Chapter 4 Audio Book Transcript Study Flashcards
Define communication and its importance in prehospital care.
Communication is the exchange of information (verbal, written, or nonverbal) and is crucial for patient care, teamwork, and coordination in EMS.
Describe the three types of communication methods (written, verbal, nonverbal) used in prehospital care.
Written: Documentation of patient care records. Verbal: Interaction with patients and other healthcare providers. Nonverbal: Body language, gestures, and facial expressions.
Explain why documentation is a critical aspect of patient care and its multiple purposes.
Documentation ensures continuity of care, provides a legal record, supports research, and facilitates billing and administrative needs.
What impact did the study on seatbelt usage have on public policy and safety education?
It led to laws mandating seatbelt use and public education campaigns, significantly improving survival rates in motor vehicle crashes.
Summarize the factors to consider for effective therapeutic communication.
Consider culture, age, personal experience, body language, tone, pace, and patient needs.
Discuss the influence of culture, age, and personal experiences on communication.
Cultural norms shape expressions, age affects perspectives on illness, and personal experiences influence how patients perceive and report symptoms.
What is ethnocentrism, and how can it negatively impact patient communication?
Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own culture is superior, which can lead to misunderstandings and poor rapport with patients from different backgrounds.
Explain the concept of cultural imposition with an example.
Cultural imposition occurs when a provider forces their values onto a patient. Example: Criticizing traditional healing practices without understanding their significance.
List the 10 golden rules of patient communication.
Make eye contact. Use the patient’s proper name. Be truthful. Use understandable language. Be mindful of confidentiality. Watch body language. Speak clearly. Accommodate hearing impairments. Allow time for responses. Act with calm confidence.
Compare and contrast open-ended and closed-ended questions in patient assessment.
Open-ended: Encourage detailed responses (e.g., ‘What’s bothering you today?’). Closed-ended: Elicit short, specific answers (e.g., ‘Are you in pain?’).
Why is emotional intelligence important for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)?
It helps EMTs manage their emotions, build rapport, diffuse conflict, and respond effectively to patients and colleagues.
What are the five attributes of emotional intelligence, and how can EMTs develop them?
Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Motivation, Empathy, Social skills. Development involves mindfulness, stress management, and thoughtful communication.
Describe the Behavioral Change Stairway Model and its application in crisis communication.
A five-step model: active listening, empathy, rapport, influence, and behavior change. It’s used to de-escalate crises and build trust.
Outline considerations when communicating with older patients.
Be patient, avoid assumptions about confusion, accommodate sensory impairments, and address their concerns with respect.
What strategies should be used to communicate effectively with children in emergency situations?
Use simple language, maintain a calm tone, involve familiar people or objects, and explain actions to reduce fear.
Discuss techniques for communicating with patients who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Use written notes, clear speech, visual aids, and sign language if possible. Avoid shouting and ensure visibility for lip-reading.
How can EMTs communicate effectively with non-English-speaking patients?
Use translation apps, interpreters, visual aids, and basic words/gestures while avoiding complex terms.
Explain the concept of ‘mission-critical communications’ and the shared mental model.
Mission-critical communications ensure error-free information transfer to maintain situational awareness and team effectiveness.
What are the key components of an effective patient care handover?
Eye contact, managing the environment, ensuring critical care needs are addressed, using structured formats like SBAR, and providing complete documentation.
Describe the two most common narrative formats for documentation: CHART and SOAP.
CHART: Chief complaint, History, Assessment, Rx (treatment), and Transport. SOAP: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.
What guidelines should be followed when documenting a refusal of care?
Document patient assessments, informed refusal, efforts to persuade, and have witnesses sign the refusal form.
Explain the role of the Federal Communications Commission in EMS communication.
The FCC allocates radio frequencies, licenses equipment, and monitors compliance to ensure efficient communication.
Describe the different types of radios and communication systems used in EMS.
Base station radios, mobile radios, portable radios, repeaters, cellular and satellite phones.
What backup plans should be in place if communication systems fail during an emergency?
Use standing orders, alternative communication tools like cell phones, or refer to written protocols.
Why is maintenance of radio and communication equipment vital, and what steps are typically included in maintenance protocols?
Regular maintenance ensures functionality during emergencies. Steps include yearly servicing, checking equipment pre-shift, and having backup systems.
