Ch 4 Vocab

base station

Any radio hardware containing a transmitter & receiver 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.

cultural imposition

When one person imposes their beliefs, values, and practices on another because they believe their ideals are superior

dedicated line

A special telephone line used for special point-to-point communications - AKA hotline

duplex

Transmitting and receiving signals simultaneously.

ethnocentrism

When a person considers their cultural values more important than others.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Federal agency with jurisdiction over interstate and international telephone and telegraph services/satellite communications.

health info exchange (HIE)

System allowing EMS to access relevant health data, avoid unnecessary duplication of effort in data entry, and view pt outcomes.

Interoperable communications system

Communication system using voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) technology to allow multiple agencies to communicate/transmit data.

MED channels

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

mobile data terminal (MDT)

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

multiplex

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

paging

Using a radio signal and a voice/digital message that is transmitted to pagers (“beepers”) or desktop monitor radios.

repeater

Special base station radio that receives messages and signals on one frequency and then automatically re-transmits 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 not simultaneously; when one party transmits, the other can only receive, and the party that is transmitting is unable to receive.

telemetry

Process where 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.

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