Communication Skills

Communication – What is it? The imparting of exchanging of information by speaking, writing or using some other medium. (Oxford, 2016) 1. The act of transmitting 2. A giving or exchanging of information, signals, or messages as by talk, gestures, or writing - The information, signals, or message 3. Close, sympathetic relationship 4. A means of communicating; specif., - A system for sending and receiving messages, as by telephone, telegraph, radio, etc. - A system as of routes for moving troops and materiel - A passage or way for getting from one place to another 5. The art of expressing ideas, esp. in speech and writing - The science of transmitting information, esp. in symbols (Webster’s New World Dictionary, 2010)

Methods of Communication Face to face talking Sign language Phone call Text message Braille Online text chat Online video calling Letter Email Fax News paper Television Advertising Morse code Radio

Types of Communication (Businesscom, 2013)

Why Communicate? To give and receive information To give and receive instructions To express needs To share ideas Develop learning Establish and maintain relationships with others Negotiate Discuss a situation To make a point or outline a concern To understand and be understood To work collectively as a team to complete a task (Essay 911, 2001)

The benefits of communication Effective communication can: Inspire people around you, for good or bad. www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9fEM-MfSiU Defuse an escalating situation. Reassure someone in distress. Be the backbone of teamwork.

Is communication relevant for Paramedics? Absolutely! In fact you could argue it is of equal importance to clinical competence. Top notch communication skills account for 4 of the 6 C’s we hold so highly. -Care -Compassion -Courage -Communication It is of vital importance that Paramedics have great communication skills. We work within dynamic situations, often with complete strangers using our training and knowledge to communicate effectively is essential for the patients care and to build trust. Situations we often find ourselves in require intelligent communication skills in order to keep yourself safe and diffuse any tension.

What do we use communication for? Inform - Give patients understandable information about there condition Persuade - Occasionally we need to use information and knowledge to persuade a patient to seek further treatment Routine As part of habit and to be social and polite. Key attributes to winning the trust of the patient

Key points to consider. Polite & Professional Remain Calm Honesty & Consideration Be confident & in control Be truthful & Respectful

It’s not all about the words. (Mehrabian, 1969)

References Businesscom (2013) Media (channels) of communication | types of media communication. Available at: http://thebusinesscommunication.com/types-of-media-communication/ (Accessed: 27 July 2016). Essay 911 (2001) Different reasons why people communicate. Available at: http://all- essays.com/miscellaneous/141-different-reasons-why-people-communicate.html (Accessed: 27 July 2016). Mehrabian. A, (1969), Significance of posture and position in the communication of attitude and status relationships, Psychological Bulletin, Vol. 71 (5) P. 359-372 Oxford (2016) ‘Communication’, in Oxford Dictionary. Available at: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/communication (Accessed: 27 July 2016). Webster’s New World Collage Dictionary (2010) 5th edn. Cleveland, Ohio: Wiley Publishing.