What does the term 'on-scene' mean in dispatching?

The term 'on-scene' in dispatching specifically indicates that units have arrived at the incident location. This is a critical communication within emergency services as it signifies that the first responders are now present where the incident is occurring and can take direct action to manage the situation. Being 'on-scene' also implies that the responders are able to assess the situation more accurately and coordinate further responses or assist those in need based on real-time information.

The other options pertain to different aspects of emergency response operations. For instance, units dispatched to other locations would not be at the incident site, thus would not be 'on-scene.' The time taken to receive a call refers to the latency in response rather than the status of the units. Lastly, backup units waiting to assist are not yet engaged at the incident location and do not represent the 'on-scene' concept. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective communication and operational efficiency in emergency dispatching.