel can be mobilized quickly if they’re needed. This approach aligns with protocols that emphasize the importance of recognizing and acting on potential signs of life-threatening conditions. Early identification of a stroke can significantly impact patient outcomes, including the efficacy of treatment options.

Other actions, such as requesting a secondary callback or ignoring the symptoms if they are mild, do not address the potential urgency of the situation. Sending an ambulance immediately could also be appropriate depending on the assessment but assessing for stroke symptoms first ensures that the response is based on clinical indicators.