chapter 4 - communications Flashcards
A special telephone line that is used for specific point-to-point communications; also known as a hotline
dedicated line
The ability to transmit and receive simultaneously
duplex
A low-power portable radio that communicates through an interconnected series of repeater stations called cells
cellular telephone
A small computer terminal inside the ambulance that directly receives data from the dispatch center
mobile data terminal
An assigned frequency or frequencies that are used to carry voice and/or data communications
channel
The use of a radio signal and a voice or digital message that is transmitted to pavers or desktop mobile radios
paging
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
handover
Written documents, signed by the EMS system’s medical director, that outline specific directions, permissions, and sometimes prohibitions regarding patient care
standing orders
The recorded portion of the EMT’s patient interaction, either written or electronic
documentation
Telecommunication systems that allow a computer to maximize utilization of a group of frequencies
trunking
The legal document used to record all patient care activities. This report has direct patient care functions but also administrative and quality control functions
patient care report
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
health information exchange
Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques that encourage patients to express their feelings and to achieve a positive relationship
therapeutic communication
The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and properly respond to the emotions of others
emotional intelligence
A trusting relationship that you build with your patient
rapport
Questions for which the patient must provide detail to give an answer
open-ended questions
Radio frequencies between 300 and 3,000 MHz
UHF
The condition requiring the most urgent intervention as determined by the provider’s assessment of the patient
chief concern
When one person imposes his or her beliefs, values, and practices on another because he or she believe his or her ideals are superior
cultural imposition
When a person considers his or her own cultural values as more important when interacting with people of a different culture
ethnocentricism
The transmission of information to another person - verbally or through body language
communication
Radio frequencies between 30 and 300 MHz; this spectrum is further divided into high and low bands
VHF
Anything that dampens or obscures the true meaning of a message
noise
A radio receiver that searches or scans across several frequencies until the message is completed
scanner
Questions that can be answered in short or single-word responses
closed-ended questions
A special base station radio that receives messages and signals on one frequency and then automatically retransmits them on a second frequency
repeater
A communication system that uses voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to allow multiple agencies to communicate and transmit data
interoperable communications system
Any communications where disruption will result in the failure of the mission at hand
mission-critical communications
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
telemetry
Any radio hardware containing a transmitter and receiver that is located in a fixed place
base station
VHF and UHF channels that the Federal Communications Commission has designated exclusively for EMS use
MED channels
The reason a patient called for help
chief complaint
The ability to transmit audio and data signals through the use of more than one communications channel
multiplex
The picture an individual has in his or her head of “what’s going on” in a given situation
mental model
The federal agency that has jurisdiction over interstate and international telephone and telegraph services and satellite communications, all of which may involve EMS activity
Federal Communications Commission
Single-frequency radio; transmissions can occur in either direction but not simultaneously
simplex
