Communications

Topics Role and Importance of

Communications Phases of Communications Data Collection Technology and Information

Exchange Components of an EMS

Communications System

Introduction Knowledge of communications

plays an important role in yourparamedic training.

All aspects of prehospital carerequire effective, efficientcommunications.

Communication is the key link in the chain that results in the bestpossible patient outcome.

Communication

The process of exchanging information between individuals

Basic Communication Model

Sender has an idea, or message. Sender encodes message. Sender sends message. Receiver receives message. Receiver decodes message. Receiver gives feedback to sender.

Verbal Communication

SEMANTIC (the meaning of words)

or TECHNICAL

(communications hardware)

Factors that enhance or impede effective communication may be either

Your communication network must consist of

reliable equipment designed to afford clear communication

among all agencies within the system.

Example of an EMS System Using Repeaters

A radio system is a critical component of

an EMS system. Radio Band—a range of radio

frequencies. Radio Frequencies—the number

of times per minute a radio waveoscillates.

Ultrahigh Frequency (UHF)—radio frequency band from 300 to 3,000 megahertz.

Communication Technology

EMS systems use all of today’svarious communicationtechnologies.

These include traditional forms ofradio communication as well asinnovations in radio technology and other media.

A Basic Communications System Using Simplex

Transmissions

Duplex transmissions allow simultaneous two-way

communications.

Multiplex systems can transmit voice and data at

the same time.

Cellular Phone

Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) The agency that controls

all nongovernmental communications in the United States

The FCC:

Licenses and allocates radiofrequencies.

Establishes technical standards. Monitors frequencies to assure

appropriate usage. Spot checks base stations and

dispatch centers for appropriatelicenses and records.

Common Radio Terms Used in Emergency Services

Written Communication

An important aspect of EMScommunications.

A prehospital care report (PCR) is a written record of an EMSresponse.

PCR is a legal

document, admissible

in court.

The EMS Response (1 of 2)

Detection and citizen access Call-taking & emergency

response Pre-arrival instructions Call coordination and incident

recording

The EMS Response (2 of 2)

Discussion with medical direction physician

Transfer communications Back in service, ready for

next call

Detection &

Citizen Respons

e

Call-taking & Emergency Response

Pre-arrival Instructions

Call Coordination & Incident Recording

Discussion with Medical Direction

Physician

Reporting Procedures

One of your most important skills will be gathering essential patient information, organizing it, and relaying it to the medical direction physician.

Standard Reporting Format

(1 of 2)

Identification of unit and provider Description of scene Patient’s age, sex, and

approximate weight Patient’s chief complaint Brief pertinent history (OPQRST)

Standard Reporting Format

(2 of 2)

Pertinent past medical history(SAMPLE)

Pertinent physical exam findings Treatment given so far/

request for orders Estimated time of arrival

to the hospital Other pertinent information

Being concise,

descriptive, and

thorough are

hallmarks of a

professional.

Elements of Medical Patient Report

Paramedic identification Patient identification Subjective data Objective data Plan

Elements of Trauma Patient Report

Paramedic identification Patient identification Mechanism of injury Injuries Plan

Summary

Role and Importance ofCommunications

Phases of Communications Data Collection Technology and Information

Exchange Components of an EMS

Communications System