Chapter 5, Communications

Upon completion of this chapter and related course assignments, students will be able to identify the role and significance of effective communication by the paramedic. Students should be able to describe the phases of communication during an EMS event, including those performed by the emergency communications dispatcher. They should be familiar with the integral role of the emergency dispatcher as part of the EMS team. Students should be familiar with standard interview techniques, and common errors to avoid, as well as nonverbal skills that may be employed during a patient interview. They will understand methods and strategies employed to assess a patient’s mental status, develop patient rapport, and interview patients of various ages, cultures, disabilities, mental statuses, and levels of cooperation. Students should be able to identify patient and assessment information that is essential for verbal reporting to medical direction and receiving facilities. They should be able to identify electronic technology that may be used to collect and exchange both patient and/or scene information.