Course Library

EMS Communication Systems

EMS Communication System

1. System Components
   1. Base station
   2. Mobile radios (transmitter/receivers)
      1. Vehicular mounted device
      2. Mobile transmitters usually transmit at lower power than base stations (typically 20-50 watts)
      3. Typical transmission range is 10-15 miles over average terrain
   3. Portable radios (transmitter/receivers)
      1. Handheld device
      2. Typically have power output of 1-5 watts, limiting their range
   4. Repeater/base station
   5. Digital radio equipment
   6. Cellular telephones
2. Radio Communications
   1. Radio frequencies
   2. Response to the scene
      1. The dispatcher needs to be notified that the call was received
      2. Dispatch needs to know that the unit is en route
   3. Arrival at the scene – dispatcher must be notified
   4. Depart the scene
      1. Dispatcher must be notified
      2. Prolonged on scene times with absence of communications
   5. Arrival at the receiving facility or rendezvous point -- dispatcher must be notified
   6. Arrival for service after patient transfer -- dispatcher must be notified
3. Communicating with other health care professionals
   1. Communication With Medical Control
      1. Medical control is at the receiving facility. Medical control is at a separate site
      2. Paramedics may need to contact medical control for consultation and to get orders for administration of medications
      3. Paramedics must be accurate
      4. After receiving an order for a medication or procedure—repeat the order back word for word
      5. Orders that are unclear or appear to be inappropriate should be questioned or clarified for the paramedic
   2. Communication With Receiving Facilities
      1. Patient reporting concepts
      2. Arrival at the hospital
      3. Leaving the hospital for the station
   3. System Maintenance
      1. Radio checks
      2. Planning for failures
   4. Phone/Wireless Communications
4. Team communication and dynamics
   1. Source
      1. Medium
      2. Common symbols
      3. Clear format
         1. Written
         2. Verbal
         3. Other symbols
   2. Encoding
   3. Message
   4. Decoding
   5. Receiver
   6. Feedback

Content Creator: Chris Hunt

CAPCE Course Number: 17-EMTP-F3-4305

Total CE Hours: 1.75

Level: Basic

EMT-CE uses the NEMSES guidelines as the foundation for every course outline.