Communication(s)

Question 1

Base Station

Answer 1

Any radio hardware that contains a transmitter and receiver in a fixed location.

Can communicate over the greatest distances and has the highest transmitting power (>100 watts).

i.e. — Fire stations, Dispatches, Ambulances

Question 2

Dedicated Line

(Hotline)

Answer 2

A telephone line that is immediately “on call” with the receiver upon pickup.

Cannot be accessed by outside users.

Question 3

Mobile Radios

Answer 3

Usually installed in ambulances, Mobile Radios operate at a lower power than a Base Station and are limited to 10-15 miles depending on terrain.

There are two main frequencies:

— VHF (Very High Frequency): operates at 100 watts of power
— UHF (Ultra High Frequency): operates at approx. 40 watts

Question 4

Portable Radios

Answer 4

Handheld radio communication devices that operate on 1-5 watts of power.

Question 5

Repeater

Answer 5

A special Base Station that receives radio communications on one frequency and automatically retransmits them onto a new secondary frequency.

Expands the distance that Mobile/Portable Radios can communicate and operate on.

Question 6

Telemetry

Answer 6

Converts electronic signals into coded audible signals, which are then transmitted to a receiver/decoder at a hospital via telephone or radio.

Question 7

Scanner

Answer 7

A radio receiver that searches across multiple frequencies until a desired communication or message is completed.

Question 8

Simplex

Answer 8

A device that operates off a “push-to-talk” and “release-to-listen” mechanism.

Cannot simultaneously transmit and listen.

Question 9

Duplex

Answer 9

A radio communication device that which allows for simultaneous transmitting and receiving.

Question 10

Federal Communications Commission

(FCC)

Answer 10

Federal commission which regulates interstate and international communications through cable, radio, television, satellite and wire.

Question 11

Patient Report

(En Route)

Answer 11

Minimum Requirements Include:

— Identify Yourself
— Age / Sex
— Chief Complaint
— Findings at Scene
— Physical findings
— Care / Treatments given
— Code of Transport
— ETA (Estimated Time upon Arrival)

Question 12

Patient Report

(At Hospital)

Answer 12

Minimum Requirements Include:

— Name of Patient
— Age / Sex
— Chief Complaint
— History of Patient / Situation
— Treatments given
— Response to Treatments
— Vital Signs
— Medical Information

NOTE:
Always ask the hospital providers if they require any additional information.

Question 13

Prehospital Care Report

(NARSIS)

Answer 13

Primarily used for:

— Continuity of Care
— Legal Documentation / Protection
— Quality Assurance / Improvement
— Education / Administrative purposes