Chapter 5 Communications: Vital Vocabulary Flashcards
On-board computer systems in motor vehicles that automatically send telemetry data to a monitoring service in the event of a crash, which then relays the data to emergency responders; also called advanced automatic crash notification.
automatic crash notification (ACN)
A radio at a fixed location (such as a hospital or dispatch center) consisting of a transmitter, receiver, and antenna.
base station
Transmission of physiologic data, such as an electrocardiogram, from the patient to a distant point of reception (commonly referred to in emergency medical services as telemetry),
biotelemetry
Wireless telephones that communicate via radio waves with the telephone system through an interconnected network of repeater stations called cells.
cell phones
Using regular language (plain English) and accepted terms to enhance clarity of communication, rather than using ten-codes or other code systems.
clear text
A question that is specific and focused, requiring either a yes or no answer, or an answer chosen from specific options.
closed-ended question
Linked dispatch center computer consoles and vehicle-mounted mobile data terminals
computer assisted dispatch (CAD)
An operational practice designed to enhance communication and teamwork, and to thereby reduce preventable errors.
crew resource management (CRM)
An understanding of the predominant cultures that exist in the geographic area in which the paramedic provides patient care.
cultural competence
The system of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are learned and shared by members of a group.
culture
The transmission of information via radio waves using native digital (computer) data or analog (voice) signals that have been converted to a digital signal and compressed.
digital radio
To send to a specific destination or to send on a task.
dispatch
Radio system using paired frequencies to permit the use of remote repeaters or simultaneous transmission and reception.
duplex
A program specifically designed to meet the unique needs of emergency medical services response and of callers reporting a medical emergency, including first aid instructions given by specially trained dispatchers to callers over the telephone while an ambulance is en route to the call.
emergency medical dispatch (EMD)
An embedded signal that permits controlled access to the radio transmission.
encoded radio signals
An emergency communications system that collects information about 9-1-1 calls from the telephone network, such as the phone number and location of the caller, and displays this information on the dispatcher’s computer terminal.
enhanced 9-1-1 system
Viewing other cultures based solely upon the standards and values of one’s own culture; a belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own cultural or ethnic group.
ethnocentrism
The independent government agency that regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The number of cycles (oscillations) per second of a radio signal.
frequency
Technology that uses global positioning system and other data to map the locations of objects and events.
geographic information system (GIS)
Unit of measure of a frequency equal to 1 cycle per second; 1 million Hz equals one megahertz and 1000 megahertz equals one gigahertz
hertz (Hz)
Public safety communications systems which are compatible across all local, tribal, state, and federal agencies.
interoperability
Communications system linked by wires, usually in reference to a conventional telephone system.
landline
A dispatch system using a specific format to indicate the nature of the emergency and its priority.
medical priority dispatch system (MPDS)
Assistance to other nearby agencies when local resources are overwhelmed.
mutual aid
Simultaneous transmission of multiple data streams, most often voice and electrocardiogram signals.
multiplex
Reassignment of frequencies by the Federal Communications Commission to a 12.5 megahertz spacing, now required for all emergency medical services and public safety radio systems.
narrow band
Interference in a radio signal
noise
Patient care orders in the form of protocols or standing orders that do not require direct contact with the medical control physician.
off-line medical control
Patient care orders provided directly to the paramedic by the medical control physician by radio or telephone.
online medical control
A question that does not have a yes or no answer, and that does not give the patient specific options from which to choose.
open-ended question
A group of disorders that cause delays in many areas of childhood development, such as the development of skills to communicate and interact socially, and may include repetitive body movements and difficulty with changes in routine; includes autism and Asperger syndrome, among others.
pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs)
The location to which 9-1-1 calls are routed, which may or may not serve as the dispatch center.
public safety answering point (PSAP)
Areas where mobile or portable radios are unable to communicate with a repeater.
radio dead spots
A terminal that receives transmissions of telemetry an voice from the field and transmits messages back, usually through the base station.
remote terminal
Remote radio transceiver that receives radio signals and rebroadcasts them at a higher power, extending the range of a radio communications system.
repeater
Radio communication using a single frequency
simplex
A structured patient report format designed to convey important information in a concise manner.
situation, background, assessment, and recommendation (SBAR)
Filtering system to block background noise when a radio is on but not receiving a signal.
squelch
Computer-based system permitting real-time two-way audio, video, and data communication between the paramedic and medical control physician.
telemedicine
A radio code system using the number 10 plus another number. No longer used in many emergency medical services systems.
ten-code
Communicating with the patient using specific strategies to encourage the patient to express ideas and feelings, and to convey respect and acceptance.
therapeutic communication
A radio containing both a transmitter and a receiver, a two-way radio.
transceiver
Computerized sharing of radio frequencies by multiple units, agencies, or systems.
trunked radio system
The portion of the radio frequency spectrum between 300 and 3,000 megahertz.
ultra high frequency (UHF) band
A planned pause before the beginning of a procedure that improves communication among all personnel involved and reduces preventable errors.
universal timeout
The portion of the radio frequency spectrum between 30 and 300 megahertz.
very high frequency (VHF) band
