Chapter 4: Communications and Documentation

Communication

The transmission of information to another person, whether it is verbal or through body language (nonverbal)

Documentation

The written or electronically recorded part of the patient’s permanent medical record, demonstrates that appropriate care was delivered, communicates the patient’s story to others who may participate in the patient’s future care. Adequate reporting and accurate records ensure the continuity of patient care, includes complete patient records

Radio and telephone communications

Link the EMT to other members of the EMS, fire department, and law enforcement

communities

Therapeutic communication

Uses various communication techniques and strategies; both verbal and nonverbal and encourages patients to express how they feel and achieves a positive relationship with each patient

The Shannon-Weaver communication model

Developed to assist in the mathematical theory of communication for Bell Telephone Labs in the late 1940s and remains a valuable tool in understanding human communications

Ethnocentrism

Considering your own cultural values more important than those of others

Cultural imposition

Forcing your values onto others

Facilitation

Encouraging the patient to talk or provide more information

Silence

Gives the patient time and space to think and respond

Reflection

Restating a patient’s statement made to you to confirm your understanding

Empathy

Being sensitive to a patient’s feelings and thoughts

Clarification

Asking the patient what he or she meant by an answer

Confrontation

Making the patient who is in denial or in a mental state of shock to focus on urgent and life-critical issues

Interpretation

Summing up the patient’s complaint to confirm your understanding

Explanation

Providing a factual information to support a conversation

Summary

Providing the patient with an overview of the conversation and the steps you will be taking

Base station

any radio hardware containing a transmitter and a receiver that is located in a

fixed place