1. Communications

2. Topics Role and Importance of Communications Phases of Communications
Data Collection
Technology and Information Exchange
Components of an EMS Communications System

3. Introduction
Knowledge of communications plays an important role in your paramedic training.
All aspects of prehospital care require effective, efficient communications.
Communication is the key link in the chain that results in the best possible patient outcome.

4. Communication
The process of exchanging information between individuals

5. 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.

6. Example of an EMS System Using Repeaters

7. Verbal Communication
Factors that enhance or impede effective communication may be either
SEMANTIC (the meaning of words) or
TECHNICAL (communications hardware)

8. Your communication network must consist of reliable equipment designed to afford clear communication among all agencies within the system.

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

10. Common Radio Terms Used in Emergency Services

11. Written Communication
An important aspect of EMS communications.
A prehospital care report (PCR) is a written record of an EMS response.

12. PCR is a legal document, admissible in court.

13. The EMS Response (1 of 2) Detection and citizen access
Call-taking & emergency response
Pre-arrival instructions
Call coordination and incident recording

14. The EMS Response (2 of 2) Discussion with medical direction physician
Transfer communications
Back in service, ready for next call

15. Detection & Citizen Response

16. Call-taking & Emergency Response

17. Pre-arrival Instructions

18. Call Coordination & Incident Recording

19. Discussion with Medical Direction Physician

20. Communication Technology
EMS systems use all of today’s various communication technologies.
These include traditional forms of radio communication as well as innovations in radio technology and other media.

21. A Basic Communications System Using Simplex Transmissions

22. Duplex transmissions allow simultaneous two-way communications.

23. Multiplex systems can transmit voice and data at the same time.

24. Cellular Phone

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

26. 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)

27. 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

28. Being concise, descriptive, and thorough are hallmarks of a professional.

29. Elements of Medical Patient Report
Paramedic identification
Patient identification
Subjective data
Objective data
Plan

30. Elements of Trauma Patient Report
Paramedic identification
Patient identification
Mechanism of injury
Injuries
Plan

31. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The agency that controls all nongovernmental communications in the United States

32. The FCC: Licenses and allocates radio frequencies.
Establishes technical standards.
Monitors frequencies to assure appropriate usage.
Spot checks base stations and dispatch centers for appropriate licenses and records.

33. Summary Role and Importance of Communications Phases of Communications
Data Collection
Technology and Information Exchange
Components of an EMS Communications System