CHAPTER 14
Communications
Communications Systems
and Components
Communication
Components
Understanding the elements
of communication can
make you a more effective
EMS Provider.
Base station:
A radio at a stationary site
with superior transmission
and reception capabilities.
May be at a hospital, mountain
top, dispatch center or other
public safety agency.
Base Station Dispatch Center
PSAP:
Public safety answering point.
Typically a 9-1-1 call-receiving
center for a region or jurisdiction.
Two-way Transceiver - Mobile
Two-way
Transceiver Portable
Repeater:
A remote receiver that receives a
transmission from a low-power
portable or mobile radio on one
frequency, and then transmits the
signal at a higher power (often on
another frequency).
Typical Repeater System
Repeater
Portable
Hospital
Transmitter
Dispatcher
EMS Unit
Radio Frequencies

Very High Frequency (VHF)
 Low band
 High band

Ultra High Frequency (UHF)
 Used primarily for telemetry
Telephones and
cellular phones
provide an excellent
alternative
to radio
communication.
Radio channels are regulated by
the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC)...
…who routinely monitors radio
transmissions to ensure that
proper guidelines are met.
System
Maintenance
Proper maintenance, regular
inspection and testing of
communications equipment
cannot be overemphasized!
Procedures for Radio
Communications
Communication
Principles
Know local radio communications
procedures.
Radio Communications Principles

Select proper channel and adjust volume

Ensure frequency is clear before
transmitting

Wait 1 second before speaking

Speak with lips 5 to 7 cm from microphone

Address unit being called, then give name
and number of unit calling
Communications Principles
continued

Unit being called will acknowledge
transmission, usually with “Go ahead.”

Speak clearly and slowly

Keep transmissions brief

Use clear everyday language (not codes)

Avoid meaningless phrases
(e.g., “Be advised”)
Communications Principles
continued

Courtesy is always assumed

When giving a number that can be
confusing, give the individual digits

Do not use the patient’s name on the radio

Be impartial and objective with reports

Use “affirmative” and “negative” instead of
“yes” and “no” (which are difficult to hear)
Communications Principles
continued

Confirm that the information was received
and understood

Do not offer a diagnosis of the patient
(report objective findings and treatment)

EMS channels should be used for EMS
communications only

Radio communications should be recorded
by public safety agency or receiving
hospital
Communication
with Dispatch
An emergency medical dispatch (EMD)
system provides callers with pre-arrival
instructions.
Notify dispatcher when:

Receiving call

Responding to call

Arriving at scene

Arriving at patient’s side

Leaving scene

Arriving at hospital or facility

Leaving hospital or facility

Arriving at station
Communication with
Medical Direction
Communication
with the hospital
must be concise,
accurate,
organized
and pertinent.
Standard Reporting Format

Patient’s age and gender

Chief complaint

History of present illness

Pertinent past medical history

Mental status

Assessment findings
Standard Reporting Format
continued

Vital signs

Treatment provided

Patient’s response to treatment

Estimated time from scene to hospital

Opportunity for questions from
receiving facility
Verbal
Communication
Give a complete report to the
hospital staff.
Hospital Staff Report

Summary of information given over
the radio

Chief complaint

Any history not given

Additional treatment

Additional vital signs taken en route

Any additional pertinent information not
given over the radio
Interpersonal
Communication
General Principles
To be effective,
EMS personnel
need to
understand the
fundamentals of
interpersonal
communications.
Effective Communication Tips

Verbalize your support

Be a good listener

Offer a reassuring touch

Be respectful

Separate personal bias

Be silent when appropriate
Special
Populations
Special Populations

Elderly persons

Infants and children

People who speak a foreign
language

Patients with certain physical
disabilities
Speak to
children in a
calm,
reassuring
manner.
Communicating with the Elderly

Treat elderly patients with respect

Assess their ability to hear when
introducing yourself
(don’t assume they can’t hear you)

Consider your rate of speech and slow
down if necessary

Elderly patients may have a visual deficit

Use simple terms
SUMMARY

Communications Systems and
Components

Procedures for Radio
Communications

Interpersonal Communication