Unit 1: Dispatch Information (Patient Assessment)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Dispatch Information module of the Patient Assessment unit.

Patient assessment

The paramedic process of physically assessing the patient, taking vitals, asking questions, observing the scene, and forming a differential diagnosis.

Uncontrolled environment

Field setting outside a clinic or hospital where conditions and resources are unpredictable.

Dispatch information

Details provided to responders about a call, including location, nature of injury/illness, patient status, priority, and run number.

Call taker

Person at dispatch who collects caller information and passes it to the dispatcher.

Dispatcher

Person who coordinates ambulance resources and relays call information to crews.

Geocode

Map-based location code used to identify the call location.

Run number

Six-digit identifier linked to the patient care report.

Priority codes

System of urgency levels (e.g., Code 1–5, Code 8 standby, Code 9 out of service) used by dispatch.

Code 1

Deferrable; lowest priority.

Code 2

Scheduled transfer; non-urgent transport.

Code 3

Emergency call; urgent but not life-threatening.

Code 4

Potentially life-threatening; high urgency (e.g., acute chest pain, unconscious).

Code 5

Deceased.

Code 8

Standby; readiness for activation or debrief.

Code 9

Out of service; unit unavailable.

CTAS levels

Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale levels 1–5 used at hospital handover to rate patient acuity.

CTAS 1

Resuscitation; immediate life-saving needs.

Scene safety

Assessing and mitigating hazards to keep responders and patient safe before approaching the scene.

Competence

Professional appearance, prepared equipment, and demonstrated ability to convey capability.

Confidence

Clear, assertive directions, eye contact, and quick, decisive decisions.

Compassion

Respectful, empathetic communication; active listening and appropriate touch when needed.

Active listening

Repeating back or paraphrasing the patient’s statements to confirm understanding.

Mechanism of injury (MOI)

The way an injury occurred, used to anticipate injuries during assessment.

Differential diagnosis

Process of considering and ruling in/out potential conditions based on gathered information.

Handover

Transfer of patient care from paramedics to hospital staff.

Primary survey

Initial rapid assessment to identify and address life threats.

On-scene priorities

Order of actions: scene safety, scene control, patient care, and transport considerations.