In APCO 10-codes, 10-78 refers to "Need Assistance."
This code is utilized by law enforcement and emergency services to indicate that a unit requires additional help or backup at a particular scene or situation. It’s an important communication tool, especially in high-stress environments, ensuring that support can be dispatched quickly to assist the requesting unit.
For example, a typical exchange might look like this:
- Unit 5: "Dispatch, this is Unit 5, I’m requesting a 10-78 at my location."
- Dispatcher: "Unit 5, 10-4, additional units are en route."
Using 10-78 helps streamline communication, making it clear that a unit is in need of further assistance.