ch4 Flashcards
What are the two types of communication in EMS?
Verbal and nonverbal communication.
What is therapeutic communication?
The use of verbal and nonverbal communication techniques to encourage patients to express themselves and feel comfortable.
What are some examples of nonverbal communication?
Body language, eye contact, facial expressions, and posture.
What are key components of effective verbal communication?
Tone, clarity, pace, and vocabulary appropriate to the patient.
Why is active listening important in EMS?
It helps build trust and ensures you fully understand the patient’s needs.
What is the purpose of a patient care report (PCR)?
To document everything that happened during the EMS call, including assessment, care, and patient responses.
What are the two main types of PCRs?
Written (paper or electronic) and verbal reports.
What does the acronym CHARTE stand for in documentation?
Chief Complaint, History, Assessment, Rx (treatment), Transport, Exceptions.
What does the acronym SOAP stand for in documentation?
Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan.
What is the purpose of a radio report to the receiving facility?
To notify the hospital of the incoming patient and provide essential information for preparation.
What are the FCC’s (Federal Communications Commission) responsibilities in EMS communication?
Regulating radio operations, assigning frequencies, licensing stations, and monitoring communication standards.
What should you avoid when giving a radio report?
Slang, codes (unless agency-approved), emotional language, and protected patient info not required.
What is a base station?
A powerful radio used at a fixed location, such as a dispatch center or hospital.
What is a repeater in EMS communication?
A device that receives and re-transmits signals to extend radio range.
What are the six components of a verbal report during patient handoff?
- Opening info (name, age, chief complaint) 2. Detailed info 3. History 4. Vital signs 5. Treatment given 6. Response to treatment
What is the correct way to correct an error on a written PCR?
Draw a single line through it, write the correct info, and initial/date it.
What is an example of objective vs subjective information in documentation?
Objective: “Patient has a heart rate of 110 bpm.” Subjective: “Patient feels dizzy.”
What should be included in the narrative section of a PCR?
Detailed patient assessment, timeline of events, interventions, and the patient’s response.
Why is accurate documentation important in EMS?
It ensures continuity of care, serves as legal evidence, supports billing, and aids in quality improvement.
What is the role of cultural competence in communication?
It helps EMTs provide respectful and effective care across different cultures and languages.
What should be included in the opening information of a radio report?
Unit ID, level of provider, patient’s age, gender, and chief complaint.
What are some tips for effective radio communication?
Speak clearly, use plain language, pause after pressing the transmit button, and avoid unnecessary words.
What are some examples of poor documentation practices?
Leaving blanks, using vague terms like “normal,” using unapproved abbreviations, or altering a report after submission.
When documenting a refusal of care, what must you include?
The patient’s mental status, your explanation of risks, any witnesses present, and the patient’s signature (if possible).
What is the significance of documenting “pertinent negatives”?
They show that specific conditions were assessed for and ruled out (e.g., “no chest pain” in a respiratory complaint).
What are common components of a written PCR?
Chief complaint, LOC, vital signs, assessment findings, treatment/interventions, patient demographics, and times.
What is the difference between a mobile radio and a portable radio?
Mobile radios are vehicle-mounted with greater power; portable radios are handheld, used outside the vehicle.
Why is accurate time documentation important?
It provides a timeline for care, helps verify treatments, and supports legal accountability.
How should you document if someone other than the patient provides information (like a bystander)?
Note the source in the narrative (e.g., “Information provided by husband on scene”).
When might a special incident report be required in addition to a PCR?
For cases involving abuse, exposure to infectious disease, injury to EMT, or unusual occurrences.
How can you protect patient confidentiality during radio communication?
Avoid using names and any unnecessary identifying information over the air.
What is a duplex communication system?
Allows simultaneous two-way communication (like a phone call).
What is a simplex communication system?
A one-way-at-a-time system; only one person can talk at once (like a walkie-talkie).
What is the purpose of a dispatcher in EMS?
To receive emergency calls, dispatch units, provide prearrival instructions, and monitor unit status.
Why is documentation critical for quality improvement (QI)?
It helps identify trends, training needs, and areas for improvement in EMS system performance.
