4. Communications and Documentation Flashcards
Any radio hardware containing a transmitter and receiver that is located in a fixed place.
base station
A low-power portable radio that communicates through an interconnected series of repeater stations called “cells.”
cellular telephone
An assigned frequency or frequencies that are used to carry voice and/or data communications.
channel
Questions that can be answered in short or single word responses.
close-ended questions
The transmission of information to another person- verbally or through body language.
communication
When one person imposes his or her beliefs, values, and practices on another because one believes his or her ideals is superior.
cultural imposition
A special telephone line that is used for specific point-to-point communications; also known as hotline.
dedicated line
The recorded portions of the EMT’s patient interaction, either written or electronic. This becomes part of the patient’s permanent medical record.
documentation
The ability to transmit and receive simultaneously.
duplex
When person considers his or her own cultural values as more important when interacting with people of a different culture.
ethnocentrism
The federal agency that has jurisdiction over interstate and international telephone and telegraph services and satellite communications, all of which involve EMS.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
A communication system that use voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology to allow multiple agencies to communicate and transmit data.
interoperable communications system
VHF and UHF channels that the FCC has designated for EMS use.
MED channels
A small computer terminal inside the ambulance that directly receives data from the dispatch center.
mobile data terminal (MDT)
The ability to transmit audio and data signals through the use of more than one communication channel.
multiplex
Anything that dampens or obscures the true meaning of a message.
noise
Questions for which the patient must provide detail to give an answer.
open-ended questions
The use of a radio signal and a voice or digital message that is transmitted to pagers or desktop monitor radios.
paging
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.
patient care report (PCR)
A trusting relationship that you build with your patient.
rapport
A special base station radio that receives messages and signals on one frequency and then automatically retransmits them on a second frequency.
repeater
A radio receiver that searches or “scans” across several frequencies until the message is completed; the process is then repeated
scanner
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.
simplex
Written documents, signed by the EMS system’s medical director, that outline specific directions, permissions, and sometimes prohibitions regarding patient care; also called protocols.
standing orders
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.
telemetry
Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques that encourage patients to express their feelings and to achieve a positive relationship.
therapeutic communication
Telecommunication systems that allow a computer to maximize utilization of a group of frequencies.
trunking
Radio frequencies between 300 and 3,000 MHz.
UHF (ultra-high frequency)
Radio frequencies between 30 and 300 MHz; this spectrum is further divided into high and low bands.
VHF (very high frequency)
The ten Golden Rules
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
Communicating with Patient who are hard of hearing
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.
