Radio Terms
The transmission of information via radio waves using native digital (computer) data or analog (voice) signals that have been converted to a digital signal and compressed.
Digital Radio
Duplex
Linked dispatch center computer consoles and vehicle-mounted mobile data terminals in which a computer collects and manages the call information and makes recommendations for which emergency medical services unit is closest based on existing dispatch policy.
Computer-aided dispatch (CAD)
Radio frequencies between 300-3000 MHz
UHF
Anything that dampens or obscures the true meaning of a message.
Noise
Computerized sharing of radio frequencies by multiple units, agencies, or systems.
Trunked Radios
The federal agency that has jurisdiction over interstate and international telephone and telegraph services and satellite communications, all which may involve EMS activity.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
A special telephone line that is used for specific point-to-point communications; also known as a hotline.
Dedicated line
Radio frequencies between 30-300 MHz; further divided into high and low bands
VHF
The ability to understand and manage your own emotions and properly respond to other's emotions
Emotional Intelligence
A handheld two-way radio with a limited range and low power (1-5 watts.)
Portable Radio
A special radio station radio that receives messages and signals on one frequency and then automatically retransmits them on a second frequency.
Repeater
An emergency communications system that collects information about 911 calls from the telephone network, such as the telephone number and location of the caller, and displays this information on the dispatcher's computer terminal.
Enhanced 911
An assigned frequency or frequencies that are used to carry voice and/or data communications.
Channel
A message that has been put into a code before it is transmitted.
Encoded
A radio that is mounted inside a vehicle and used to communicate with dispatch or medical control; it operates at a lower power than a base station (20-50 watts) and is assigned to a specific radio frequency band.
Mobile Radio
Simultaneous transmission of multiple data streams, most often voice and electrocardiographic signals, in either or both directions over the same frequency.
Multiplex
A small computer terminal inside an ambulance that directly receives data from the dispatch center.
Mobile data terminal (MDT)
The use of a radio signal and a voice or digital message that is transmitted to pagers ("beepers") or desktop monitor radios.
Paging
Questions that can be answered in short or single-word responses
Closed-ended questions
Any radio hardware containing a transmitter and receiver that is located in a fixed place
Base Station
The number of cycles (oscillations) per second of a radio signal.
Frequency
Scanner
Communications system linked by wires, usually in reference to a conventional telephone.
Landline
Questions for which the patient must provide detail to give an answer.
Open-ended questions