Chapter 6: Communication & Teamwork

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to communication techniques and equipment used in emergency medical services.

Watts

are Units used to measure the power of a radio transmitter

Mobile radio

A radio mounted in a vehicle.

Interoperability

The ability to exchange information between communication systems.

Open-ended questions

Questions that can lead to a broad range of possible responses.

Portable radio

A handheld two-way radio used by emergency personnel to communicate outside the vehicle.

Communication channels

are Any means through which messages can be sent, such as body language, written documents, and verbal exchanges.

Reflection

Mirroring a patient’s words back to them to obtain further information.

Active listening

Listening beyond the sender’s words for the meanings behind them.

Credibility

Believability.

Pertinent negatives

Signs or symptoms that are expected to accompany a particular problem, but are not present.

Leading questions

Questions phrased (usually inadvertently) to exert influence on the patient’s answer.

Communication

Exchange of information between individuals using any means understood.

Verbal cues

Meanings conveyed through written or spoken words.

Narrative report

A written outline of the events of an EMS call, usually following one of several standard formats.

Receiver

The target of a communicated message.

Digital radio equipment

Radio equipment that converts voice into electronic data and back into voice.

Radio frequencies

Specific portions of the electromagnetic field over which radio transmissions can be sent.

(Ranges used to send radio signals)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The U.S. government agency that regulates the standards and use of communication equipment.

Therapeutic communication

Specific verbal and nonverbal techniques used by health care providers to establish rapport and elicit information from patients.

Sender

The individual who initiates a message in communication.

Repeaters

Devices that boost radio signal range

Radio devices that receive low-power signals and rebroadcast them at higher power to increase the range of portable and mobile radios.

Mobile data terminals

Electronic devices used to send and receive text data, using a small screen.

Base station

High-power two-way radios in a fixed location, such as a dispatch center or hospital.

Documentation

A record of an event.

Team

A group of individuals working together to achieve a common goal.

Empathy

Insight into another person’s feelings and situation.

Feedback

A message sent back to the original source of communication about how the message was received.

Clarification

Seeking feedback on your understanding of what a patient tells you.

Nonverbal cues

Messages conveyed by means other than spoken or written words.

Summarization

With respect to therapeutic communication, presenting the key points made by a patient back to them to check for understanding.

Facilitation

With respect to therapeutic communications, encouraging a patient to keep speaking.

Confrontation

A therapeutic communication technique of pointing out inconsistencies in information to seek explanation.

Interference

Anything that disrupts the transmission or receipt of a message.

Closed-ended questions

Questions with a narrow range of possible answers, such as yes or no.