04 - AAOS Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured Eleventh Edition - Chapter 4 Communications and Documentation

base station

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

cellular telephone

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

channel

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

close-ended questions

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

communication

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

cultural imposition

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

dedicated line

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

documentation

The recorded portion of the EMT's patient interaction, either written or electronic. This becomes part of the patient's permanent medical record.

duplex

The ability to transmit and receive simultaneously.

ethnocentrism

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

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

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

MED channels

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

mobile data terminals (MDT)

A small computer terminals inside ambulances that directly receive data from the dispatch center.

noise

Anything that dampens or obscures the true meaning of a message.

open-ended questions

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

paging

The use of a radio signal and a voice or digital message that is transmitted to pagers ("beepers") or desktop monitor radios.

patient care report (PCR)

The legal document used to record all patient care activities. This report has direct patient care functions but also administrative and quality control functions. PCRs are also known as prehospital care reports.

proxemics

The study of space between people and its effects on communication.

rapport

A trusting relationship that you build with your patient.

repeater

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

scanner

A radio receiver that searches or "scans" across several frequencies until the message is completed; the process is then repeated.

simplex

Single-frequency radio; transmissions can occur in either direction but no simultaneously in both; when one party transmits, the other can only receive, and the party that is transmitting is unable to receive.

standing orders

Written documents, signed by the EMS system's medical director, that outline specific directions, permissions, and sometimes prohibitions regarding patient care; also called protocols (offline)

telemetry

A process in which 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.

therapeutic communications

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

trunking

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

UHF (ultra-high frequency)

Radio frequencies between 300 and 3,000 MHz.

VHF (very high frequency)

Radio frequencies between 30 and 300 MHz; the VHF spectrum is further divided into "high" and "low" bands.

interoperable communications system

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

Mobile radio

Vehicle-mounted device that operates at a lower frequency than a base station.

Portable radio

Hand-carried or handheld devices that operates at 1 to 5 watts

A transmission range of a _________ is more limited than that of a mobile or base station radio?

Portable Radio

What is your first step when initiation communication with a non-English speaking patient?

Find out how much English the patient can speak.

Digital signals are also used in some kinds of paging and tone-alerting systems because they transmit _____________ and allow for more choices and flexibility.

Encoded messages

The transfer of care officially occurs during when?

Your oral report at the hospital.

Why would you contact medical control

To receive direct orders needed to administer certain treatments.

In most areas, medical control is provided by the ________ who work at the receiving hospital

Physicians

When caring for a visually impaired patient, you should?

try to avoid sudden movements

True or False

The two-way radio is at least two units: a transmitter and a receiver?

True

True or False

One of the most fundamental aspects of what EMT's do is to ask questions?

True

True or False

Ethnocentrism occurs when you consider your own cultural values to be equal to those of others.

False

True or False

Speaking louder to a non-English-speaking patient will increase his or her ability to understand you?

False

True or False

If a patient refuses care and transport, you do not need to complete a PCR?

False

True or False

Falsifying information on the PCR may result in suspension and/or revocation of your certification or license?

True

True or False

EMS systems that use repeaters are unable to get good signals from portable radios?

False

True or False

Children can easily see through lies or deception

True

True or False

When speaking on the radio, speak in plain English and avoid code words?

True

True or False

Your PCR will reflect on you professionally and can be used as evidence in court?

True

Refusal of care is a common source of _______ in EMS

Litigation

What often dictates the amount of space of proximity, between people when communicating?

Cultural norms

Functional age

relates to the person's ability to function in daily activities, the persons mental state, health status and activity pattern

What six components must be included in the oral report

opening information

detailed information

any important history

patients response to treatment

vital signs

other information

What six functions does the PCR report provide

continuity of care

legal documentation

education

administrative information

essential research record

evaluation & continuous quality improvement

What does Chart or Charte method stand for

chief complaint, history and physical examination, assessment, treatment, and transort

What is the SOAP mean

subjective, objective, assessment and patient care