chapter 4 - communications

Question 1

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

Answer 1

dedicated line

Question 2

The ability to transmit and receive simultaneously

Answer 2

duplex

Question 3

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

Answer 3

cellular telephone

Question 4

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

Answer 4

mobile data terminal

Question 5

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

Answer 5

channel

Question 6

The use of a radio signal and a voice or digital message that is transmitted to pavers or desktop mobile radios

Answer 6

paging

Question 7

The transfer of pertinent patient information and the responsibility for the patient’s care; often involves the physical movement of the patient and associated equipment

Answer 7

handover

Question 8

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

Answer 8

standing orders

Question 9

The recorded portion of the EMT’s patient interaction, either written or electronic

Answer 9

documentation

Question 10

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

Answer 10

trunking

Question 11

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

Answer 11

patient care report

Question 12

A system that allows EMS providers to access relevant health data, avoid unnecessary duplication of effort in data entry, and view patient outcomes related to hospital care

Answer 12

health information exchange

Question 13

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

Answer 13

therapeutic communication

Question 14

The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and properly respond to the emotions of others

Answer 14

emotional intelligence

Question 15

A trusting relationship that you build with your patient

Answer 15

rapport

Question 16

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

Answer 16

open-ended questions

Question 17

Radio frequencies between 300 and 3,000 MHz

Answer 17

UHF

Question 18

The condition requiring the most urgent intervention as determined by the provider’s assessment of the patient

Answer 18

chief concern

Question 19

When one person imposes his or her beliefs, values, and practices on another because he or she believe his or her ideals are superior

Answer 19

cultural imposition

Question 20

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

Answer 20

ethnocentricism

Question 21

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

Answer 21

communication

Question 22

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

Answer 22

VHF

Question 23

Anything that dampens or obscures the true meaning of a message

Answer 23

noise

Question 24

A radio receiver that searches or scans across several frequencies until the message is completed

Answer 24

scanner

Question 25

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

Answer 25

closed-ended questions

Question 26

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

Answer 26

repeater

Question 27

A communication system that uses voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to allow multiple agencies to communicate and transmit data

Answer 27

interoperable communications system

Question 28

Any communications where disruption will result in the failure of the mission at hand

Answer 28

mission-critical communications

Question 29

A process in which the 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 29

telemetry

Question 30

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

Answer 30

base station

Question 31

VHF and UHF channels that the Federal Communications Commission has designated exclusively for EMS use

Answer 31

MED channels

Question 32

The reason a patient called for help

Answer 32

chief complaint

Question 33

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

Answer 33

multiplex

Question 34

The picture an individual has in his or her head of “what’s going on” in a given situation

Answer 34

mental model

Question 35

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

Answer 35

Federal Communications Commission

Question 36

Single-frequency radio; transmissions can occur in either direction but not simultaneously

Answer 36

simplex