Communication - Centegra Health System

Most patients are more than willing to talk to you and answer your questions. It is important to uselanguage they will understand. Avoid the use of complicated and technical medical terms. Points toremember are:Only ask one question at a timeAvoid using leading or biased questionsDo not interrupt the patient as they are talkingRemain impartial and non-judgmentalDo not provide false assuranceCommunicating with Medical ControlYou are the eyes of medical control out in the field. It is only by your report that they will have a clearpicture of the patient’s condition. Therefore it is important that your radio report be organized, conciseand pertinent. By always following the same format it decreases the likelihood of leaving out somethingimportant. Radio reports should follow the following format:Identification: Hospital being contacted; EMS provider agency and unit #Age, genderLevel of consciousness and orientationChief complaint, nature of call and prehospital impression including perceived acuity/severity.Chief complaint (OPQRST); life-threats; degree of distressAssociated complaintsPertinent negatives/denialsHistoryAllergiesMedications (current); compliance; time and amount of last dose if applicablePertinent past medical historyLast oral intake; last menstrual cycle is indicated.Events leading up to present illness or injury: mechanism of injury for injury; pertinent sceneinformation; environmental factors; social situation.Assessment FindingsPhysical exam including pertinent positive and negative findingsVital SignsSkin color, temperature and moisturePulse oximetry readingCapnography reading and waveform if indicated and availableECG interpretation;Blood glucoseGCSTreatments initiated prior to hospital contact and patient response to treatmentDestination Hospital and ETA