4. Communications and Documentation

Question 1

Any radio hardware containing a transmitter and receiver that is located in a fixed place.

Answer 1

base station

Question 2

A low-power portable radio that communicates through an interconnected series of repeater stations called “cells.”

Answer 2

cellular telephone

Question 3

An assigned frequency or frequencies that are used to carry voice and/or data communications.

Answer 3

channel

Question 4

Questions that can be answered in short or single word responses.

Answer 4

close-ended questions

Question 5

The transmission of information to another person- verbally or through body language.

Answer 5

communication

Question 6

When one person imposes his or her beliefs, values, and practices on another because one believes his or her ideals is superior.

Answer 6

cultural imposition

Question 7

A special telephone line that is used for specific point-to-point communications; also known as hotline.

Answer 7

dedicated line

Question 8

The recorded portions of the EMT’s patient interaction, either written or electronic. This becomes part of the patient’s permanent medical record.

Answer 8

documentation

Question 9

The ability to transmit and receive simultaneously.

Answer 9

duplex

Question 10

When person considers his or her own cultural values as more important when interacting with people of a different culture.

Answer 10

ethnocentrism

Question 11

The federal agency that has jurisdiction over interstate and international telephone and telegraph services and satellite communications, all of which involve EMS.

Answer 11

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Question 12

A communication system that use voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology to allow multiple agencies to communicate and transmit data.

Answer 12

interoperable communications system

Question 13

VHF and UHF channels that the FCC has designated for EMS use.

Answer 13

MED channels

Question 14

A small computer terminal inside the ambulance that directly receives data from the dispatch center.

Answer 14

mobile data terminal (MDT)

Question 15

The ability to transmit audio and data signals through the use of more than one communication channel.

Answer 15

multiplex

Question 16

Anything that dampens or obscures the true meaning of a message.

Answer 16

noise

Question 17

Questions for which the patient must provide detail to give an answer.

Answer 17

open-ended questions

Question 18

The use of a radio signal and a voice or digital message that is transmitted to pagers or desktop monitor radios.

Answer 18

paging

Question 19

This legal document used to record all patient care activities. This report has direct patient care functions but also administrative and quality control functions. also known as prehospital care reports.

Answer 19

patient care report (PCR)

Question 20

A trusting relationship that you build with your patient.

Answer 20

rapport

Question 21

A special base station radio that receives messages and signals on one frequency and then automatically retransmits them on a second frequency.

Answer 21

repeater

Question 22

A radio receiver that searches or “scans” across several frequencies until the message is completed; the process is then repeated

Answer 22

scanner

Question 23

Single-frequency radio; transmissions can occur in either direction but not simultaneously in both; when one party transmits, the other can only receive, and the party that is transmitting is unable to receive.

Answer 23

simplex

Question 24

Written documents, signed by the EMS system’s medical director, that outline specific directions, permissions, and sometimes prohibitions regarding patient care; also called protocols.

Answer 24

standing orders

Question 25

A process in which electronic signals are converted into coded, audible signals; these signals can then be transmitted by radio or telephone to a receiver with a decoder at the hospital.

Answer 25

telemetry

Question 26

Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques that encourage patients to express their feelings and to achieve a positive relationship.

Answer 26

therapeutic communication

Question 27

Telecommunication systems that allow a computer to maximize utilization of a group of frequencies.

Answer 27

trunking

Question 28

Radio frequencies between 300 and 3,000 MHz.

Answer 28

UHF (ultra-high frequency)

Question 29

Radio frequencies between 30 and 300 MHz; this spectrum is further divided into high and low bands.

Answer 29

VHF (very high frequency)

Question 30

The ten Golden Rules

Answer 30

Make and keep eye contact with patient at all times

Provide your name and use the patient’s proper name

Tell the patient the truth

Use language that the patient can understand

Be careful what you say about the patient to others

Be aware of your body language

Always speak slowly, clearly, and distinctly

If the patient is hard of hearing, face the person so that he or she can read your lips

Allow patient time to answer or respond to quesitons

Act and speak in a calm, confident, manner while caring for the patient

Question 31

Communicating with Patient who are hard of hearing

Answer 31

Have pen and paper available

If patient can read lips, you should face patient and speak slowly, distinctly

Never shout

Be sure to listen carefully, ask short questions, and give short answers

Learn some simple phrases in sign language.